Spanish schools in Mexico (2023)

The second most spoken language in the world is Spanish, just behind Mandarin Chinese. More than 6% of the world's population speak Spanish, not counting another 60 million people who speak Spanish as a second language. The Romance language originated in a historical region of Spain called Castile before becoming the official language in countries on three continents. As more people learn the language, Spanish is a useful and exciting language to learn.

What better way to learn Spanish than in the country with the most Spanish speakers? Mexico is a thriving country as a travel destination that has an authentic and traditional vibe. This page has everything you need to get started. Start reading this expert guide to finding a Spanish school in Mexico. Then read the reviews and choose a language school from the list below. You are well on your way to becoming a fluent Spanish speaker!

If you have decided to learn Spanish, you are now faced with the dilemma of choosing your preferred program. The program you choose should complement your goals and ideal work style. Would you like to learn the ins and outs of the language from grammar to the written word? Or are you more focused on just learning language so you can be understood on future vacations? Would you like to have independent study to learn Spanish on your own surrounded by textbooks? Or would you rather work in a group and go on a hike to practice in real situations? There are many options available to suit your needs.

types of programs

College Courses:Enrolling in a Spanish course at university will be an intense experience, but it is a great relief to know that you are acquiring a structured way of learning that works. If you're already a student, spending a semester in Mexico is worthwhile as you can improve your Spanish while earning college credits. There are still courses for non-university students to study at school, for example summer programs. The good thing is that you can learn Spanish while studying another subject like Mexican history. Pros: Acclaimed tuition, strong structure, college credits. Disadvantages: less flexible, limited individual attention.

Group Lessons:This is a great method if you want to learn in a less intensive classroom environment that includes more fun field trips. There is also a more flexible selection process where you can choose to study for a week or two months. With Spanish being the dominant language, moving to Mexico will leave you feeling overwhelmed and intimidated at not being able to communicate with the local people. However, group classes put you in the same novice position as other foreign students, so you have people to network with. Another benefit is that many group courses offer a homestay experience, meaning you can live in a traditional Mexican home for full immersion in their way of life. Pros: Programs for different ages, levels and durations, greater immersion experience. Cons: No college credit, less individual attention.

private lessons:Another way to learn the language is to invest in a private tutor. This allows you to be very flexible on the days, times and even times you want to be taught. Of course, the biggest benefit is that you have the teacher's full attention so they can monitor your progress and continue correcting your mistakes. This means you can be more open to them if there are specific topics you want to learn about and you can progress at your own pace. Prices can be a bit high, although they can be as cheap as $15 an hour. Pros: One-to-one mentoring, course prioritized based on your needs. Cons: More expensive and less immersive programs.

Cultural immersion/extracurricular activities

Mexico is a country enriched with a unique culture that you cannot experience anywhere else. Because of this, it's best to try your hand at as many activities as possible. Various art performances, from painting to sculpture, are a big part of the culture, so arts and crafts classes are a must. Or try your hand at cooking, dancing and music. Luckily, many language programs offer you these courses and can offer trips around the country, such as to the Mayan ruins of Moxviquil, so you can have a great immersion in Mexico.

Curenavaca:You may not have heard of this city, but you won't regret choosing this place to study Spanish. Nicknamed "Mexico's Beverly Hills," Curenavaca is one of the most popular destinations in the country to study Spanish. It's easy to see why, as the city is home to more than 50 language schools, meaning it's a meeting place for many English people. speaking students Just a 30-minute drive from the capital, there are many attractions to visit, including the Palacio de Cortés (the oldest colonial-era civilian building in America), the Teopanzolco archaeological site, and the central square, which comes alive at night.

Mexico City:It will come as no surprise that the world's third-largest city, with a population of approximately 116,220,000, offers numerous degree programs for students to enroll in. If you are looking for an offbeat cultural experience abroad, then Mexico City is your place of choice. Mexico City's historic center and the "Floating Gardens" of Xochimilco are UNESCO World Heritage sites that are well worth a visit. Don't miss out on the city's art and culture. Aside from being the third best city for number of theaters, there is also artwork by artists like Frida Kahlo framed on the walls of the galleries.

Oaxaca:This state has many highly acclaimed language schools, such as Amigos del Sol. With a population of approximately 4 million, Oaxaca is famous for being home to sixteen officially recognized cultures such as the Zapotec and Mixtec. In addition to showing unique people, the state offers even more natural beauty with several national parks such as the Lagunas de Chacahua. The town is great for walking as it showcases historical monuments such as pre-Hispanic ruins, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and the archaeological site of Monte Albán. There are also miles of sandy beaches where you can practice your Spanish and have a relaxing holiday experience.

country information

When studying in Mexico, there are a few things you need to consider when considering how the language compares to other Spanish-speaking countries. For example, the written 'c' is pronounced like the 'k' sound in 'court' or the 's' sound in 'cent', while in Spain the letter 'c' is like the 'th' in think. Despite these differences, it won't have much of an impact on your Spanish when you speak it in other countries. It's more like having an accent or dialect, similar to how the British speak English compared to Americans.

reflexes

• Look at the crowd:Approximately 110 million (98.5%) of Mexico's population speak Spanish.
• Did you know..?With around 20 million students, Spanish is the second most studied language in the world.
• Spelling Bee:Spanish is a phonetic language, meaning words are pronounced the way they are written.
• Origin of the expression:Maybe you tend to say, "Up soon' while saying a hearty goodbye, but you might find it strange that this famous Schwarzenegger catchphrase literally means: 'Up soon."

The course you take must reflect the level of Spanish you may already be able to speak. Some courses require you to pass a test before you enroll so you can be placed in the program that is most rewarding for you. It's daunting to enter a country where almost the entire population speaks Spanish, but remember: you're not alone. There are many students who are in the same position as you and this can be a great comfort if you are new to the language learning process.

grants

Even though Mexico is a fairly cheap place to live, there are still scholarships available for you if you are struggling to fund the trip:

• boredoffers scholarships for American students who wish to study abroad.
• the mexican governmentoffers scholarships for university students to study for a semester in Mexican schools.

Why learn Spanish in Mexico

In the beginning it will seem very difficult to learn Spanish. There are many grammar and word rules to learn, which can feel like a math lesson at times, but once you master them, the language will flow more easily. It's true that you could learn Spanish in your home country through textbooks or at university, but nothing comes close to learning the language first hand. You may think you can speak Spanish before you come to Mexico, but not understanding your quick wit can take a toll on your confidence. That's why it's best to start right away in Mexico; to ensure you pronounce words correctly and become familiar with how they form sentences. Being in the countryside will also keep you motivated to learn the language as it is not just a hobby but essential for survival. You can hear the conversations around you and also converse instead of not being able to fully practice the language at home.

With a colorful culture, historical ruins, and natural sites, Mexico is the perfect country to spend time learning Spanish!