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sparks

Dec 29, 2002, 8:48 AM

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CELEP Pátzcuaro

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I've been emailing CELEP in Pátzcuaro about the school (they teach spanish - and I have to keep working on mine) to possibly attend this spring for 2-3 weeks. They say March is their slow time for one-on-one instruction. My question is, are there any holidays or local festivals from mid-March to early April that I should not miss in the area.

I read one "trip report" from someone who attended CELEP in this forum ... but does anyone else have impressions of the school, the area and/or weather that time of year. Will be looking for private room or apartment with at least a frig.

jennifer rose

Dec 29, 2002, 7:29 PM

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Re: [sparks] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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In Reply To

My question is, are there any holidays or local festivals from mid-March to early April that I should not miss in the area.

I read one "trip report" from someone who attended CELEP in this forum ... but does anyone else have impressions of the school, the area and/or weather that time of year. Will be looking for private room or apartment with at least a frig.

Look at the Michoacan calendar for March-April 2002. The Semana Santa celebrations, of course, vary in date, but the Saint's Day celebrations stay the same.

The weather at the time of year has started to warm up, and by April it will be rather warm. Expect dry weather. In Patzcuaro, at all times of the year, the minute the sun starts to set, it does become chilly, so I'd advise bringing at least a down jacket for night-time and several sweaters.

La Casa Encantada rents by the week. http://www.lacasaencantada.com, CELEP arranges homestays, I believe, and there are several on the MoreliaConnect mailing list in Patzcuaro who rent rooms. MoreliaConnect is a Yahoogroups mailing list for the Morelia-Patzcuaro area.

jemeta

Dec 29, 2002, 9:42 PM

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Re: [sparks] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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I attended CELEP in November of 2001. All four weeks of study, I did not have any classmates and was taught one-on-one. Honestly, I found that to be a bit of a hindrance. If it weren't for the wonderful host family I stayed with (specifically a younger very patient girl), I wouldn't have learned nearly as much as I did. The instructors were all very nice, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have about your impending trip.

Jennifer

sparks

Dec 30, 2002, 6:21 AM

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Re: [jemeta] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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Jennifer .... yes I've considered the pros and cons of one on one. I found being in groups you wait for coversation while listening to other peoples bad Spanish and usually there is someone who needs more attention than you. It was also difficult to get the gringos to speak Spanish during social activities, tho I was guilty of that as well. In my last school I had at least 3-4 teachers per day ... so lots of varied input.

The thing about living with a family was with my bad Spanish I had a hard time graciously requesting menu improvments. I somehow ended up with a "steak and potatoes" family that ate food that I'm not used to in Mexico (Bimbo bread sandwiches). You also need to keep the family schedule if you want to get meals and not alarm them when you return in the evening. I guess thats just the luck of the draw and the family you get.

CELEP told me they do two week sessions but will do an extra week with no problem. I'll probably take the "cultural" package with community activities ... that should keep me emmersed!

sparks

Dec 30, 2002, 6:26 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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Thanks Jennifer but the calendar looks pretty bare. I did post the same message on the Yahoo group and will check back daily. Hopefully I'll find something in the $15-25us a night.

jennifer rose

Dec 30, 2002, 8:39 AM

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Re: [sparks] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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There are a couple of gringos who rent rooms in Patzcuaro who are among the MoreliaConnect mailing list.

One thing: If you've got allergy problems like ragweed, hay fever, or pollen, be warned that March-May is Allergy Central time in and around Patzcuaro. Nothing that's not curable, however, with Allegra.

jemeta

Dec 31, 2002, 8:19 PM

Post #7 of 7 (494 views)

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Re: [sparks] CELEP Pátzcuaro

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I completely understand what you mean about other students. My downfall was that one of the instructors liked to practice his English and we'd end up chatting in English for most of our sessions-- same principal as the other students speaking English. I actually discouraged my best friend from going to another immersion program with me because I knew we'd end up speaking English-- it's simply too easy to do when things get frustrating.

As for the family, if you're still open to it, I'd like to suggest "my" family. There is only one daughter left in the house and the mom works from 3pm-11pm at night. She has been dating a guy for awhile so she goes out a lot now. I had my own key and they would accommodate my meal preferences (I am very picky). I had my own key & could come and go as I pleased. If I wanted, they would take me to Morelia, Uruapan, Tzintzuntzan, or wherever. It was great... and they don't speak English. I learned so much.

About the cultural activities......... if there aren't any other students I would recommend against it. I ended up doing three things alone with the facilitator (in English) and it honestly wasn't worth the money. Just my opinion.

Jennifer