Known as the "City of Flowers," Xalapa is the capital city and cultural center of the state of Veracruz, a region known for its coffee production, indigenous history, and varied climate. Despite its growing population, Xalapa maintains the small town charm that makes it the perfect setting for immersion in Mexican culture. From most parts of the city, you can view the nearby snow-capped Pico de Orizaba.

Home of the main campus of the University of Veracruz, you will enjoy the culturally rich atmosphere and energy of life in a university town. Xalapa offers an array of cultural activities, historic monuments, and places to visit, both day and night. Music venues of all types can be found in Xalapa, from dancing in discoteques to enjoying a concert by the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, México's oldest. The well-known Anthropology Museum houses artifacts from the Olmec, Totonac, and Huastec civilizations and their cultural influence is evident throughout the city. Xalapa is filled with traditional outdoor markets which are particularly colorful during preparation for the Day of the Dead at the beginning of November. The welcoming city of Xalapa provides endless opportunities for you to enjoy an authentic and memorable experience in México.

Some websites with additional useful information about life in Xalapa and photos of the city include www.xalapa.net and http://www.xalapa.gob.mx.

How will I improve my Spanish?
Perhaps the most gratifying part of living in Mexico will be the thrill of learning to communicate in another language. The ability to understand what people say in ordinary speech and to reply in a similar form is often the primary goal of students studying abroad. Your host family and the new, Mexican friends you make in social gatherings will be your most constant teachers of everyday speech. Your language classes will deepen your understanding of what you hear, and widen your repertoire of possible responses. You have chosen the absolute best way to learn a language. ¡Buena suerte!

Anthropology Museum:
Known throughout the world, this museum displays Olmec, Totonac, and Huastec artifacts from the Pre-Columbian era.

Lencero Mansion:
Home to General Santa Ana, this mansion has been converted into a historical museum.

Botanical Gardens:
Xalapa is known as the City of Flowers, and the Botanical Gardens allows the city to live up to its name with all of its gorgeous types of flowers.

Parque Juárez:
Central park area where local artisans set up shop, and the streets are lined with cafes and traditional outdoor markets.

¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English? (informal)
(No) Hablo español. I (don't) speak Spanish.
Perdóname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. Pass (the response to perdóname).
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
¡Ayuda! Help!
¡Socorro! Help! (in an emergency situation)
¡Cuidado! Caution, look out!
¿Cómo está? How are you? (formal)
¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
(Muy) Bien. (Very) Well.
(Muy) Mal. (Very) Bad.
Gracias. Thank you.
Por favor. Please.
Buenos días. Good morning.
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Me llamo... My name is...
Mucho gusto./Encantado. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from? (formal)
¿De dónde eres? Where are you from? (informal)
Soy de... I am from...
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
¿Dónde está el hotel? Where is the hotel?
¿Dónde está un teléfono? Where is a telephone?
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the restroom?
¿Cómo voy a...? How do I get to...?
¿Tiene usted...? Do you have...? (formal)
¿Tienes...? Do you have...? (informal)
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
¿Cómo se dice ____ en español? How do you say ______ in Spanish?
¡Vamos! Let's go!

Sample Dialog:
En la estación de autobuses:
Tú: ¿ A qué hora sale el autobús para Guadalajara?
Otro: Sale a las diez de la mañana y otro sale a las dos de la tarde.
Tú: ¿Cuántas horas tardará en llegar?
Otro: Es un viaje de cinco horas.
Tú: ¿Cuánto cuesta un boleto?
Otro: Cuesta doscientos cuarenta pesos y lo compra el mismo día del viaje.
Tú: Gracias por la información.

En un taxi:
Tú: Oye, taxi!
El taxista: Sí, a dónde va?
Tú: Quisiera ir al Museo. ¿Cuánto me cobra?
El taxista: Cuesta veinticinco pesos.
Tú: Es demasiado! Puedo caminar. Gracias.
El taxista: Pero...lo puedo llevar por veinte pesos.
Tú: Por veinte pesos?
El taxista: Sí.