En Espańol

 Courses

 Traditional Medicine


     CICE offers an exciting and unique opportunity to experience Mexican culture, its traditions, and society through our program "Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Mexico." This program focuses on philosophical and practical knowledge of medicinal herbs and traditional therapies and the practices of some of the greatest and most ancient civilizations of Mexico.

We believe in the need to work together in search of alternative, positive and traditional ways of healing. We see the art of listening as an important aspect for effective dialogue and communication among peoples of different cultures and backgrounds. In the spirit of our interconnectedness, the program offers all participants (traditional healers, speakers, visitors and coordinators) an opportunity for self-empowerment; to experience another perspective of knowledge and culture, as well as to participate in the transformation of a better world.

Periods of Study
     The program is two weeks long and is offered twice a year, in August and September. Students who enroll for September program will be able to participate in the largest gathering of traditional medicine practitioners and alternative health workers in the world.

Activities
      Participants in the program will take part in a series of activities related to the healing arts and community health work. These activities include: interviews with traditional medicine men and women in the area, visits to sacred places, healing sessions, and workshops given by recognized healers of Mexico. Workshops include:

  • The Indigenous Philosophy and the Ancient Mexican Interpretation of Sickness and Health.
  • Use and Care of Medicinal Plants in Mexico.
  • Traditional Healing Massage and Human Energy in Central Mexico.
  • El Temazcalli (Sweat Lodge), Complete Pre-Hispanic Curing Technique.

The length of the program is two weeks. This program is offered twice a year, in August and September. Students enrolled in our September program will be able to participate in the largest gathering of traditional medicine practitioners and alternative health workers in the world

Application
     A student wanting to participate in either program should apply no later than June 15th. However, late applications will be considered if class space is available. Special programs can be arranged for those interested in enrolling during any other time of the year.

Fees
     A registration fee of US $ 25.00 should be sent with your application. Tuition for the entire program is U.S. $350. This fee covers workshops and transportation during the program. Your fee will also help small alternative clinics providing affordable health services for low income families. This fee does not include accommodation with Mexican families. Ask us about discounts and scholarships.

Spanish Classes
     CICE offers Spanish classes for those interested in learning the language. If you wish to combine the traditional medicine program with language study, the Program Coordinator will arrange a combined schedule of activities upon the student's request.

All seminars, conferences and workshops will be translated when necessary

 Nahuatl

 


     
CICE offers a special course on the Náhuatl culture and language. The course is taught primarily by Benito García Beltrán, a young researcher who speaks Náhuatl as his native language. Benito has investigated various aspects of the Náhuatl culture in Mexico and is a promoter of the ancestral Náhuatl traditions of the community of Cuentepec, where he lives. Cuentepec is a village located to the South of Cuernavaca with a strong Náhuatl tradition. The course will visit Cuentepec as well as the archeological site Xochicalco, which was an important meeting place for various cultures in pre-Hispanic Central America.

     The course is based on the use of the language, emphasizing oral application and writing in the various dialects of Náhuatl. The class will also focus on the interpretive analysis of various philosophical writings of the language and culture. Among the various workshops offered in the course are: "The History of Corn," "The History of Nopal," "Legends and Customs of Mexican Villages," "The Legend of Quetzacoatl," and "Temazcalli, Ancestral Tradition."

     Throughout the course, students will visit other villages where Náhuatl is spoken, such as Xoxocotla, Tetelcingo, Hueyapan, and San Juan Tlacotenco.

     Classes start every Monday and the suggested duration of the course is between one and two months, although classes will be arranged to suite a student's convenience when possible. Students should register at least two weeks prior to starting the course. Classes cost US $150 per week and there is a US $100 registration fee. This does not include housing and food costs. Ask us about discounts and scholarships.

 Internships


     
CICE offers various internship opportunities. Please contact CICE by
e-mail or telephone for information regarding current opportunities.

 Special Courses


     
CICE can arrange for special courses about social work, anthropology, history, political science, etc. to fit the needs of schools, universities, and interested groups. We also have a partnership with the University of Morelos and can offer classes utilizing the academic resources of the university.