WHAT IS THE CENTER FOR SPANISH AND MAYAN LANGUAGES? The Center is a space for interaction with peoples and cultures from around the world. Classes in Spanish and/or Tsotsil are part of a cultural and educational exchange in the context of an indigenous community in resistance. For us, language is not just another form of merchandise. We don’t sell it, but we share with those who are interested in a unique cultural experience and who identify with our struggle.

WHO CAN TAKE CLASSES? Anyone who shares our ideas of justice, liberty and democracy for everyone, without regard to language, race, religion, age or gender, is welcome to attend classes. Students must have a letter of support from an accredited organization. In the United States, please contact the Mexico Solidarity Network, Tel: 773-583-7728 or msn@mexicosolidarity.org. Once you are accredited, please contact Enlace Civil at enlacecivil@laneta.apc.org to confirm class schedules and dates.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR ESRAZ: Working under a principle of equity and in agreement with our international partners, ESRAZ requests a donation equivalent to three days minimum wage in the country in which the student lives. This donation covers 15 hours of classes (3 hours per day for five days), plus food and lodging for the five days. Donations can be made in Mexican pesos or US dollars at the time of registration.

FOOD AND HOUSING CONDITIONS: Students live in wooden cabins with packed dirt floors. Students should bring their own sleeping bags. Three meals a day are provided, though students may want to bring their own drinking water.

LANGUAGE CLASSES: Under the inspiration of the Zapatista movement, classes are organized in accordance with agreements reached between teachers and students. We have flexible hours and class activities are generated through a collective process. Activities are divided into two hours of formal classes and one hour of collective activity, to be determined by the needs of the students. There are three levels of classes: beginning, intermediate and advanced. Communication skills are emphasized over grammar. We guarantee ample discussion and sharing for those who attend our school. Classes start every Monday.

THE CLIMATE: The temperature during the day varies between 50 and 70 degrees, while the nights can be quite chilly, sometimes below zero. Part of the year we are covered with clouds.

LOCATION OF SCHOOL: The school is located in Oventik, an hour from San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Transport is available for about 14 pesos from the bus station near the market between the hours of 6am and 5pm. There is no telephone service in Oventik, but public phones are available 20 minutes away in San Andres.

For more information please check out this site which is in Spanish: http://www.enlacecivil.org.mx/centrolenguas.html.