Expert Advice for Learning Spanish in Mexico | Blog FluentU in Spanish (2023)

There's a lot more to Mexico than tacos and cactus clichés.

In fact, its cultural diversity, history of rebellion, native arts and innovation, and quirks and quirks make it a great place to study Spanish.

So if you are lookingthis immersive Spanish learning experience, Mexico is an exciting, diverse and unique place to reach.

Contents

• What is special about learning Spanish in Mexico?
• 5 Great Cities and Regions to Study and Learn Spanish
• 6 authentic language programs to learn Spanish in Mexico
• • Oaxaca Cultural Institute
  • Dara Idiomas, Mexico City
  • Spanish Institute of Puebla
  • Maya-Land, Chiapas
  • Falcon School, Guanajuato
  • Don Quijote, Oaxaca

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What is special about learning Spanish in Mexico?

Besides being the country with the most Spanish speakers, Mexico121 million-Through aquarterof all native Spanish speakers - also has a deep (and sometimes painful) connection with the United States. Many Mexicans learn English and watch Hollywood movies.So why not this mutual exchange?

Mexico has produced some of the best literature and films in the world, worthy of someday being understood without translation. "Like water for chocolate' ('Like Water for Chocolate') is an incredible film about the tradition and magic of food, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is one of the world's most famous writers of the 17th century.

And the ones from MexicoColloquial language is colourfuland expressive - isgood father(pretty cool) actually.Whoa, man, buy me a beer!(Hey man, buy me a beer!).

Learning Spanishin Mexico is a great way to learn about the world, experience a new culture and reallydivethemselves in the language.

5 Great Cities and Regions to Study and Learn Spanish

Mexico is gigantic. It has hundreds of cities, towns and many regional differences. So, even if you are sure that you want to study in Mexico,how do you chooseexactly where?

Well, a lot depends on your personal taste, whether you like the beach or the mountains, heat or cold, big or small cities. But it's good to avoid tourist traps like Cancún, where prices are high and many people have learned English, andindicate areas where deeper language immersion is possible.

TypicallyPeople in bigger cities will have "fewer" accents(which means they speak a little more clearly) and you have a wider choice of schools and host families in big cities. Central cities like Mexico City and Puebla also act as hubs, making it easy to travel around the country.

But smaller towns or the outskirts of big cities tend to be friendlier.and it might be easierstart a conversationwith a stranger, or make friends.

You might want to do some research before you go. Explore different regions on blogs and YouTube, or watch authentic videos from Mexico (and other Spanish-speaking countries) on immersion programs such asfluentU.

Here are some specific places you could explore:

• Mexico City.Greater Mexico City (commonly calledDForde-efefrom the locals, tooFederal Stateor federal district) has a population of 20 million people, not counting nearby cities like Toluca, which are practically united with it. As a country in its own right, Mexico City can be overwhelming and fascinating as there is so much to see and do.

There are hundreds of museums including some of the strangest and the popular Frida Kahlo Museum. Being the capital, you can get groceries and handicrafts from much of the country here. It's a bit more expensive to live in Mexico City and it can take a while to get around.

• Puebla.This is my hometown - and it's a great place to learn Spanish, mostly because there are few international tourists or English speakers (meaning there's more immersion in the language and fewer opportunities to break into English to fall).

Just two or three hours from Mexico City, Puebla is less overwhelming, but its colonial center is quite beautiful. Two million people live in the city of Puebla, which means it offers the most facilities and a wider range of restaurants and attractions than you will ever need. (If you're a big party-goer, though, it might not be for you.)

Puebla is a student city, so there is a range of student accommodation if you don't want to stay with a host family. The state of Puebla is full of fascinating and culturally rich villages that you can visit on a day trip.

• City of Oaxaca.Oaxaca is much warmer than Mexico City, and the city itself is a bit more relaxed and friendly. There's a decent population of American migrants, meaning people are less surprised to see foreigners, but they still don't speak English. The Oaxaca City area is rife with ruins and historic sites, waterfalls, and a variety of towns focused on producing a specific type of craft.

• San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.This city was popular, especially with people inspired by the Zapatistas. It tends to have more American tourists and migrants than average, though it has nothing to do with tourist traps or beaches.

This means there are more restaurants serving international cuisine, more hostels (i.e. cheap accommodation with kitchens, WiFi and socializing) and more bars. Chiapas is a state that has fought a lot with the Mexican government, transnational corporations and wealthy landowners.

• Guanajuato.Guanajuato is a beautiful mountain town in the state of the same name, about five hours by bus from Mexico City. With a population of just 200,000 and streets that are as steep as the mountains they rest on or run underground, Guanjuato is unique and more intimate than larger cities. Listed as a World Heritage Site for its historical value, Guanajuato is a cultural center and ideal for those who like things quieter but more fascinating.

6 authentic language programs to learn Spanish in Mexico

Oaxaca Cultural Institute

If you are looking for a school with a lot of flexibility and study options, check out ICO. This school offersa variety of programsall year round with different options depending on how much time you want to invest. There are also special programs geared towards medical, academic and business professionals, and the school also teaches children.

The school can organize homestays and has a social responsibility policy, sponsors a number of charities and runs various fair trade events.

There are also numerous interesting cultural workshops, includingalebrije- make and dance salsa and merengue; There are also after-school conversation workshops for those who want to practice speaking even more.

Dara Idiomas, Mexico City

Headquartered in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Dara Idiomas is a corporate-style school aimed at individual business professionals. The school also provides education and support for people in the education and publishing industries.

Dara Idiomas focuses on delivering specific outcomes that match the client's professional goals. This may include a focus on negotiations or report writing, among other things. Students take a placement test before classes begin.

The school prides itself on offering certified native teachers for those who want to learn Spanish (as well as other languages ​​such as English or French) quickly.

Spanish Institute of Puebla

This school, unlike Dara Idiomas above, focuses solely on teaching Spanish (and culture) through an intensive immersion program that emphasizes verbal communication.

There are eight levels, each lasting three weeks, from beginner to near-native. Students can take a placement test to determine which level they wish to enter. Morning classes focus on group classes and work, while in the afternoon you have individual classes.

Other activities offered at the school include volunteering at an orphanage, cultural excursions, extreme sports adventures, cooking and dancing classes and more.

Maya-Land, Chiapas

Offering group, private and intensive Spanish classes as well as homestay, this school prides itself on its 'family feel' and some beautiful city and mountain views.

Unlike some schools, Tierras Mayas is entirely owned and managed by Mexican teachers. They use a teaching method that combines grammar and conversation classes in a friendly and positive environment.

The school can organize volunteer work for you and includes a communal kitchen, cinema, library, free internet and free coffee - locally grown and organic. Group lunches are also available on Fridays.

Falcon School, Guanajuato

Escuela Falcon is unique in the flexibility it allows with its learning program. Students can decide for themselves how many and which lessons they want each week.

Classes also cover a wide variety of topics, including typical grammar and conversation courses, but also painting, cooking, Mexican culture, Latin American cinema, medical terminology, writing, Latin American literature and much more.

Escuela Falcon also has a children's program that includes museum visits and other local excursions, weekend trips, kite making and crafts, and other real-world language learning situations.

The school can arrange homestay or a rented apartment and also offers telephone hire, airport transfers and babysitting services.

Don Quijote, Oaxaca

Located just a short walk from downtown Oaxaca, Don Quijote offers students the option of Private or Intensive classes, Premium (flexible and personalized classes, meet with the teacher to discuss your needs) and even cooking classes.

Accommodation options include a student residence nearby, with shared or single rooms and including breakfast. The maximum class size is five students and the school also organizes talks, lectures, afternoon activities and field trips.

There are an incredible number of options here. If it's within your reach, try a few schools in a few different regions of Mexico. With the food here and the language, the idea is to get out of your comfort zone!

Download:This blog post is available as a convenient, portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here for a copy. (Download)