Learn Spanish in Mexico

Incredible beaches, mysterious ancient civilizations, and magnificent natural sites, including mountains, deserts, and volcanoes — you’ll find all these in Mexico. Also, it is the country of the Spanish language. Here, over 120 million people are native Spanish speakers and that’s a quarter of all the Spanish speakers in the world. So it comes as a brilliant choice for Spanish courses abroad. Enjoy the diverse culture and beauty of this exotic country while practicing your Spanish with native speakers at language courses in Mexico.

• Which Spanish courses and schools can I find in Mexico?

  When you come to study Spanish in Mexico, you have a wide choice of language courses and extracurricular activities. Combine Spanish classes with a cultural program while staying in Mexico City, the major city of the country. Or spend time at white beaches in Playa Del Carmen. Or conquer the waves and learn to surf while practicing your Spanish in Puerto Escondido. From all these places, you will be able to venture out and see ancient Mayan sites and enjoy great bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

  No matter which destination you choose, you will find excellent Spanish programs in Mexico. There are standard, intensive, and themed courses in Mexican language schools both for teenagers and adults. Only you decide how intensive your course will be.

  Standard Spanish courses in Mexico are usually focused on four major language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Held in mini-groups of up to 7 people, these courses provide students with plenty of opportunities to practice the language with their classmates. At the same time, the small size of the group guarantees each student individual attention from the teacher. Normally, a standard course is part-time, there are 20 lessons per week and plenty of time for international students to explore Mexico and visit tourist sites. To find out more about the standard courses, check Frida Spanish School in Mexico.

  Intensive courses are similar to standard ones. They consist of 25 or more lessons per week and combine group and individual sessions. Furthermore, some schools, like Don Quijote Playa Del Carmen School, offer Spanish culture and conversation workshops as a part of their intensive programs. Choose this type of courses if you want to study language in Mexico more intensively and improve your Spanish quickly.

  And why not to combine your language course with some other activities? In Experiencia Spanish & Surf School they offer Spanish classes in the morning and surfing training in the afternoons. You can choose from their packages of different intensity and focus on your spoken Spanish instead of memorizing grammar rules. Furthermore, they offer an option of taking individual classes — on their own or as a part of the intensive package that combines both group and private study sessions.

• Accommodation

  Our language schools in Mexico offer you accommodation in the student residence, in a shared flat, or with a host family.

  In a comfortable student residence, you will stay in a single or double room with en suite bathroom and shared kitchen and common zones. Here, you can meet other international students and attend special student events.

  A shared flat offers you the same benefit of meeting other international students but provides more privacy than a student residence.

  Staying with a host family is the opportunity to immerse yourself deeper into local culture and explore the local lifestyle. Usually, breakfast and dinner are included, but you will need to follow the house rules, e.g. eating and showering at a particular time, no late-night visits, etc.

  If none of these options appeals to you, you can always find your own accommodation in any part of the city. Hotel, a hostel or Airbnb flat, — the decision is yours.

• Learning materials

  All Mexican language schools will provide you with textbooks, printouts for tests and exercises during your classes. However, you may want to bring a notepad, a few pens and a little dictionary to use during classes.

  Also, you may want to purchase some magazines, newspapers or books in Spanish during your visit. With them, you will be able to practice reading with authentic Spanish texts when you are back home.

• Budget

  When travelling to Mexico, you will visit some tourist attractions such as museums, galleries, theatres, and theme parks. You can check their websites for ticket info and prices in advance to plan how much money to take with you. Often, purchasing the tickets in advance online can be cheaper!

  Don’t forget to include in your budget some money for food, public transport, and souvenirs. We will send you some tips and insights about staying abroad before your trip to help with planning. On average, you will spend about $30 per day of your stay.

• Internet and Mobile Service

  When travelling to Mexico, you will be in the roaming zone and the charges for calls, messages and Internet usage can be high. The best way to get ready for your trip is to consult your mobile provider before the trip. Check what are the prices and if they offer any package deals.

  Otherwise, you can buy a Mexican SIM-card. Three major mobile providers in Mexico are Telcel (America Movil), Movistar, and IUSACell. Check their websites for more information on available packages and tariffs.

• Transport

  If you plan to travel in Mexico and want to visit a few sites in different parts of the country, you’ll have to consider various means of transport.

  The most convenient and the most expensive way to travel is to take a domestic flight and cover long distances by plane. It will be wise to do so if you travel from one coast to the other; the local low-cost airlines can make this trip more economical.

  If you are not up for crossing the whole country, consider travelling by bus. It is the most popular means of public transport in Mexico. While it is not as convenient as a train, the network is way more developed, so opt in the more expensive, high-class seats and enjoy the views from the window while crossing deserts and passing by volcanoes.

  If you are travelling inside Mexico City, you may enjoy one of the largest metros in the world. Or hop into a taxi, but remember, some of them operate by meter and some are happy to agree on a fixed price. Be wise and safe when travelling in Mexico.

• Climate

  As Mexico is a big country, it is located within a few climate zones and the weather in different regions may vary significantly.

  At the coast, the weather is hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Even if you visit this area in the winter, you will find that the weather is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

  Moving from the coast to the central parts of the country, you will see a much dryer and more temperate climate. If you take cities and villages located in the mountains or on high elevations, the weather there can be more chilly. In the winter, Mexico City can feel freezing and you’ll see snow caps on volcanoes and mountains across the country.

  The best way to plan your wardrobe for the trip is to check the actual weather at the place of your visit and pack your suitcase according to the weather forecast. Then, you will enjoy your Mexican holidays and will be able to do everything you’ve planned.

• Food

  Mexican cuisine is an important part of your cultural experience during the trip. Established centuries ago, traditional Mexican cuisine uses a lot of corn, rice, vegetables, seafood, chilli peppers, and spices. Tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, guacamole — so many Mexican traditional dishes and snacks have gained their popularity in Western countries. When you come to Mexico for language courses, it is your chance to re-discover the authentic Mexican cuisine and see how traditional food differs from their exported versions.

  Restaurants and bars in the tourist areas are typically a few times more expensive than places for locals. The same is true about markets: there you will find fresher and cheaper options than in restaurants or supermarkets. Be prepared to spend about $10–15 per day when eating street food and cooking at home, or pay about $12–15 for a single meal in a fancy restaurant.