• Mexico
• Merida
• Guanajuato
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta
• Oaxaca

The City

• Mérida, the most important city in the Yucatán Peninsula, in 1995. Mérida is considered one of the most beautiful and culturally enriched cites in all of Mexico, and it enjoys the famous Yucatán climate of year-round sunshine. Our balmy weather is perfect for enjoying the 231-mile stretch of beaches only a 20-minute car or bus ride from the city. Many inhabitants of Mérida enjoy visiting these beaches -- and the quaint port city of Progreso -- throughout the year.
• Due to Merida's easy access to the well established port of Progreso, remarkable infrastructure, and well-established business services the city has been able to remain separate from the economic difficulties felt in other parts of Mexico. In recent years there has been a growth in 'maquiladora' industries in the Yucatán. However, Yucatán is one of few Mexican states with a State Secretary of Ecology whose responsibility includes ensuring that industrial growth does not disrupt the natural beauty of the state.

The School

Founded in 1995 to develop educational programs devoted to the instruction of the Spanish language and Mexican & Latin American culture through full language immersion. Located in the State of Yucatan, is a Spanish language and Mexican culture school that provides the students with the opportunity to learn Spanish in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico which is considered one of the most beautiful and culturally enriched cites in all of Mexico and Latin America. Our comfortable facility includes air conditioned classrooms, swimming pool and wireless internet.

Spanish Courses in Merida

Flexible Programs: Study for 4, 5, 6, or 8 hours per day for 1 to 16 or more weeks in Group or Private Classes. (2 week minimum suggested*.)

Classes average three students per level. Maximum of five students per Spanish language class.

Daily schedule of classes:
4 hours/day 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
5 hours/day 8:00AM to 1:00PM
6 hours/day 8:00AM to 2:00PM
8 hours/day schedule varies
In special circumstances, 4 hours/day classes may be held in the afternoon/evening.

• Elementary Spanish I & II (Spanish 150 and 151, 40 to 50 hours each)
  This course consists of an introduction to Spanish in the context of the Mexican culture. The students will be taught in Spanish about Spanish grammar and syntax. They will read selected authentic texts and produce language both orally and in writing
• Intermediate Spanish I & II (Spanish 250 and 251, 40 to 50 hours each)
  In our intermediate Spanish courses students will further practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. The focus in this course is on fluency and cultural understanding. A variety of class activities are used to ensure all individual learning styles are reached.
• Advanced Spanish I & II (Spanish 350 and 351, 40 to 50 hours each)
  In our advanced Spanish language courses students work toward full fluency in speaking and writing in both informal and formal contexts. Advanced listening and reading practice is provided through inclusion of authentic texts applicable to many interests.
• Spanish Conversation (Spanish 105, 120, 220 & 320, 40 to 50 hours of instruction)
  The students will engage in conversation and role play at a formality level appropriate for their language knowledge. Beginners will practice survival Spanish, Elementary Spanish students will practice present aspects of self and others, Intermediate Spanish students will practice conversing about past and future events, and Advanced students will practice formal conversation.

Accommodation

Family Homestays:
In order to obtain the most benefits from our Integrated Language Learning Programs, we urge you to stay with local families selected.

With such families, you will be provided with a clean, private or shared room and three delightful home-cooked meals daily. Safe water for drinking, warm water for bathing, clean sheets and bath towels will also be provided. Any special dietary needs will be met. This is an excellent opportunity to practice Spanish and experience the local culture firsthand.

Alternative Accommodations:
Student housing outside of a host family's home is available. The charge is US$22.00 per night. No meals are included. Space is limited. Early registration is advisable. We are happy to suggest a hotel for those who desire alternative arrangements. Our responsibility is limited to locating and reserving such accommodations.

Activities and Excursions

All packages (classes with homestay) include a Panoramic City Tour.

Excursions available to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, Uxmal & Dzibilchaltun.

Excellent school guided tours to near by towns and villages (Izamal, Progreso, Tixcoccob, and others).

Beach is a convenient & short (15-20 minutes) bus ride away.

Explore the surrounding convents and colonial haciendas.

Our Opinion

The Plaza Grande or Main Square, is the central point for all walking tours. Here a wide variety of Merida’s characters meet, demonstrating the intense activity of the cultural capital of the Yucatán Península.