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Language Schools in Mexico

© Geri Anderson

While it's not absolutely necessary to speak Spanish in Mexico, you'll have a richer and more satisfying experience if you know at least some Spanish. Therefore, attending a language school is a great way to launch your Mexican lifestyle, or even a vacation. There are many programs in Mexico and each student will spin a different tale. Since what happens and how much you learn depends a lot on the instructor and the mix of students in your class, there's an element of chance woven into learning Spanish in this manner. However, by doing some thinking and research before plunging, you can load the dice in your favor. Noted traveler and author, Carl Franz, offers some tips and review of textbooks.

On the Internet, you can check out Spanish language schools, although there's no single web site where ALL the schools are listed. There are, however, many sites where you can get information and even register online. I did. It works. I chose the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca because of its comprehensive program. We had three hours of grammar in the morning, followed by an hour of conversation. In the afternoon, two-hour workshops in weaving, pottery, cooking, dance, and music were offered - in Spanish. I ended the day with a one-hour intercambio session with a student studying English. We alternated between speaking Spanish and English. On weekends, optional tours into neighboring villages and archeological sites, gave students a chance to see the countryside.

The price of about $100 a week is certainly fair, but I placed in the lowest level class and I'd advise anyone who is really serious about learning Spanish, to learn some BEFORE enrolling in an immersion class . You can even do this on the Internet as I mention in an earlier article. Another suggestion: take private lessons until you're up to speed. Since there were some students in my class who didn't even know that Spanish nouns are either masculine or feminine, the class progressed very slowly. (The instructor didn't speak English, which forced us to learn, but also slowed the process.) There were a couple of students who probably will never learn to speak Spanish and who were there for social aspects only. This particular configuration of students made for a fun time, but it was not an efficient language-learning opportunity.

I elected not to live with a Mexican family because I felt that at the end of the day I'd be ready for some alone time. The staff at the Instituto was very helpful in steering me to rentals. That alone was worth the tuition price. I'd recommend a language school as a way

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