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Overview
This program is designed for life-long learners over 50 who are interested in spending two unforgettable weeks in Cuernavaca, Mexico, "The City of Eternal Spring." Learn about the rich history and culture of Mexico, as well as conversational Spanish, in an ideal setting. Focus on Mexico's history in the 14th through 16th centuries. Discover the relationship between the political, economic and spiritual conquest of the land and its people.
Features of this two-week experience include:
Language study. Learn and practice conversational and functional Spanish in small group classes with native speakers at an elementary, intermediate or advanced level. Since there are no tests, you will have a stress-free opportunity to learn and practice the language at a speed and level that fits your interest and needs. No Spanish language experience is required.
Classes in Mexican History and Culture. The theme of this experience—"The Route of Conquerors and Convents in Morelos"—will provide a close look at some important aspects of Mexican heritage and history. The trip has been designed and taught by a UW academic specialist, who will be onsite during your stay.
Optional evening activities such as movie night, dancing and folk art workshops.
Guided tours. As a complement to the class subjects, we will visit:
- Palacio de Cortes
- Xochicalco
- Cuernovaca main plaza
- Conventos
- Ocotepec
- Tepoztlan
- Ilayacapan
- Ex-Hacienda de Cortes
- Haciendo de Cocoyoc
Overnight excursion to Mexico City. This includes visits to:
- Templo Mayor
- Museum of Anthropology and Basilica
- Teotihuacan
Home stays. You will stay with a host family in double-occupancy rooms with transportation to and from the school, and three meals a day. This is a unique opportunity to live with a typical Mexican family and become a part of their lives. Alternative accommodations are onsite at the Kukulcan "VITALI suites" and are available upon request, with two meals per day at double- occupancy.
Kukulcan language school. Use of the facility includes indoor and outdoor classrooms, swimming pools, manicured garden courtyards, reading room, cafeteria and wireless Internet access. It is a 15-minute walk to downtown.
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Schedule
The daily activity schedule includes Spanish classes and conversational practice in small groups of three or four in the mornings, a history class, "The Route of Conquerors and Convents in Morelos", in the afternoon and excursions to nearby cultural and historic sites some afternoons and evenings. There will be one overnight trip that includes visits to several historical sites in Mexico City.
In the event of unexpected museum closures, substitutions may apply.
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Registration
Tour registration # 92792
Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis:
- By telephone: Register using VISA or MasterCard by calling 206-897-8939 or 1-800-506-1325, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m–5 p.m. Please note: Confirmation is contingent upon receipt of the signed registration form (PDF) within five business days.
- By mail or fax: Print and mail or fax a registration form (PDF). Details are provided on the form.
- In person: Bring your completed registration form (PDF) to:
- UW Extension, University District, Seattle
(Administrative offices for UW Educational Outreach)
4311 - 11th Ave. NE (see map)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parking: Free visitor parking is available in the building garage (entrance on 11th Ave. NE), in stalls marked "UW Educational Outreach Visitor."
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General Information
The tour price of $1,999 includes:
- Transportation to and from Mexico City
- Tuition and registration fee
- Accomodations in double- or single-occupancy room with a host family
- Three meals a day
- Optional excursions
- Wireless Internet access
NOTE: Roundtrip airfare and laundry service are not included. Please arrange to arrive at Mexico City's airport by 4:00 p.m. on February 3rd and to depart on February 16th no earlier than 7:30 a.m.
Payment schedule
A $900 deposit, plus a $35 nonrefundable registration fee due by December 14, 2007 when registering. The balance ($1099) is due by January 14, 2008.
Cancellation
Cancellation must be made in writing, and received prior to the stated deadline. Cancellation fees will be deducted from the account balance, based on the following schedule: $500 for cancellation between October 20 - December 10, 2007; $1200 for cancellation between December 11 - January 15, 2007. $1999 after January 16, 2008.
The $35 registration fee is nonrefundable. If viable enrollment is not reached by December 14, 2008, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
NOTE: individual trip cancellation insurance is available from Classic Connections at 206-547-7300, or you may purchase insurance from your own travel agent.
Passports
You will need a passport to participate in this program. Please check your passport to see if it is current. If you need a new or renewed passport, please apply for one immediately. For detailed passport information, call the U.S. Dept. of State Passport Agency in Seattle, 206-220-7788 or 206-220-7773 (TDD).
Tour orientation
There will be a tour orientation for tour participants in December to discuss your trip and meet others in your group. Date to be determined.
Health concerns
Before registering, please consider the following to determine if this tour is appropriate for you:
- There will be walking, including occasional stair-climbing and unpaved paths at tour sites.
- Foods will vary
- Special diets often cannot be accommodated
- You may need to carry your own luggage
- Depending upon location, medical facilities may not be immediately accessible.
If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician regarding the suitability of the trip for you.
Insurance and responsibility
The University of Washington cannot be held responsible for personal illness or injury, nor make any representation as to the availability or level of medical facilities. Participants are responsible for their own health, travel, luggage and personal property insurance.
As with any tour program, participants may encounter unexpected risks. These include (but are not limited to) sickness, exposure to disease, political upheaval, accident, the forces of nature, travel dangers on the ground or in the air, and property loss and damage. Apart from the academic content of the tour, the University of Washington acts only as an agent for suppliers and contractors providing services for this tour. The University is not responsible for the acts of third parties which cause injury, death or property loss or damage, nor is it responsible for travel or accommodation disruptions beyond its control. Participants assume all the risks involved and agree to hold harmless the University of Washington for all liability that may arise in connection with participation in the activities of this tour.
The University further reserves the right to deny participation on this tour to any person who fails to make payments or comply with requirements within the specified time, or whose presence could constitute a hazard, and prohibits the use or trade of illicit substances; participants who are found under the influence or in possession of illegal substances will not be allowed to continue with the group.
The University of Washington reserves the right to raise the price of this tour should inflation, dollar devaluation or itinerary changes necessitate such a step. The University will, however, make every attempt to hold costs within the prices quoted.
Accommodations for Disabilities
To request disability accommodations, contact the UW Disability Services Office as early as possible at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (TTY), 206-685-7264 (fax) or dso@u.washington.edu (e-mail).
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Questions
For the most current information about this tour, or to be placed on a mailing list for course updates and announcements, please contact UW Extension at 206-685-8936 or extnadvising@extn.washington.edu.
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