TEFL TESOL Certification Guadalajara, Mexico - Extra Curricular Activities

The city of Guadalajara represents a unique perspective of Mexican culture and tradition. We have incorporated the highlights of these components of Mexican life into our TEFL Certificate program. To us, TEFL Certification in Mexico also means truly allowing yourself to experience and enjoy the finest aspects of Mexican culture. In order to enhance the TEFL learning experience for our students, we also provide the following extra-curricular activities as an optional part of the learning process. Choose from the following activities that are of most interest to you.

We are currently offering the following activities as possible extra curricular options:

Free Activities: 

City tours: Two popular activities offered during the summer months are our walking and bus tours. These are open to all Mexican tourists, so our students join other vacationers while they visit places and sites of interests around the city. Since Guadalajara contains a wealth of beautiful architecture and historical buildings, these tours are very worthwhile. We are located in downtown Guadalajara, as are most of the sites featured on the tours. There are also tours to other parts of the city, some better known than others. The tour guide will provide interesting facts concerning each area to the participants, informing them about the cultural significance of the different sites. The best thing about these tours is that they are completely FREE. Conducted on varying days of the week, there are both morning and afternoon tours as well.
During the summer months, we continually 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 their students learn to prepare a traditional Mexican meal for lunch while in their home on Mondays. 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 hospitality to help you make a traditional feast.

Salsa lessons: Salsa is a street version of Mambo. Salsa reflects the joy and abandon of the hot, Mexican tropics.

Two major reasons why this social activity is so popular among our students are:

   

* The mingling of our Guadalajara center Trainee-Teachers, local English as a foreign language and foreign students learning Spanish.
   

* An activity that combines flexibility, precision and melody.

Since all skill levels run 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: Meet local students as you gather at the main building of the EFL school auditorium for an evening of song, language practice and company to the tunes of Cielito Lindo, Besame Mucho, Guadalajara and many of the memorable songs that have made Guadalajaran (Tapatío) singers and authors representative legends of many time-honored Mexican folk songs. Of course, if you prefer trendy to traditional, 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: 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 instruct 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 necessary 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 a new art pass you by! Contact us for more information about this class.

Guitar lessons: At our Guadalajara center, 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.

Fitness: Our Guadalajara center has arranged for a special short-term membership plan at a Guadalajara gym for students interested in keeping fit while they attend our Spanish program. This gym is just a short 5 minute bus trip away from the school. This gym is very well equipped and offers excellent services. 

Swimming

For students that would like to take swimming lessons during their stay in Guadalajara, a local swimming school offers swim classes and instruction. Students who would like to swim laps just to remain fit or refresh their bodies after a long day can come during specific hours for "nado libre" (relaxed free swim time).

If you are interested in this option, let our Guadalajara center staff know and they can make the arrangements for you.
 

Additional Free Activities:

Trainee Teachers are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural and social activities here in our Institute, within the historical downtown area, around the city of Guadalajara, and even in their "own home" (homestay program).

Language and cultural exchange group at our Guadalajara center: For those interested in practicing their Spanish, a language and cultural exchange group has been formed. Comprised of trainee-teachers, and students studying English or Spanish, it provides the opportunity for further cultural and linguistic interchange. Students will take turns practicing a new language and sharing insights about their culture. With over 2000 Mexican learners of English as a foreign language, you are sure to benefit from this exceptional immersive exchange. This activity takes place at the main building of the EFL school.

Focused conversations: If you wish to teach in Mexico, we highly recommend you attempt to gain a deeper understanding 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, at NO extra charge:

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.
 
Field trip excursions to places such as the city of Tequila, Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila are offered by our school. In addition, you have the opportunity to visit the largest lake in Mexico, Lake Chapala. These field trips are available year round for a minimal fee of US $20.

As mentioned, we offer free tours of Guadalajara or Tlaquepaque.

Guitar and Mexican dance lessons are also available. U.S. $45

Fine Mexican dining accompanied by live mariachi music at one of Guadalajara's gourmet restaurants. U.S. $17.

Attendance to the world famous folkloric ballet of the University of Guadalajara. Truly a must-see for culture lovers. Many of the most traditional dances of Mexico are represented in the beautiful Diana theater U.S. $10.

For students interested in dancing, we have made an arrangement with a local dance academy. These dance lessons are conducted outside of the school with a qualified dance instructor. Students have the choice of learning traditional dances (salsa, cumbia, etc) or learning traditional Mexican folk dancing. The classes are taught privately and are approximately U.S. $15 per hour. Schedules vary and the arrangements can be made upon the student´s arrival.

NOTE: All classes are taught by non-English speakers, Spanish native speakers, so you will have the best opportunity to practice and effectively hone your own Spanish speaking ability.

 While our Guadalajara center will make all of the necessary arrangements for these activities, students are asked to pay all fees directly to the service provider.

Excursions:

One of the most valuable aspects of gaining your TEFL Certification and/or Teaching in Mexico is the opportunity to truly live the culture of this beautiful land. A key part of our TEFL program here is that we provide our students with numerous ways to become immersed in the Mexican way of life. In addition to the wide variety of cultural events that take place here in the historical downtown area (which are absolutely free of charge), we organize field trips to certain areas of special interest. Flexibility is an important feature of our program.

Years of experience have taught us that not all students will enjoy the same activities outside the classroom. There is a small additional charge for these individual excursions, to cover the cost of transportation and the tour guide. Our Guadalajara center does not receive any part of this fee. Though we make all arrangements for the excursions, students are asked to pay fees directly to the service provider. Excursions are organized in and out of the city, enabling students to compare the enthusiasm and bustle of modern Mexico with the pastoral, provincial countryside. Students are responsible for their own meals on the excursions.

Guadalajara - Tlaquepaque: We visit historical, cultural and traditional places. Los Arcos de Guadalajara, Hospicio Cabañas (Humankind Patrimony), Minerva Fountain, Republic Square, Niños Heroes Monument, the Cathedral, Expiatorio Plaza, El Palacio de Gobierno, the famous Degollado Theatre, and picturesque San Pedro Tlaquepaque with its typical arts and crafts of the region. The tour takes approximately 5 hours and is available Monday through Saturday. US $15: Departure at 9:30 a.m.

Lake Chapala and Ajijíc

 Lake Chapala: The largest lake in the country, it is located 30 miles Southeast of Guadalajara. A visit to its towns and villages along the shore is a truly memorable experience. The town of Chapala boasts a beautiful church and pier. Chulavista is a beautiful American residential colony. Ajijic is an old rustic town with craft shops, hand made rugs, clothing, leather goods, and silver jewelry. One hour will be allotted for lunch. The tour takes approximately 6 hours and is available for Monday Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. US $20: Departure at 9:30 a.m.

 Tequila : We will take you to the land of Tequila, which is 30 miles West of Guadalajara. Learn t he fascinating history of Mexico´s national drink- its planting, harvest, distillation, and aging process, as well as its distinctive taste. We visit the ranch "El Indio" where you can see the cultivation of the plant that is used to make tequila: the blue agave. After fully experiencing the Mexican ranch, we will take you to the processing plant where the distilling process will be explained. You will also see the aging warehouses. Souvenirs and samples are available. Don’t miss this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The t our takes approximately 6  hours and is available for Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. US $20: Departure at 9:30 a.m 

Tequila Express:

 The Chamber of Commerce of Guadalajara, Ferrocarril Mexicano and the Jalisco State Goverment have organized a unique train tour on weekends. This educational tour is referred to as: "Tequila Express".

The trip begins at 10:30 AM at the train station, located at Av. Washington and Calz. Independencia. Once there, passengers are received with live mariachi music, and upon check in they are assigned a wagon.

They board the train at 11:00. During the trip to the town of Amatitán (1h, 30'), snacks and complimentary drinks are offered while the mariachi bands play Mexican music. A tour guide, meanwhile, explains the history of Hacienda San José del Refugio (home place of "Tequila Herradura").

The stewardesses and security guards make the trip more enjoyable, the train features Red Cross paramedics and private security. The staff will gladly listen to any complaints, suggestions or comments from the passengers, doing a follow up to such observations.

Once the train arrives at its destination, passengers board a bus that takes them to Hacienda San José del Refugio. A tour guide shows the premises. After that, the guests visit the tequila production area, passing by the steam ovens, where the agave pines are cooked, then they go to the old distillery (circa 1800), where people can see all the tools and instruments of the time that were used to produce tequila, included a device pulled by a mule.

The tour includes a visit to the museum where a video is shown; the video depicts everyday work at the hacienda. At the end of the tour, there will be a buffet lunch comprised of authentic Mexican dishes. While they dine, a live show of folk dances, charro tricks, and theatrical impersonators will be presented to the guests. Live mariachi music is playing all the time and there is even a dance contest, where the couple that wins gets a free gift from the host. Here you can sing and dance in a real Mexican atmosphere, all the while surrounded by gardens, trees, plants and live animals.

The tour costs $70.00 USD (aprox.) for adults, and $35.00 USD (aprox.) for children under 12. Kids under 5 travel free of charge.

Our Guadalajara center will be happy to order your prepaid tickets, or they can be purchased at the Historic Downtown Chamber of Commerce, only a few blocks from our school.
Historic Downtown Chamber of Commerce Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00p.m. For further Chamber of Commerce information, call: (52) 33 3880-9099 and/or (52)33 3122-7920

Magdalena, Jalisco - Mining zone: For a truly different experience, take a visit to the "La Lupita” mine in the heart of the San Simon mining zone. The mine is located only 9km from Magdalena, Jalisco, one and a half hour from Guadalajara. Come along for the day and we'll take you deep into the fascinating and mysterious world of the opal, providing a wealth of information pertaining to this precious gem.

The journey includes a visit to the mine, where you can find your own opal, a visit to the workshops where we can help you polish your opal, and an orientation and details so you can understand, distinguish and value the different qualities of opals. Then a break will be given and there will be time to visit the gift museum where you can observe photographs of the different mines in the region as well as winning pieces from the National Craft Competition. Take the time to shop for silver and gold jewelry, buy obsidian turtles with opal shells, animal figurines in opal quarry, loose stones and many other interesting things that have been prepared for you.

Venture here to discover and explore the magical and mysterious world surrounding this extraordinary gem.

"THE NATIONAL STONE" COSTS: Costs are from $ 220 pesos per hour with a maximum of 4 people for an excursion.

WE OFFER:

    * Magdalena-Mine-Magdalena Transportation
    * A “what you find is yours” guarantee
    * Helpful instruction for polishing your stone
    * Certification of your unique stone
    * Care and attention, English spoken

Click here to learn more about our Guadalajara Mexico TEFL Class