Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School

Activity/Tour

Learn Spanish quickly in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Guaranteed! Spanish classes, homestays with local Mexican families, weekend cultural excursions, and evening activities are all part of our "Ultimate Spanish Immersion and Cultural Program".

Typical Day

New classes begin each Monday throughout the year and students may study for as many weeks as they like. Placement in a group of 5 students per instructor is determined by a proficiency test given by the director first thing Monday morning.

Weekday Spanish classes begin at 8:50 am and end at 1:50 pm, with small breaks for snacks and relaxation with other students. The afternoon features optional lectures, guest speakers, workshops for educators and free one-on-one Spanish instruction. Students then go to their host families for the main meal of the day, traditionally served mid-afternoon. In the evenings from 5-7, optional activities including arts and crafts, cooking classes and dance classes, to name a few. Saturday offers a day long guided excursion, optional to students.

Age range, type of group

The age range of the students depends on the time of year. Holidays and the summer months are popular with families, teens, college students and professionals, especially teachers. The winter months are popular with professionals and seniors. Spring and fall months bring adult students of all ages and professions.

Sleeping and meals

Mexican host families can be arranged for you by Instituto Chac-Mool, including private or shared rooms, private or shared bathrooms, and 3 daily meals. Vegetarian meals are provided upon request. Host families are well screened and walking distance to the school. When registering for classes, your housing preferences will be asked so the perfect placement made be made for your stay in Cuernavaca.

Private casita rentals (without meals) are also available, as is assistance with hotel accommodations.

Restrictions

Children 4-12 years old are welcome in the Programa Amiguitos for kids, but only when a parent also attends Spanish classes at the school.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas outside in the school gardens and only in certain host family homes.

Rates

2004 tuition for adult classes is $180 per week, or $195 if beginning in June, July or August. There are discounts for studies 5 weeks or longer, or for groups traveling together. Children ages 12 and younger pay $130 per week.

There is a $100 life-time registration fee required for each adult and $50 for each child.

Prices are in US dollars. Registration fees reserve your space and all other fees are paid once you arrive in Mexico

A room with 3 daily meals with a host family is $18 per day for a shared bedroom, and $23 or $25 for a private bedroom. Private casitas are available for $16 per day, or US$12 if two or more persons sharing.

Other Information

The school is located in an excellent part of Cuernavaca, walking distance to many historical sights. Bus and taxi transportation in the city is inexpensive and plentiful. We have a contact in the U.S. that you can call toll-free from the U.S. and Canada. She will be able to answer all of your questions and will be there to coordinate your trip to Mexico.

Please make your own flight arrangements to Mexico City, then a private driver can pick you up inside the terminal and deliver you to your accommodations, or you can take the airport commuter bus that runs frequently non-stop to Cuernavaca each day.

Discounts Offered

Registration fees are life-time fees so once paid you can return again and again without incurring another charge.