Friday, May 22, 2009
Down Time
The group spent last weekend in the beach town of Zihuatanejo. All handled the stressful time of the influenza patiently and responsibly. They deserved some fun and relaxation, and found it, (and a bit of excitement para-sailing too!) lounging on the beaches and frolicking in the warm waters of the Pacific.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sun Still Shining
The group gets together for a photo with their language teachers, IUSI's site coordinator Gabi Castañeda, and IUSI program coordinator Jennifer Jewett who traveled to Mexico last week to check in with the group in light of the recent H1N1 influenza activity. This photo was taken on the patio of the Centro Intercultural de Querétaro, where classes continued to be held while the university was closed.
On May 7th, universities re-opened and Jennifer reports that in Queretaro all was calm and life was beginning to return to normal. Students are back on the campus of the UAQ for classes and continue to enjoy their time in Querétaro.
A student with her host family. Welcomed as part of the family, the host family experience is a mainstay of Querétaro programs and a way for students to really connect with the Mexican people and culture.
On May 7th, universities re-opened and Jennifer reports that in Queretaro all was calm and life was beginning to return to normal. Students are back on the campus of the UAQ for classes and continue to enjoy their time in Querétaro.
A student with her host family. Welcomed as part of the family, the host family experience is a mainstay of Querétaro programs and a way for students to really connect with the Mexican people and culture.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Easter Week
The group spent Easter weekend in San Miguel de Allende. Just outside of Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende is known as a cultural and artistic mecca. This is a church in the central plaza where the group attended Easter mass.
The centro in San Miguel bustling with activity.
Perched on the rooftop, the group enjoys an outstanding view of the Easter parade in Querétaro.
Easter Parade
The centro in San Miguel bustling with activity.
Perched on the rooftop, the group enjoys an outstanding view of the Easter parade in Querétaro.
Easter Parade
¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
A Mexican birthday celebration. This student's host family
invited the entire group to their home to celebrate her birthday.
invited the entire group to their home to celebrate her birthday.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bernal
Dating back to the 18th century, the village of Bernal is home to the second tallest monolith in the Western Hemisphere, the Peñon de Bernal. Rising up behind the bus, the group got their first glimpse of what they would be hiking that day. Hydration is key!
Pausing in their ascent for some agua and to take in the view of the village of Bernal spreading out behind them.
After climbing Bernal, two students refuel on the bus. They both had their faces painted in the town for fun.
Pausing in their ascent for some agua and to take in the view of the village of Bernal spreading out behind them.
After climbing Bernal, two students refuel on the bus. They both had their faces painted in the town for fun.
Around Querétaro
Showing a local boy her laptop while working. They had a great time posing and playing with the camera. Sometimes, language isn’t necessary.
Group bonding continues! After a long night of talking and laughing at a local restuarant, the group poses for a photo out in the centro.
Hanging out in downtown Queretaro. Students usually do something downtown before heading home for comida (a big family meal).
Waiting for friends in front of a church as the sun goes down on another glorious day in Querétaro.
Outside the burial site of Queretaro's most famous historical figure: La Corregidora. Josefa Ortiz was the wife of El Corrigidor, a local magistrate.
Group bonding continues! After a long night of talking and laughing at a local restuarant, the group poses for a photo out in the centro.
Hanging out in downtown Queretaro. Students usually do something downtown before heading home for comida (a big family meal).
Waiting for friends in front of a church as the sun goes down on another glorious day in Querétaro.
Outside the burial site of Queretaro's most famous historical figure: La Corregidora. Josefa Ortiz was the wife of El Corrigidor, a local magistrate.
Universidad Autónoma de Queretaro
Standing in front of a university sign. Check out that cactus! There are cactus plants next to orange trees in Queretaro.
Another example of the striking murals painted on buildings at the UAQ. The campus boasts many interesting works of art.
The shrub, which reads “DERECHO!”, is a good example of the interesting horticulture at the UAQ. Shrubs are shaped like bunnies, birds, you name it.
Student IDs! Two students show off their brand new IDs after getting them at the end of the first week. The Student IDs grant them access to the university library and the computer lab.
Waiting to get into the university library to use the lab.
Enjoying the sunshine and downtime between classes.
Two students work on their Spanish outside of a small café on campus while waiting for the second year students to get out of History class. There are two sets of classes: one for the first year Spanish speakers and one for the more advanced.
Another example of the striking murals painted on buildings at the UAQ. The campus boasts many interesting works of art.
The shrub, which reads “DERECHO!”, is a good example of the interesting horticulture at the UAQ. Shrubs are shaped like bunnies, birds, you name it.
Student IDs! Two students show off their brand new IDs after getting them at the end of the first week. The Student IDs grant them access to the university library and the computer lab.
Waiting to get into the university library to use the lab.
Enjoying the sunshine and downtime between classes.
Two students work on their Spanish outside of a small café on campus while waiting for the second year students to get out of History class. There are two sets of classes: one for the first year Spanish speakers and one for the more advanced.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
To Market...
At the Mercado de la Cruz. The students were given a class exercise to visit the market and fill out a worksheet with questions such as, "what are five types of chiles?" It was a great opportunity to practice speaking with the people and to get to know the unique culture associated with mercados in Mexico.
Posing with Pride
Two students enjoy the sunshine in a plaza on the campus of the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, where the group attends classes. Students receive ID cards while attending the university, and these students were waiting to pick theirs up. The rest of the day was dedicated to exploring!
They also came across this amazing mural next to an administrative building on campus. It's just one example of how vibrant and colorful ever aspect of life is in Queretaro.
They also came across this amazing mural next to an administrative building on campus. It's just one example of how vibrant and colorful ever aspect of life is in Queretaro.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Sunny Times in Querétaro
The sun is shining in Querétaro, Mexico! And Spring Intensive Spanish is off to a running start. Friendships are blossoming, pan dulces are being eaten, dictionaries are being consulted - all is well! Keep checking back for more "day in the life" updates.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Arriving in Mexico - The Adventure Begins
Arriving safely at the Mexico City airport on Friday afternoon, the group of UO students made their way to Querétaro where their program would begin on the following Sunday. Traveling in small groups to assist one another in gathering luggage, navigating the airport and getting themselves on a bus, the group enjoyed their first moments in Mexico, putting their classroom Spanish to the test!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pre-departure Orientation Meetings
In just a little over one week, this excited group of 17 University of Oregon undergraduates (not lacking in school pride it might be noted!) will embark on a ten week Intensive Spanish program in Querétaro, Mexico. All Querétaro programs begin with pre-departure orientation meetings, providing the opportunity for participants to meet/bond and learn important information that will aid them as they travel south of the border. Pictured in the front row in the white shirt is Laurie De Gonzalez, Senior Instructor and Supervisor of First Year Spanish at the University of Oregon. This will be her fourth experience as a resident director in Queréretaro.
Intensive Spanish runs from March 29 through June 5 - and we will be following their experiences day by day.
