Oaxaca International Spanish Language School

Experiencia fantástica: I spent a week in Oaxaca with six women from a Spanish study group here at home. We were interested in spending time in the city, and ultimately chose Oaxaca because the Oaxaca International Spanish Language School had been well recommended. It did not disappoint! We all chose the small group format, with two hours of grammar and two hours of conversation. The teachers among us were excellent, kind, good-humored, including Luis Toledo, one of my group’s instructors. I’m now taking a weekly online class with him. The curriculum of the school is well organized by level, and the school’s director, Ileana, is terrific. We were offered information and excursions about cultural activities in and outside the city - theater, a visit to a Zapotec town. (Watch Season 3, Episode 1 of Eugene Levy, The Reluctant Traveler.) Some of us took a cooking class with Cencalli Oaxaca Cultural. We had a great week, learned so much from immersive schooling; and we’ve begun to talk about returning next year for longer than a week.

Experiencia fantástica: We spent three weeks in February studying at Oaxaca International and had a great experience. In fact, this was our third time there. Each time we’ve had excellent teachers, especially Isabel, Toledo, and Judith. We’ve enjoyed the small class sizes (2-4) and have definitely improved our Spanish. The director, Ileana, is always available to help with any questions or concerns. We highly recommend it.

Experiencia fantástica: I've wanted to write this review since returning home from Oaxaca International School and am so happy that I chose them for my 2 weeks of classes. The entire staff and the facility were amazing and I feel so happy that I found them. My homestay family were lovely and I really enjoyed meeting students from all over the world while enjoying Oaxaca. Ileana did a great job of placing me in the correct class and the school is a beautiful place to learn. All of the teachers were phenomenal and the cultural activities were also a lovely touch. One week, we went to a textile production facility and the second week we had tamales and a guitar player come for a concert. I can't recommend them enough and am already planning my trip back next year.

Experiencia fantástica: Had a great two week experience as a total beginner! Had an the best time, learned so much from my amazing teachers.

Experiencia fantástica: A lovely school to learn Spanish and find community in Oaxaca. I took 3 hours of classes daily and usually had 1-2 more students in my classes (sometimes they ended up being 1:1 classes), during the 5 weeks of classes I took here. Highly recommend this school and its lovely teachers and staff.

Experiencia fantástica: The teachers are all absolutely fabulous. Kind, patient and great fun. So grateful to our homestay family also- they always made us feel welcome and cared for - and cheered us on as our Spanish improved.

Experiencia fantástica: I just took private classes at Oaxaca International for 2 weeks. My classes with Toledo and Sayuki were really fantastic - both of them were very intentional in asking what I wanted to work on during our classes, and they adapted their teaching styles and materials accordingly. They were also very patient in allowing me to work my way through challenging sentences, and I never felt rushed or that they just wanted to finish sentences for me so that we could move on. Toledo especially made classes really engaging and educational by focusing our discussions around current and complex cultural topics that I was not even aware of before my visit but that made the whole experience much deeper and more impactful. I highly recommend classes with Toledo and Sayuki!

Experiencia fantástica: Spent a week here with my teacher Luis in a group class. Some time is spent on grammar, some times for discussion. Great teacher and patient, fun, and learnt a lot! My homestay was also great- the food was amazing and authentic. Lots of events during day of the dead week also- nice community feel to the school. Would highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: I had a great 3 week experience at Oaxaca International. I have attended other immersion schools in Mexico, but in my opinion, this particular school has the most qualified teachers. I took 4 hours of classes daily including gramma, conversation and a private lesson. I was happy with all my teaches, each bringing a distinct teaching style and personality. Special thanks to maestro Toledo, an engaging communicator who introduced grammar topics with clarity and ease. Jesus is is also exceptional - patient, intuitive, and thoroughly professional. A major strength of the program is its organization, thanks to the director Ileana Jimenez. She also coordinates a variety of cultural activities for the students. I feel that now I have deeper understanding and appreciation of Oaxacan traditions,, history and daily life. Accommodations vary. If choose a homestay, I recommend making sure it is not too far both from the school and the centro, since walking is the main mode of transportation.The school is in the south of the city, and close to Mercado de la Merced. All places of interest typical for a visitor are located farther north. Overall, i highly recommend Oaxaca International for anyone looking for a well-organized, culturally rich, and genuinely supportive Spanish learning experience in Mexico.

Experiencia fantástica: I loved my experience at Oaxaca International. It’s well located close to el centro, the Zócala, the theatre and numerous shops, art studios and restaurants. The director, Ileana, is organized and responds quickly to questions. Ileana arranged a great home stay for me when other schools said there were no openings. Ileana’s husband, Agosto, is fun and a good part of the team that develops a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the students and staff. Some of the activities included a guitar player singing after we had learned some lyrics and gritas (yells) relevant to Oaxaca; intermittent local foods through the week, a couple of fun parties that included riddle games led by the instructors, and a tour to a textile artisan’s shop to watch the process of creating natural dyes and the process of making the beautiful textiles/rugs. Most importantly the teaching was excellent. There were students doing private and group classes and they all loved their instructors. Each day, you have two hours of grammar class followed by a 10 minute break and then an hour or two of conversation depending on whether you sign up for 3 or 4 hours each day. I’d recommend 4 hours if you are wanting to socialize with other students since many head off together for lunch or an activity after their 4 hours are done at 1pm. I had Edgar, Isabel, Jesús, Luís and Sayuki as instructors and they were all fun and great educators helping me advance more than I anticipated. A level appropriate textbook is provided along with supplemental worksheets through the week. I had bookmarked an AirBnB before my arrival in Oaxaca in case my home stay wasn’t as comfortable as I would like but that was definitely not an issue. I had a great breakfast provided each day and friendly hosts, Leticia and Miguel (and their co-worker Margarita), who joined the students for breakfast and conversation each day and included us in many of their family activities. I would recommend only doing the breakfast and not “comida/lunch” so you can participate in the many food choices throughout Oaxaca and can join other students if you like since most finish at the same time and are ready for a bite. There were students with home stays in various places. I was about as far as the home stays are located but I loved the area (south of the school) and it was still only a 20 minute walk to the school. Some students were just around the corner from the school and a couple elected to change home stays during their visit and it was never a problem. Though I was a little further, the gym nearby was nice and inexpensive and there was an exercise group in the park nearby that I joined early each morning. Wherever your home stay is located, you really can’t go wrong. I’ve done schools in other parts of Mexico, Guatemala and Spain, and this one had the best group of instructors and the best atmosphere. Prices were exactly as quoted on their web site. They prefer cash for school and home stays so, if you are converting in your home country, you might bring enough to cover those costs. They are not pushy about collecting and you can pay by the week if you aren't sure about your length of study.

Experiencia fantástica: This is a wonderful Spanish immersion school. I attended for 3 weeks in person, and 2 weeks remotely online. The school features group lessons and private instruction and was very accommodating with any changes I made in timing and class type. The school also shares local cultural events, which are lovely. I’ve attended other language schools in Mexico and see benefits in all of them. But this is the best school I’ve attended so far. The teachers are good, and there’s a curriculum based on your level. The space is beautiful, clean and uplifted. The whole experience is a cut above the other schools I’ve attended. I highly recommend this school and the teaching team.

Experiencia fantástica: I spent one month in Oaxaca learning spanish here. If you are like me, you are a serious learner looking for a serious school to genuinely learn and become fluent. I chose this school over "spanish immersion school", which offers private lessons, because it was about 1000$ cheaper. I do feel like the group lessons were of sufficient quality, and compared to my friends who spent their time in private lessons at this same school, I do not think there was a large difference in ability at the end of several weeks. However, I did not actually meet anyone during my time here who had attended another school here. Before my arrival, linguistally I was about an A2. Meaning I knew my alphabet, how to ask for things, conjugations in present tense, and a decent vocabulary. Having spent a month, about 85 hours in lessons from 9-1/2pm everyday, I believe I can say I am a beginning B1/strong A2. This is not a fast process. If you are looking to speak well, then you cannot only offer yourself a week. Now, I can use imperfect/perfect past, conditional, usage of direct/indirect objects, simple future, and ante-present/past. The teachers are very kind, patient, and you change teachers weekly. In my 4 weeks I still did not meet every teacher. Ileana and her husband Cesar run the school, and are very thoughtful and kind. You are placed beginning- intermediate - high intermediate. I do believe there were some advanced students, but I did not meet them. You will spent 2 hours in the morning learning and practicing grammar, and 2 hours in the afternoon practicing conversation. This is a free flowing time with your classmates to converse using material you just learned, ask questions, etc. There is a good mix of ages that attend, and for the most part, everyone attends from 1 week- 2+ months. Oaxaca is a beautiful city, and I highly recommend planning your trip alongside muertos. Homestay: I stayed in homestay very close to centro. I asked to be close to center, close to a yoga studio, and no cats (allergic). It was fulfilled entirely. Mrs. Claudia Farret and her family were so kind to me, she made excellent food everyday, and I feel lucky to have had them and been able to spend time/converse with them. In my time, I did not hear any complaints about any of the homestays, although some students did have to walk 25/30m to school. Overall, I would absolutely recommend, and am grateful for this opportunity to learn. I hope you enjoy it too. Suggestions for the school: -I do think it is weird that future tense is only in the first book! Many of us started on the second book and only realized much later on... we haven't learned future tense! I would make sure this is taught to everyone in the second book too. -The bathrooms do not have trash cans available for women's menstrual products! Luckily I did not have an issue, but you would have to make an awkward walk to the center trashcans

Experiencia fantástica: I had an absolutely wonderful experience at this school for my 4 weeks of classes. When I arrived I could say only short and simple sentences and had difficulty understanding the language. Now, my Mexican partner and his family have all commented on how quickly I’ve improved and I can have conversations. The teachers at the school are absolutely wonderful. Your day will be split into grammar and conversation classes with a break in between. There is a workbook of grammar that you make your way through which is a very useful foundational text. More than just the fun and well taught classes, the school is wonderful at building a community. I stayed for Día de Muertos and with the school there were 4 or 5 events that week including putting together an ofrenda, visiting the market, visiting a cemetery, and cultural events. My partner who was already fluent in Spanish was welcome at all of these. This school was the best choice I made for how to spend my time in Oaxaca as the teachers are all locals and give you great recommendations. We had rich conversations about what life in Oaxaca was like too. Truly I couldn’t recommend the experience more.

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent experience with wonderful teachers - highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: I had an amazing 5 weeks at this school and feel very fortunate to have found it. I arrived barely able to speak and left feeling confident to speak to anyone about just about anything. And the best part was that it was a lovely experience in the process. The director and her husband are amazing. They are attentive to every detail. I learned French a few years ago in a few different schools. None were as organized, well-structured, nor had as good of an “energy” as this one. The professors at Oaxaca International are highly skilled and very professional. And they definitely know how to enjoy lots of good laughs in the process! Something very important to relax the brain and allow you to learn. Besides 3 hours of classes in the mornings, I also took full advantage of the weekly free cultural experiences the school provided. They are connected with the most talented artisans and musicians in the City. What a gift it was. Because I like to do some of my own cooking, the school connected me with a very affordable apartment just 2 minutes walk from the school. It was part of a complex owned by one family. Every morning, as I walked through the interior courtyard of the complex, I was greeted by multiple family members and chatted a bit, in Spanish of course. It was absolutely lovely. In short, I can’t recommend this school enough.

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent “speech therapy” with attentive personalized feedback. I was stuck in intermediate level for twenty years with bad habits in speaking Spanish. After a month of immersion in grammar and conversation every morning plus a welcoming homestay with our anfitriones Gustavo & Patricia, my Spanish is much better AND I know what to focus on next. Plus the weekly cultural activities also help you connect with the artisans that shape the culture in Oaxaca. Our homestay was a mile daily walk south of school, which I recommend for those who are able, as a way to see the city beyond its center.

Experiencia fantástica: We attended Oaxaca Internacional for 2 weeks last year and returned for two weeks this year. I have attended several language schools, all good, but Oaxaca Internacional is the best. The teachers are highly qualified and personable; class sizes are small; the school is very comfortable and located in an interesting neighborhood. I appreciated the option of a homestay. My Oaxacan hosts treated me like family (in the best way )

Experiencia fantástica: We had an amazing month at this school! Our teachers (Maestra Jesse, Maestra Sayuki, Maestro Luis & Maestro Edgar) were all excellent - we alternated between 2 hours of grammar in small groups (usually just 1-2 students with 1 teacher) with the different teachers, then 2 hours of conversation. I was in the beginning level & my husband was in the intermediate level. We both learned so much! The teachers were top-notch (plus a lot of fun!) and taught us about Oaxacan and Mexican culture and history as well as the Spanish language. They are each different, but quite engaging. La Directora Ileana and her husband Agosto were also extremely helpful - arranging weekly fieldtrips to neighboring towns to witness various artisans at work, and telling us about local cultural offerings (like an excellent, free Oaxacan Symphony concert one Friday night). Best of all was our home stay - Senora Paty & Senor Gustavo are extraordinary hosts!!! They are both multi-generational Oaxacan natives. Sra. Paty is an amazing cook and fed us incredible breakfasts + multi-course midday meals, with fresh fruit each morning, juices made from other fruits, homemade soups, home-baked desserts and freshly ground peanut butter. She exposed us to all of the local specialties in our own home. Although we dined at a Michelin recommended restaurant & another 1-star Michelin restaurant in the downtown area, Restaurante Paty was the best place we ate at in Oaxaca and deserves its own Michelin star. We enjoyed a Mexican Independence Day pozole meal with our hosts' entire local family (adult children & grandchildren). They also picked us up and drove us back (pre-dawn) to the airport, took us to visit neighboring towns & historical places, and totally went above-and-beyond - we highly recommend staying with them if you are fortunate enough to do so!

Experiencia fantástica: I love this school! I’ve visited 3 times and continue my Spanish language learning at home online as well. I love everyone at this school! My Spanish is getting so much better! Although….i just realized i wrote my review in English. Perhaps I will keep up my lessons

Experiencia fantástica: I attended Spanish classes 20 hours a week for two weeks with Oaxaca International Spanish Language School, and the TIME FLEW BY! My teachers were personable, professional, and experienced at teaching Spanish grammar and conversation skills. The school has created four workbooks chocked full of engaging grammar lessons, exercises, and readings at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Also, every week the school hosts an afternoon activity that highlights Oaxaca’s rich culture. Oaxaca International set up my stay with a local family. The family made me feel welcome and comfortable in their home. They encouraged me to speak Spanish with them daily. After classes, I enjoyed exploring the markets, restaurants, and art galleries throughout Oaxaca City. Thanks to my skilled teachers and host family, my Spanish improved in just two weeks. I cannot wait to take more classes with this school next summer!

Experiencia fantástica: Gran personal, muchas gracias por todo el apoyo.

Experiencia fantástica: I LOVED my opportunity to study at Oaxaca International Spanish Language School this summer. Señora Ileana and the instructors are not only teachers but also ambassadors of culture! They stand out for their deep knowledge of Oaxaca, warmth and kindness in their interactions with students, and their flexibility for making class accommodations. I also appreciated Señora Ileana’s patience and communication over the course of several months as I arranged classes for me and my family. I enrolled my husband, our two teenaged daughters and myself in two weeks of classes (40 hours total). We were all at different levels and had a variety of teachers. Each instructor is excellent!!! They are patient, kind, and flexible in their teaching. Each day there was a plan but also opportunities that allowed for individualized questions and learning. I learned so much about Oaxaca, the Guelaguetza, and daily Oaxacan life. I was excited to use and improve my Spanish skills and enjoyed grammar and conversational topics. Cultural activities were varied and timely (for example, the opportunity to see a smaller-scale (and amazing) version of the Guelaguetza before the real celebration.). I HIGHLY recommend Oaxaca International and hope to return soon!

Experiencia fantástica: I had a wonderful week (wish it was more) at this school. I enjoyed the structure which was a combination of some 1:1 and 2:1 with both times to learn grammar and also teacher time that was purely conversational. It made it more enjoyable. The director of the school, Ileana is very approachable and accommodating and I felt immediately welcome (I was traveling alone). I especially recommend the teacher here called Isabel who was AMAZING and even in one week my Spanish improved. Totally recommend this school!

Experiencia fantástica: I spent two weeks at Oaxaca International Spanish Language School and I was really impressed by the organization, teaching materials, and most importantly, the excellent instructors. The classes were small and grouped according to language ability. Both the grammar and conversation classes integrated Mexican and Oaxacan culture into the language learning activities. There is a well planned weekly excursion and the school is centrally located. Overall, I had an exceptional experience and recommend the school to anyone interested in improving their Spanish.

Experiencia fantástica: TL;DR: Highly rec! 1. Structured curriculum that worked well for me as a visual learner (but not rigid to the point as if I'm learning from textbook) 2. Homestay program for an immersive local experience 3. Excellent teachers who knew how to adjust to your learning style / pace 4. Weekly excursions offered on Thursday for you to experience the culture (free in general unless you decide to buy something) 5. Very flexible schedule and good response rate from Whatsapp, can pay week x week I knew zero Spanish and did an intensive program (40hrs/week) with Oaxaca International School (OIS). I spent 5 weeks there and now I would say I can hold a very very basic conversation with others. I compared other schools in Oaxaca as there were many options but ultimately made my decision to go with OIS because of their curriculum. I am a visual learner and preferred a more structured learning (but not to textbook level), so their teaching methodology worked very well for me. I also chose OIS as I wanted to do homestay for a more immersive local experience. I stayed with Patri and Gustavo and they are the pure definition of abuelitos you'd imagine in Mexico. Super kind, patient, and welcoming. They treat you as one of their own and truly lives up the to phrase mi casa es su casa. Patri's cooking is off the charts, I had lunch with them everyday and I was stuffed every meal. Not that the meal is heavy but it's very satisfying and healthy in general. Now that I've completed my 5 week curriculum with OIS, I just wanted to give a shoutout to how awesome and professional all the teachers are. They were very patient and knows how to adjust the pace to you. I'd say the weekly cultural excursions were the icing on top of the cake, it made the whole experience complete. Overall, my experience in Oaxaca has been phenomenal and this highly attributes back to the school. Thank you Patri, Gustavo, Sayuki, Luis, Jessie, Edgar, Jesus, Cynthia, and Professor Illena! Best wishes you all!

Experiencia fantástica: We enrolled for over a month as a family of four in spanish lessons. From the start Ileana distinguished herself with proactive communication and a genuine desire to make things work for us, including helping us sign our kids up for craft classes at the nearby Casa de la Culturas Oaxaqueñas. At school Ileana also arranged a special spanish class for our kids that they were very happy in. Because we were balancing a homeschool schedule as well, we only did two hours of spanish per day. For the parts of our family with less spanish background, not having the additional conversation periods made it hard to integrate the new learning, so I’d recommend doing at least three hours a day, if you can.

Experiencia fantástica: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend this Spanish language school in Oaxaca for students of all levels! My partner and I spent 4 weeks here and made incredible progress in our Spanish. The school’s unique approach of switching teachers weekly and offering separate grammar and conversation classes (we chose 2 hours of grammar and 1 hour of speaking, Monday through Friday) kept lessons dynamic and effective. The teachers are patient, encouraging, and truly invested in your growth, which boosted my confidence in speaking Spanish within just a couple of weeks. Classes are small (3-4 students in my case), allowing for personalized attention. The structured textbooks made grammar clear and accessible, while cultural lessons about Oaxaca’s rich history and traditions added depth to the experience. A highlight was the free weekly excursions (transportation included)! We visited textile workshops, a Zapotec temple, and enjoyed a traditional concert, which brought the local culture to life. This school is a fantastic choice for immersive language learning in a beautiful city!

Experiencia fantástica: I highly recommend this spanish language school to everyone! The teaching content is very structured with well-organized textbooks, I am still keeping the books with me so that I can always refer to. The teachers are very knowledgable and well-arranged the teaching content in according to your Spanish level. They are as well very kind and patient! I just love them so so so much! There is excursion in each week which is related to Mexicano or Oaxaca culture, for example, we have visited a fabric making workshop and a Zapotec temple. I miss my time there, very much.

Experiencia fantástica: I studied at Oaxaca international language school for a month and it was a lovely experience. All of the teachers—I took classes with 5–were each unique and special. All were EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE and eager to help me succeed. The school was very organized; our home stay was superior, and the city of Oaxaca is a fabulous destination!! If you like great food, kind people, a festive environment, and art, you will love this city. I will definitely return. Highly recommend!!

Experiencia fantástica: I have only positive things to say about the quality of Oaxaca International Spanish school. The teachers were excellent, the location was great, the excursions were fun and educational!

Experiencia fantástica: I attended Oaxaca International School for two weeks and my Spanish improved immensely. I am much more comfortable with speaking and writing using the language. The small classes allowed for practice with conversation, which is really important for improving fluency. All the teachers were kind and patient, which made for a great learning environment. I also felt that the school really promoted the culture of Oaxaca and helped to facilitate experiences for their students. I would recommend it to anyone and would return myself.

Experiencia fantástica: Die Schule war proffesionell und das Lernen hat Dank den Lehrern spass gemacht, danke Herr Toledo und Edgar! Das Lernmaterial war sehr hilfreich, die Atmosphäre war liebevoll und wir haben in einer Woche viel gelernt... Muchas gracias por todo!

Experiencia fantástica: Just finished up with a 2 week course at the school. I came in with no Spanish what so ever and was able to hold short conversations by the end! The teachers are all great and very good at their jobs. A great learning environment! Also highly recommended the the home stay option. Being fully immersed and only speaking Spanish helped me greatly with my learning.

Experiencia fantástica: Goede school, bekwame docenten, goede communicatie en veel mogelijkheden.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been attending classes for several months at Oaxaca International Language School and have had many/most of the teachers and I can say that they are all excellent. My Spanish has improved leaps and bounds since I started. The classes are always small ranging from one on one to 4, maybe 5 in peak season. One of the things I like is that they have a book (based on your level), but they don't just rigidly follow it. We get lots of chances at conversation and mixing that in with the grammar we are learning (in my case the famous subjunctive tenses). They also do a great job of grouping students by level. Lastly, everyone is super nice and flexible. And the weekly cultural outings are fun.

Experiencia fantástica: As with any language school, your experience is directly related to what teacher you get. I'm giving 5 stars because you get 2 different teachers each day (1 for grammar and 1 for conversation) and, although I was only there for 1 week, my classmates told me that each week your teacher changes. Also shout out to Luis/Toledo for being a great teacher and having awesome conversation questions! I don't think I've gotten that much speaking practice in a language class before!

Experiencia fantástica: This was my first experience with a language school and I loved it!! The format, teachers and space were all amazing, and I met some great people that I consider friends. I had such a good time and would 100% go back.

Experiencia fantástica: I was completely satisfied with my 5 days of Spanish (advanced beginner) classes at the Oaxaca International Spanish School. I thought I could only handle 2 hours a day but found 3 was perfect. We'll organized, great grammar instruction, small groups (3 students per group). Really helpful in building confidence, advancing my grammar, building vocabulary and having fun! I plan to attend again when I come back.

Experiencia fantástica: Highly recommend Oaxaca International Spanish school. The classes were small - at times one-on-one! - and the teachers were highly skilled, engaging, and able to adapt lessons to cater for my level of Spanish. Despite only being there for a week, I felt I learnt so much. The cultural activity on Friday was a great added bonus. A big thank you to Abraham and Isabel for their help, patience and kindness, as well as Ileana for accomodating my last-minute request to enrol!

Experiencia fantástica: This school is the best Spanish school I've ever attended. Not only was my teacher, Luis, excellent and well educated, but he geared the lessons to my needs. The school offered activities like the celebration of Tres Reyes yesterday and an outing on Friday. It's a really fun place to learn Spanish. I highly recommend it.

Experiencia fantástica: My husband and I already spoke pretty good Spanish when we arrived at this school, but after two weeks we'd improved by leaps and bounds. The teachers are excellent -- the lessons are perfect for each level, and the conversations are always fun and interesting. We will be back -- I can't recommend it enough!

Experiencia fantástica: Pasé 6 semanas en esta escuela. Aprendí mucho en un ambiente agradable. Los profesores son competentes. Me sentí como en familia. Recomiendo encarecidamente la escuela, también hay actividades para conocer los alrededores de Oaxaca.

Experiencia fantástica: I moved to Oaxaca a year ago and have spent about four months studying at the school. I have taken classes at other schools in Oaxaca and really recommend this one if you are looking for fabulous teachers and more structure than some of the other programs. I love having the workbooks with levels to work through since I know where I am and can review where I've been. The teachers are also very patient, knowledgable, and lots of fun! I highly recommend this school - muchas gracias por su ayuda Oaxaca International!

Experiencia fantástica: I spent two months studying at Oaxaca International School and had a really good experience. The teachers and staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient. The cultural activities are fun and informative.  Overall, I left feeling much more confident in my Spanish skills. I was there during Día de Muertos, which was an incredible experience.  I highly recommend this school.

Experiencia fantástica: This is our third visit to Oaxaca International Language school and it would be hard for me to overstate how amazing this school is. The staff of this school are thoughtful and engaging professionals with incredible interpersonal skills. The coordinators of the school Ileana and Agosto are truely caring and responsive individuals that consistently exceed expectations. Any traveler interested not only improving their Spanish but also engaging in an authentic cross-cultural experience will find this school to be an invaluable resource.

Experiencia fantástica: I spent two weeks taking classes here and staying with a host family, and I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. All of the teachers I had were wonderful, and I'm absolutely amazed by the amount I was able to learn in two weeks. I stayed with Marissa and her family during my classes, and I'm so grateful for how much they included me in their family activities and showed me what life was like in Oaxaca. They supported me in the beginning when I hardly spoke any Spanish, and they celebrated with me in the end when I was able to have conversations with them! Everyone who works with this program is really knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging. The Dia de Muertos festivities through the school were especially fun as well!

Experiencia fantástica: Spent two weeks here in April and highly valued the experience. I was just scraping by and wanted a good foundation to help with my travels. After spending four months roaming around Latin America, I can say that I could not have survived without learning Spanish from the excellent staff here. I took the beginner group class and loved how the classes were split up with grammar in the first session with one teacher and a separate teacher for the conversation portion. Everyone, including the staff and students are kind, patient, and welcoming, and everybody wants you to succeed. The weekly cultural excursions were fantastic as well. Also, Patricia was the best homestay host!! She's so helpful, vibrant, and kind and makes amazing breakfasts that I still miss to this day! The best compliment I received on my travels was how good my Spanish was for how little time I spent learning it and I can thank this school for that.

Experiencia fantástica: I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend five weeks at Oaxaca International Spanish Language School, and I can confidently say it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this school excels in every aspect. At the heart of this remarkable institution is its director, Ileana Jimenez. Her warmth and genuine care for each student are evident in every interaction. She took the time to understand my learning needs and placed me in a group that was perfectly suited to my level. This thoughtful approach ensured that my learning experience was both challenging and rewarding. The instructors at Oaxaca International are exceptional professionals who bring both expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom each day. Their dedication was crucial in transforming my Spanish from a theoretical understanding to a practical skill that I can use confidently in real life. Each lesson was engaging, and the instructors were always available to provide support and answer questions. I never felt rushed; each of my six instructors made room for me to ask questions and clarify difficult topics, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable. My time at the Oaxaca International coincided with La Guelaguetza, a vibrant cultural festival in Oaxaca. My instructors went above and beyond, offering detailed explanations about the festival's cultural significance and providing valuable tips on how to participate respectfully and meaningfully. Additionally, the school organizes a free cultural outing each week, which added depth to my experience and was invaluable in understanding Oaxacan culture and craft. My host, Martha, was another highlight of my stay. Martha welcomed me into her home with open arms and a heart full of hospitality. She took great delight in introducing me to the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca. Her cooking was nothing short of spectacular—each meal, from her moles and tlyudas to her memelas and chilaquiles, showcased her skill and passion for Oaxacan cuisine. Dining with her was not just a culinary delight but also a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself further in the local culture. In summary, Oaxaca International exceeded all of my expectations. With its caring director, exceptional instructors, and warm host family, my time there was both a profound educational journey and a deeply personal experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone looking to enhance their Spanish skills while experiencing the richness of Oaxacan culture.

Experiencia fantástica: I just finished a 2-week study term at the Oaxaca International Spanish Language School. This was my second time attending this school. A happy return customer. A+ The professionally-trained language teachers are young, fun, creative and very attentive, and easily adapt their teaching to the needs of the students. Unlike most other schools, Oaxaca International offers both group and private lessons. I took advantage of both, keeping the private lessons for the last days of my stay. The Directora, Sra. Jimenez, who is also an experienced language teacher, was very welcoming, always accessible, and responsive to the numerous questions and requests I had. The school organizes a weekly cultural activity. The first week there was a visit to some surrounding villages that specialize in various crafts. The second week we were entertained by a traditional-food-and-live-music fiesta at the school. Finally, to reinforce the immersive experience, I took advantage of the home stay offered by the school, and had a great host. Viva Mexico. Viva Oaxaca. Viva the Oaxaca International Spanish Language School :) MC end of July 2024

Experiencia fantástica: I spent six weeks at the Oaxaca International Spanish Language School in June/July 2024 and had a wonderful experience. It was an excellent mix of grammar and conversation with a weekly cultural activity that took me to places in and around the city I wouldn't have seen otherwise. The teachers are patient (so patient!) and personable, and the instruction is flexible according to your level. Highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: The best spanish school in Oaxaca! Teachers are very thorough, have a lot of patience and teacher Ileana gives you every bit of information you might need!

Experiencia fantástica: Patricia es un ángel absoluto, con quien tuve la suerte de quedarme mientras asistía al internacional de Oaxaca. Inmediatamente me sentí parte de la familia y me trataron como si fuera un hijo. ¡Ahora decimos que es mi madre mexicana! La habitación y el alojamiento eran encantadores y ¡me enamoré de su perro Dobi! Toda la familia Escarraga está llena de diversión y amor y estoy muy agradecida de haber estado con ellos. Fue muy fácil trabajar con Ileana y también fue muy complaciente al registrarse. ¡Gracias eternas!

Experiencia fantástica: I signed up my two young boys, who are heritage Spanish speakers, for a week of lessons at Oaxaca International Language School. The teachers are wonderful and experienced. Isabel, in particular, had a sweet demeanor with my kids and they loved her. And what to say of Sra. Ileana, the director, who went out of her way to help us feel welcome and supported, especially after I shared how alone I felt in a new city with two young kids. She took the time to research activities for the boys and for me, helped me make connections with other families, and made recommendations on just about everything. I cannot thank her enough and her wonderful school for welcoming us so warmly. If you're considering taking Spanish lessons in Oaxaca, don't wait any longer and book them now!

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing School! Although I have attended several language schools over many years, I knew virtually no Spanish. After five months at Oaxaca International, I am confident and comfortable in most situations. La Directora, Ileana, is the heart of the school. The faculty are college educated in both Spanish grammar and teaching. All are professional, caring, and effective educators. The tuition, which is very reasonable, includes weekly cultural activities for example: visiting workshops to see handmade textiles, alebrije carving and painting, pottery making, and sometimes local cuisine and music at the school. If learning Spanish and visiting Oaxaca are on your bucket list, make Oaxaca International Spanish Language School your destination of choice. You'll be glad you did!

Experiencia fantástica: I travelled to Mexico in April for a wedding and had 8 days afterwards to explore Oaxaca! The school was great - small, focused classes that really support your learning. It was well located near the center of town with lots of cute cafes nearby to visit after classes. The school also arranged a homestay for me with Patricia, who was so lovely and welcoming and an excellent cook! Thank you so much to everyone at the school for providing such an enriching experience!

Experiencia fantástica: I recently spent one week taking Spanish lessons here and I had a wonderful experience. The staff were absolutely engaging, kind, and flexible. I got a lot out of my grammar and conversation classes. I also really enjoyed my host family experience. I will 100% recommend this school to all of my friends who pass through Oaxaca.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing experience. I took classes here for a little over a week. Ileana was extremely responsive and flexible. I started with 6 hours/day and reduced to 4 hours/day due to other activities. They were extremely accommodating. Was a comfortable atmosphere and the teachers are fantastic and I had so much fun with them! Can't believe how much I learned in such a short time. I was also able to go on 2 of the free field trips, which we're a highlight. I was sad to leave. Recommend highly!

Experiencia fantástica: Really enjoyed my experience with Oaxaca International. The school is well organized and offers numerous levels of Spanish classes. I thought the conversation classes were fantastic to give students an opportunity to speak and ask questions. I lived with a host family which the school arranged which worked out wonderfully. The location of the school is perfectly situated close to the center of Oaxaca. Thank you!

Experiencia fantástica: I just returned to Massachusetts USA from 2 weeks at the school. Also, I attended for 2 weeks in 2023. Fantastic experience both times! The teachers are excellent with good sense of humors and excitement about sharing the culture of the Oaxaca region as well. Being 70, I was initially concerned about the range of classmate ages, but quickly found it invigorating and totally enjoyable. Illeana runs the school like it's her home with everyone so warm and welcoming. When you get there, you can easily move around to be in a class that matches your existing proficiency. There is a teacher there for ANY level of Spanish skill. There is a great balance between learning grammar and speaking conversationally. A real plus is their capability to match you with host families, if desired. Also, there are fascinating weekly field trips in the region, free of charge! The school is centrally located within walking distance of just about anything you'd want to do or see.

Experiencia fantástica: I did two weeks of classes with Luis and another week of volunteering at CAPINDO. Luis was a brilliant teacher - we learned a lot about Mexican culture and politics (as well as grammar and vocab!) I extended by a week because I enjoyed our classes so much and I genuinely felt like I was improving. The school is charming, friendly and impeccably run by Ileana. Classes are small and free weekly excursions were a huge bonus. I also loved my week volunteering at the Centro De Atención Para La Integración Del Niño Down, and I am very grateful to Ileana for organizing.

Experiencia fantástica: Si algun dia vuelvo a Oaxaca volvere a tomar clases aqui. Las clases son bastante dificiles y es claro que los maestros saben lo que estan haciendo. El precio era muy razonable. La familia con la que vivia cerca de la escuela era amable y la casa era limpia, Tambien, podria cocinar!

Experiencia fantástica: Had a very good experience at Oaxaca International. The school is very clean and comfortable and just a short walk from the Zócalo area. All the teachers are fantastic for both grammar lessons and conversation. Also, my homestay with Señora Patricia was fantastic. She is super helpful and friendly and prepares the most delicious meals, adapting them to whatever dietary requirements are requested.

Experiencia fantástica: Hier können Sie gut spanisch lernen...wenn Sie english gut können.. Sie haben versch.Leistungsgruppen..Lehrzimmer..einfach zu erreichen..!

Experiencia fantástica: This year I wanted to get away for the holidays so I booked the month of December at Oaxaca International, upon recommendation from a friend. I loved ALL of it! The school, the classes, the teachers, Oaxaca and best of all my hostess Patricia. I hope to return and will book again, as hers is my new home away from home.

Experiencia fantástica: I spent 4 weeks at Oaxaca International this past summer. I was impressed with the school, the teachers, the home stay, and the overall organization of the experience. The teachers at the school were knowledgeable, motivated, and above all kind and caring. They were very patient and they do a great job with the different levels of Spanish that they work with. The homestay was excellent. I stayed with Patricia and she was wonderful. The accommodations were better than I expected. I elected for breakfast each day. Patricia is a great cook and the food she prepared was excellent! She has a wonderful family and everyone was very nice. The school was about a mile away, and I enjoyed waking there each day. I will be going back and I will request to stay with Patricia.

Experiencia fantástica: My experience here was amazing. I spent 4 weeks here to learn Spanish. The teachers were very helpful and a lot of experienced skills. The facility is nice and clean! Definitely going back there again next summer! I highly recommend this school.

Experiencia fantástica: I had such a fabulous experience going to language school in Oaxaca! The teachers are excellent and I appreciated the language learning materials created by the school and the special free excursions too. I was there for two weeks, and the highlight for me was definitely the homestay. Ask for Paty because she was such a great host and friend, as well as being a phenomenal cook! Espero que puedas visitar esta hermosa ciudad!

Experiencia fantástica: Best spanish school in Oaxaca!

Experiencia fantástica: We spent three weeks here. They did great job not only with myself (an advanced speaker) but with my two young children (4 and 7). They made sure they both did a lot of crafts and games and stories to keep them interested. However, I would say the BIGGEST reason you should go to this school is that they offer FREE weekly excursions to local sites to explore. Honestly, you could spend a few hours learning Spanish and then at 1pm do a 4 hour excursion with the other students and get to learn about the local culture and art. Normally those excursions would cost you a good chunk of change, but the school offers it as a free bonus. If you're visiting Oaxaca I strongly recommend learning here and taking advantage of this huge perk.

Experiencia fantástica: My husband and I had a great experience at the school and in our homestay (organised through the school). Our homestay with Patricia will be a highlight of our travels, she was so warm, funny and incredibly accommodating. We’re both vegetarian and she cooked delicious food with amazing variety! The room we had was perfect, spacious with a private bathroom. We loved getting to know Patricia and getting a peek into her life. The teachers at the school were awesome, we had a lot of fun during our classes and learnt so much in a few weeks. They also organise a complementary excursion each week which we loved. We went to different artisan workshops and got to know the city and its traditions better. The school was also very flexible with how many hours different students were doing and we made some great friends while we were there.

Experiencia fantástica: I have taken several weeks of intensive coursework at the school during summer 2021 and 2022. I started at Oaxaca International with basic abilities in Spanish. During my time there, I greatly improved all facets of language acquisition and really enjoyed getting to know the fellow students and teachers. On top of that, Ileana (the director) has always been super responsive, caring, and organized with the needs and requests of students. She works really hard to ensure a productive learning environment for all. She also dedicates a lot of energy to providing supplemental learning opportunities for students to understand Oaxacan culture! Thank you!

Experiencia fantástica: I plan to live in Mexico, so I wanted to take my Spanish to the next level. Oaxaca International School was a wonderful experience. I have studied at a total of six schools in Costa Rica and Mexico, and this was by far the best. The teachers and host family were both excellent. I ate three meals a day with the family, and Marissa prepared delicious, typically Oaxacan cuisine. The city of Oaxaca is spectacular as well. The Oaxaca International School is also an excellent value compared to other schools.

Experiencia negativa: Lessons are unstructured and learning is slow

Experiencia fantástica: He tomado classes aquí por 3 semanas y tengo uno más esta semana. La dueño Ileana es muy amable y atento. Ella ha sido dueño de la escuela por 20 años y la mayoría de los maestros ha enseñado para seis a ocho años. He vivido con mi madre anfitriona Patricia. Ella es la mejora chef y practicamos español cada el días durante comidas. Mi comunidad aquí siento pequeño y íntimo por ella.

Experiencia fantástica: We did one week of Spanish lessons in August of 2022. Our group included myself — someone who studied Spanish in college over twenty years ago and has had intermittent practice since — and my three children ages 9, 7, and 3. We had an excellent, professional, educational, and fun experience. I wish we were able to stay longer and hope to come again in the future. I have done some Spanish language study years ago, in Panama, and Oaxaca International exceeded my expectations. The owner, Ilena, was extremely responsive to all my questions and very understanding of the fact that my children were at different Spanish levels and had different needs. She also was flexible which I appreciated since this was our first time studying Spanish in a foreign country with our kids. For example, we initially signed up my 3 year old for classes but it turned out he just wasn’t ready to be away from us parents with strangers. It was not an issue at all to cancel his lessons. (I could imagine other 3 year olds enjoying Spanish school; mine just wasn’t ready. You have to know your kid.) The older two kids, ages 7 and 9, both had a great time with their teachers and learned a lot. The teachers were knowledgeable but flexible and understanding of the fact that kids will be kids and that their attention can stray. I truly enjoyed the format of my own classes, which included 2 hours of grammar plus 1 hour of conversation. We did the same for the kids (3 hours) but their classes appropriately consisted of a fair amount of games and fun activities. All our classes were one-on-one. I could tell that my 9 year old in particular, who has already taken Spanish, that the classes really improved his base and he is suddenly understanding more and more. The price was also very reasonable. I chose Oaxaca International because I saw other reviews from families and because Ilena promptly answered all my questions over email. I was beyond happy with our experience and highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in magical Oaxaca!

Experiencia fantástica: I was very impressed with the quality of instruction, the appropriate placement in group settings, the extra curricular activities and the school facilities. I teach in the USA, and I thought they struck a perfect tone for the traveler who legitimately wants to improve their Spanish. Without question, the homestay was the highlight of the trip for me. The school placed us with Patricia. If you can request this homestay, I strongly recommend you do. She was a teacher, friend, concierge, chef and delight in every way. We left our homestay to try a famous hotel that was highly recommended by a friend. Although it was a lovely place, I do regret leaving my homestay early. Nothing compares to having those anchoring experiences and having a home away from home.

Experiencia fantástica: Ecxellent school - brilliant teachers. And if you want a homestay - ask to live with Patricia and you will get the best meals you've ever had and the most welcoming host you could ever imagine.

Experiencia fantástica: Oaxaca International is a fantastic place to learn Spanish! The director and teachers create a warm, friendly environment in order to immerse yourself in the learning experience. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: Wir hatten sehr schöne zwei Wochen in der Schule. Die Klassen waren klein, das Personal sehr nett und unsere (kleinen) Wünsche wurden immer berücksichtigt. Toll!

Experiencia fantástica: I’ve been to this school three times and each time has been great. I’ve made some pretty magical friends here por vida. Sra. Ileana is very kind and genuine and really wants students to get the most out of their time in Oaxaca. I didn’t think there could be a nicer campus than the one I first went to, but the new location actually surpasses the old one. ✨

Experiencia fantástica: Our plan to do aweek of learning Spanish jelled once we heard from the Director Ileana Jimenez who answered our questions very patiently by email. She set up a wonderful homestay for us that was both economical and very well situated near the school and the Zócalo tourist area. We were a group of three ranging from a young total beginner to a somewhat advanced adult and a person who remembered a bit from high school. She had teachers for all of us! The school has a large open courtyard and a rooftop learning area and several small alcove classrooms surrounding the courtyard. Each day you spend two hours with one teacher then another hour with a different person for a conversation. which broke up the morning nicely. There was one cultural afternoon included in the cost.

Experiencia fantástica: Absolutely incredible school, I just wish I lived close enough to come back. The teachers are interesting, funny, and super knowledgeable (and let me ask lots of stupid questions without making me feel stupid). Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Such a friendly place. The teachers and the other students were really nice and lessons are structured well so you can get to know everyone. I only went for 5 days or so, they were so flexible and accommodating, not to mention the cheapest around!

Experiencia fantástica: I was very happy with my classes at Oaxaca International Spanish Language School! Before arriving in Oaxaca, I looked at many schools and this one had the best price. Still, I wrote emails to a handful of them, to see which one would be the best fit for me. Ileana wrote back in a nice and informative way (which wasn't the case with some other schools), so after reading many reviews, I decided to try this school. And I'm so happy I did! Being a teacher myself and having attended many language schools for other languages, I have become quite picky with the quality of classes. After some not so great experiences with Spanish schools in other countries, I told myself that I should stop having such high expectations and simply get the most out of the classes I could. But, wow, I did not have to lower my expectations with this school at all! The day starts with 2 hours of grammar taught by very knowledgeable teachers and the you have 1, 2 or 3 hours of communication with another teacher. I decided to have 4 hours in total and it was perfect! They are also quite flexible, I saw that other students changed the process around a bit and continued with more grammar classes in the second part of the day, for example. The school also does excursions which are great and in those occasions you get to know the other students a bit better. The location is perfect, very central and the school itself is beautiful. The "classrooms" are tables outside in the beautiful yard full of flowers and humming birds. There is free coffee and water available. You do hear the other students but it's not distracting at all, it all adds up to a very communal, summer-y feeling, I really loved this setting! So, if you are wondering which school to chose, take this one, you won't regret it! :)

Experiencia fantástica: This is one of the best school that I have ever attended since graduating from college many years ago. I traveled a lot mainly for sightseeing , to see incredible sights, to appreciate their culture, music, and their food. Usually I stayed in a city for no more than 4 days so it was like I took a bullet train passing by a city. Everything became a blur after a few cities. I didn’t remember a thing and got confused. Attending Oaxaca International Spanish School was one of my best experience because it was an enriching experience. I got to learn so many things. I thought I was too old to learn but this school is for all ages and some of my classmates were older than me. I thought Spanish is too hard to learn and it is but Spanish and English shared many common words so you won’t be starting off with nothing. I left the school with so much wonderful memories that I will forever treasured thanks to Ileana and her team of excellent teachers. Before I decided on anything like which airlines, what hotel, where to go, I read reviews. I googled different Spanish schools in Oaxaca . I checked the school websites. I reviewed the cost. Oaxaca International Spanish School ( OISS ) has excellent reviews so I contacted the owner/principal Ileana . Based on the email communication and excellent reviews, I decided to attend OISS. I like the school so much that I studied there twice within the past 7 months. The first time was for 3 weeks in late January and the second time for 2 weeks starting 7/22. The teachers there were all very professional, amiable and knowledgeable. All the teachers know English well but the lessons were all conducted in Spanish. They used different teaching tools like board games, flash cards, magazine pictures etc which made the lessons fun. The first 2 hours was focused on grammar. The second two hours ( I took 4 hours of lessons. Some students took 2 or 3) was conversation and the teachers told us about the festivals, the culture, and the tradition of Mexico in general and Oaxaca in specific. To enhance our learning , we had homework for the grammar class. We had different teachers every Monday to broaden our learning experience. Also, every Thursday we had excursions right after school that were included in our tuition. We went to 6 different places during my 3 weeks in Feb and we learned about pottery, wood carving , dye making and weaving which were very enriching. I learned a lot from these excursions. A 3 weeks class only got me started. Before I left Oaxaca I asked Ileana about online lessons and she said the school offers Skype lessons. I asked María Teresa ( Mayte ) if she would be willing to be my Skype teacher and I was grateful that she would so now I have for 3 one hour lessons every week. Mayte is dedicated, engaging, extremely patient and resourceful. I was not just studying grammar with her. We had a wide arranging discussion topics. She told me many things about Oaxaca. It was like I was going through a treasure chest. There were so many things to learn from her. In summary, I really like Oaxaca International Spanish School. The school was well organized and well run. We learned at the pace that we could learn so it wasn’t too fast nor too slow. Ileana was so warm, friendly and helpful all the time. The teachers were well prepared and knowledgeable The Skype lessons were wonderful and allowed me to continue my education where ever I am. I highly recommend OISS. You will learn a lot. The lessons are stimulating, challenging but fun. Your time will be well spent because you will bring back not only great memory but also a new way to express yourself other than English or whatever your native tongue is, not to mention getting to know the culture and custom of Oaxaca. My recommendation also is let this class be a beginning with no ending. Continue Skype lessons and complete all 3 books.

Experiencia fantástica: Wonderful school with wonderful people! If you are a beginner then this place is great to get your speaking Spanish within 3 months.

Experiencia fantástica: The best option to know Oaxaca, they make excurtions to see how the artesanos create art with their own hands! I loved alebrijes !

Experiencia fantástica: My wife and I studied here in the mornings for a week. After a placement test, we were assigned an instructor to help with grammar, followed by a second instructor for conversation. Our afternoons were free to wander, or join in excursions and tours. Both teachers were extremely helpful and we learned a lot of useful Spanish. It can get a little noisy in the streets near the school, but that's Oaxaca for you. Very friendly and helpful.

Experiencia fantástica: There are many reasons I love this school. The teachers are lovely people. Always pleasant, friendly and helpful. They all have formal language training and speak English, so if your Spanish isn't very strong you can still communicate. The quality of instruction is very good and their prices are very reasonable, even for private instruction. Class sizes tend to be small so there is plenty of individual attention even in group classes. The school itself has a private courtyard that always seems cooler than the streets on hot days. Also, on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons there are optional free excursions to area sites and artisans, or occasionally a cooking class. If you are debating whether or not to come to Oaxaca for the week of the Guelaguetza in 2016 you will find that it is safe, and that things are cheap right now due to tourists having been scared away by the news of protests. The protests in the city are non-violent and although they are occupying the Zocalo, events are proceding as scheduled though with a few shifts in location.