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There is much more to Mexico than the clichés of tacos and cactus.
In fact, the diversity of the culture, the history of the rebellion, indigenous arts and innovations, as well as the quirks and rough edges make it a great place to learn Spanish.
So if you're lookingthis immersive Spanish learning experience, Mexico is an exciting, diverse and unique place to do this.
Content
- What is special about learning Spanish in Mexico?
- 5 great cities and regions to learn and absorb Spanish
- 6 authentic language programs to learn Spanish in Mexico
- Cultural Institute of Oaxaca
- Dara Idiomas, Mexico City
- Spanish Institute of Puebla
- Mayan Earth, Chiapas
- Falcon School, Guanajuato
- Don Quijote, Oaxaca
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What is special about learning Spanish in Mexico?
Apart from the fact that Mexico is the country with the most Spanish-speaking121 million- about aroomOf all native Spanish speakers, you also have a deep (and sometimes painful) connection to the US Many Mexicans study English and watch Hollywood movies.So why not make this exchange mutually?
Mexico has produced some of the best literary and cinematographic works in the world, worthy of being understood one day 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 one from MexicoColloquial language is colorful.and expressive – isgood father(very cool) indeed.Wow, man, buy me a beer!(Hey dude, buy me a beer!).
Learning Spanishin Mexico is a great way to learn about the world, experience a new culture and reallydivingthemselves on the tongue.
5 great cities and regions to learn and absorb 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, if you like beaches or mountains, warm or cold weather, big cities or smaller towns. But it helps to avoid tourist traps like Cancun, where prices are skyrocketing and many people have learned and are learning English.target areas where deeper language immersion is possible.
TypicallyPeople in larger cities have a "minor" accent(meaning they speak a bit clearer) and you have a wider selection 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 could be easierStart a conversationwith a stranger, or make friends.
You can do a little research before you go. Search for different regions on blogs and YouTube, or watch authentic videos from Mexico (and other Spanish-speaking countries) on immersive shows likefluidU.
Here are some specific places you could explore:
- Mexico City.Greater Mexico City (usually asDFode-efeby the locals, p.federal stateor federal district) has a population of 20 million people, not counting nearby cities like Toluca, which are practically connected to it. As a country in its own right, Mexico City can be both overwhelming and fascinating, with so much to see and do.
There are hundreds of museums, including some of the strangest and the very popular Museo Frida Kahlo. Being the capital, here you can get food and handicrafts from a large part of the country. It is 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, since there are few international or English-speaking tourists (which means more language immersion and fewer opportunities to transition into English).
Just two to 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 has the most facilities and a wider variety of restaurants and attractions than you will ever need. (If you're a big party fan, though, this might not be for you.)
Puebla is a student city, so there is a wide variety of student-style accommodation if you don't want to stay with a host family. The state of Puebla is full of fascinating and culturally rich towns that you can visit on a day trip.
- Oaxaca City.Oaxaca is much warmer than Mexico City, and the city itself is a bit more relaxed and friendly. There is a reasonable population of American immigrants, which means people are less surprised to see foreigners, but they still don't speak English. Around the city of Oaxaca there are a large number of ruins and historical sites, waterfalls and several towns, each focused on producing a specific type of craft.
- San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.This city was popular, especially among the people inspired by the Zapatistas. It tends to have more tourists and American migrants than average, but nothing like the tourist traps or the beaches.
That means there are more restaurants serving international cuisine, more hostel options (i.e. cheap self-catering accommodation, Wi-Fi 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 as steep as the mountains they rest on or run underground, Guanjuato is unique and more intimate than larger cities. Guanajuato, listed as a World Heritage Site for its historical value, is an ideal cultural center for those looking for something quieter but more fascinating.
6 authentic language programs to learn Spanish in Mexico
Cultural Institute of Oaxaca
If you are looking for a school with a lot of flexibility and learning opportunities, check out the ICO. This school offersa series of programsall year with different options depending on the time you want to invest. There are also specific programs designed for medical professionals, academics, and business people, and the school also teaches children.
The school can arrange homestay and has a social responsibility policy, sponsors a number of charities and hosts various fair trade events.
There are also numerous interesting cultural workshops, includingalebrije-Make and dance salsa and merengue; For those who want to gain even more speaking practice, there are also extracurricular conversation workshops.
Dara Idiomas, Mexico City
Based in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Dara Idiomas is a corporate-style school that aims to provide individual attention to business professionals. The school also provides education and support for people in the educational and publishing industries.
Dara Idiomas focuses on delivering specific results that match the professional goals of the client. This may include, but is not limited to, concentrating on negotiations or writing reports. Before classes start, students take a level test.
The school prides itself on providing certified native teachers for those who want to learn Spanish (as well as other languages like English or French) quickly.
Spanish Institute of Puebla
This school, unlike Dara Idiomas, focuses only 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. The morning classes focus on teaching and group work, while the afternoon classes are dedicated to individual teaching.
Other activities offered by the school include volunteering at an orphanage, cultural excursions, extreme sports adventures, cooking and dance classes, and more.
Mayan Earth, Chiapas
Offering group, private and intensive Spanish classes as well as homestay accommodation, this school prides itself on its "family atmosphere" and beautiful views of the city and mountains.
Unlike some schools, Tierras Mayas is wholly owned and run by Mexican teachers. They use a teaching method that combines grammar and conversation classes in a friendly and positive atmosphere.
The school can organize volunteer work for you and includes a community kitchen, cinema, library, free internet and free, local and organic coffee. Group lunches are also available on Fridays.
Falcon School, Guanajuato
Falcon School is unique in the flexibility it allows with its learning program. Students can decide how many and what classes they want each week.
Classes also cover a variety of topics, including your typical grammar and conversation classes, 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 visits to museums and other local excursions, weekend trips, kite making, arts and crafts, and other real world language learning situations.
The school can arrange homestay or rental accommodation and also offers phone rental, airport pick-up and childcare services.
Don Quijote, Oaxaca
Located a few steps from the center of the city of Oaxaca, Don Quijote offers students the option of private or intensive classes, Premium (flexible and personalized classes, with a meeting with the teacher to discuss your needs) and even cooking classes.
Accommodation options include a nearby student residence with shared or individual rooms and breakfast included. The maximum class size is five students and the school also organizes talks, lectures, afternoon activities and excursions.
There are so many amazing options here. If it's within your means, you might consider trying out 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. (Discharge)