Trainee Teachers are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural and social activities here in our Institute, in the historical downtown area, around the city of Guadalajara and even in their "own home" (homestay program).
Language and cultural exchange group at ITTO.
For those interested in practicing their Spanish, a language and cultural exchange group has also been formed. It is made up of trainee-teachers, and students studying English or Spanish. Students take turns practicing language and sharing about their culture. With over 2000 Mexican learners of English as a foreign language, you are sure to obtain a real cultural and linguistic interchange. This activity takes place at the main building of the EFL school.
Focused conversations:
If you wish to Teach in Mexico, we higly recommend you gain a deeper insight of Mexican culture. You are cordially invited to our lectures where related discussions follow. With the use of movies, CD ROMS, slide shows, etc; among others, some of the following topics are practiced daily at 3:00 pm, NO extra charge: (please Click Here to see the complete description of each Topic). On your first day of class, you should speak to our Students Service Coordinator, in order to arrange your teaching practices schedule, so that they will not conflict with this activity.
1.- History and Culture of Guadalajara and Guadalajara Now.
2.- Conocer Mexico.
3.- History and Culture of Mexico.
4.- Quinceañera: Princesa por un día.
5.- ¡Fiestas Mexicanas! Mexican Holidays.
6.- La Ley de Herodes.
7.- Los Aztecas.
8.- Let´s visit Mexico.
9.- Celebrating the Day of the Dead, among many others.
City tours
Some exciting activities during the summer months are the walking and bus tours. These are open to all people, so our students join with other vacationers. The tour visits many places and sites of interests around the city. Since Guadalajara sports a wealth of beautiful architecture and historical buildings, these tours are very worthwhile. Most of the sites visited are located in the downtown area, as are we. There are also tours to other parts of the city and some little known, but very important sites. The tour guide informs the participants about the significance and cultural points of the different sites. The great thing about these tours is that they are completely FREE. They are conducted on various days of the week. There are both morning and afternoon tours as well. During the summer months, we update our students on the different tour options so that they can take advantage of them.
Mexican cooking (homestay program):
We encourage our families to have the students learn to prepare a traditional Mexican meal for lunch while in their home on Mondays. We know of NO OTHER program that promotes this. Once you choose the dish you want to make from our Mexican recipe guide, your host family will provide you with the ingredients, support, encouragement and warmth to help you make a traditional feast.
Salsa lessons (free of charge)
Salsa is a street version of Mambo. Salsa reflects the joy and abandon of the tropical days. Major reasons why this social activity is so popular among our students are:
Mingling of ITTO Trainee-Teachers, local English as a foreign language and foreign students learning Spanish.
The way this activity combines flexibility with progression.
Since all skill levels run in parallel during the class, you do not have to attend consecutive lessons. Practice the Spanish language and join in the fun every Friday at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.
Karaoke club (free of charge)
Meet local students as you gather at the main building of the EFL school auditorium for an evening where you will enjoy singing, practicing language or merely chatting along the tunes of Cielito Lindo, Besame Mucho, Guadalajara and many of those memorable songs that have made Guadalajaran (Tapatío) singers and authors representative legends of the most traditional Mexican folk songs. Of course, if you wish to be trendy, modern Mexican and English songs are also available.
This event is conducted by a professional music instructor. Every Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.
Ceramic crafts
Would you be interested in learning the craft of Ceramics during your stay in Guadalajara? We would like to let you know about another one of our extra curricular activities that may be of interest to you. We work with a local Ceramic school that can teach you and give you pointers on how to create your own works of art in ceramic. The lessons are provided FREE of charge, students only need to buy all the necesary materials. Classes are held in the afternoons. You may attend as long as you wish during the class hours. Do not let this opportunity to learn this art pass you by, contact us for more information about this class.
Guitar lessons (free of charge)
At ITTO, we offer our students free guitar lessons. These lessons are conducted at our facilities in the evenings on Saturday. Students must either bring their own guitar or rent one in the city. Lessons will consist of many of the most traditional Mexican ballads and songs.
