Instituto de Comunicación y Cultura Oaxaca – (Oaxaca de Juárez)

(5/5) I had the wonderful opportunity to spend nearly a month in Oaxaca studying Spanish at the ICC with Yolanda Garcia Caballero, the woman who founded and runs the institute. I had requested to live with a local family (in order to put pressure on myself to speak exclusively in Spanish), and the ICC matched me perfectly with a couple my age with whom I became very close. I attended class five days a week, and one of those days was always spent taking an interesting excursion somewhere in the greater Oaxaca area; for example: a local Festival in a nearby pueblo, or an excursion to an art opening (where I met the Governor of the State of Oaxaca! It should be noted that Yolanda is very well known - and knows everyone - in the area, which can come in very handy!). I really enjoyed my classes, both for the excellent instruction in Spanish and also for the knowledge the staff shared with regards to local culture. One of the strong points of the ICC is that you feel like you're getting BOTH an academic approach AND a more informal, useful, colloquial approach (meaning the language, and phrases, that people actually speak!) to the Spanish language. After spending a month in Oaxaca, I planned a trip to Spain, and, although there is a difference in accent and pronunciation to some degree, I can honestly say that my experience at the ICC in Oaxaca prepared me beautifully for that experience. I would highly recommend people of all ages to take advantage of this effective and well run institution.

(5/5) The ICC is an indispensable resource for those learning Spanish in Oaxaca. I spent two months working with Yolanda Garcia Caballero, and my Spanish can now be considered fluent. In addition to regular classes three days a week, I worked extensively with the closely related English language newspaper, the Oaxaca Times. Both institutions are fantastic resources for expats in Oaxaca. The ICC's language classes are personal, catered to your individual level, and most of all, fun! Yolanda is eager to delve headfirst into Oaxaca's culture, and readily takes her students on excursions throughout the city and region.The Oaxaca Times is also an amazing resource for those new and familiar with Oaxaca. The newspaper is well organized and attractive, and is always informative of all the cultural ongoings in Oaxaca. It's a great opportunity for both budding and experienced journalists.I would HIGHLY recommend the ICC to anyone looking for a real cultural immersion experience in Oaxaca. A+

(5/5) I absolutely recommend studying here!! I loved that the school not only teaches you Spanish, but educates you on the awesome culture that Oaxaca has to offer. I felt so welcome, comfortable, and extremely safe at the school as well as in and around Oaxaca. The teachers in the school are kind and patient, I really appreciated that! I learned so much overall, I want to go back already! I have told all my friends and family about my truly amazing experience at this school and in Oaxaca. One tip to other students I have is to add in extra time to your stay to be able to go to visit all the amazing places Oaxaca has! There are so many places to go and see, the incredible AND knowledgeable staff did an excellent job showing me all the sites…or as much as I could see in my short stay. I am ready to go back and learn more!!

(5/5) ICC taught me so much while I was Oaxaca! Not only did I get a better grasp on Spanish but my teacher encouraged my interest in the arts and culture of the region by suggesting and organizing experiences for me outside of the classroom. The head of the school is more than a Spanish teacher; she's a cultural ambassador. The building itself is beautiful and centrally located. Highly recommend it.

(5/5) I learned Spanish through the ICC Oaxaca, while working with the Oaxaca Times. The school gave me the tools I needed to live in Mexico and later Argentina. I travelled through South America based on the invaluable knowledge I gained at the ICC. Not only do the instructors teach you about language, but about culture, food, arts and the communities. I learned quite a bit in the cooking classes. I still know how to make green/red salsa and guacamole in the Oaxacan manner. And stuffed peppers, frijoles, pozole, carnitas ... Oh man, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all.I would highly recommend studying in Oaxaca. If you are looking for a full cultural experience, the ICC is for you.