Every year I like to plan a site visit to a new location. It’s important as an advisor to evaluate programs in-person and to flex those travel muscles! Site visits offer unparalleled insight into potential gap year opportunities. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s a lot of fun too!
I chose to visit Oaxaca because it is a beautiful, safe city that I had received good feedback about from some of my gap year students. It is also not too far from home, which as a crucial factor since my husband Tom and I had a special guest on this trip – our nine-month-old daughter, Nora. Mexico was her first passport stamp and she proved to be a champion traveler.
When not enjoying the seemingly endless array of cultural opportunities (museums, cooking classes, day trips to ruins) I was able to meet with representatives from several partner organizations. I sat in on language classes, ate lunch with host families and witnessed mission-driven non-profits in action. Not only can I vouch for Oaxaca as a delightful family-friendly destination, it’s also perfect for a gap year student keen on the arts and Spanish language.
Here are a few pictures from my visit:
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| Oaxaca street scene |
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| Nora befriends a friendly Oaxacan boy |
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| Carlos, founder of the HUB Oaxaca, discusses NGOs in the region |
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| Oaxaca boasts a vibrant arts and food scene |
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| An example of student accommodation |
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| Art class for a group of Spanish language learners |
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| Jack with his doting host mom |
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| Known for its beautiful textiles, Oaxaca abounds with talented weavers |
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| One of the talented local weavers! |
