Oaxaca is one of the 31 states of Mexico; it is located in the southern part of the country. Oaxaca is the second most southerly state and enjoys a sunny climate year around. Oaxaca is also the historic home of the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and it contains more speakers of indigenous languages than any other state in Mexico. The Zapotec culture reached its zenith between 600 and 900 CE. The ancient Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle near Oaxaca City is one of the oldest human settlements in Mexico. This region fell to the Spanish in August of 1521 and with it all of the Aztec empire. Afterwards, Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821. Today Oaxaca is known as the cultural and gastronomic center of Mexico and is known for its major festivals such as the Día de los muertos and the Guelaguetza and foods like Moles, Chocolate and Coffee.
The schools in Oaxaca are also diverse; there are public schools and private schools either denominational or non-denominational. As part of the 401/02 practicum, SFU PDP students will work with Oaxacan educators, and community members to explore the cultural, historical and socio-economic contexts that influences decisions and practices in the Oaxacan education system. Over the nine week program in Oaxaca, SFU PDP students will work to develop understandings of how this system differs from and is comparable to the Canadian system. In collaboration with Oaxacan educators, PDP students will develop and implement activities within schools in Oaxaca
Oaxacan teachers have a working knowledge in English and are passionate about their work and their contributions to the community. SFU PDP students will have the opportunity to learn and practice the basics of the Spanish language. They will be primarily teaching in English as a Foreign Language classroom setting. Proficiency in Spanish language in not required, but the acquisition of basic functional Spanish will help improve communication in the local schools and in the wider community context, thus enhancing the overall learning experience for the participants in this program.
Additionally, to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the Oaxacan cultural and linguistic context, SFU PDP students will visit culturally and historically significant sites in and around the region. Destinations may include; Mexico City, Monte Alban, the coastal town of Puerto Escondido, and also the indigenous “Pueblo” communities around Oaxaca.