In Mexico we work with the Spanish Language Institute - Center for Latin American Studies Program in Cuernavaca. Known as the “Eternal Spring” due to its year round perfect temperature (70-85 F / 20-28 C), Cuernavaca is located in the mountains 50 miles south of Mexico City. The city offers a wide range of garden restaurants, nightclubs, cultural events and sport activities and has been a favorite travel spot since the days of the Aztec emperors and Mexican rulers including Cortés, Maximilian, and the Empress Carlota. Because of its beauty and variety, it is a perfect place to study Spanish.

The Spanish Language Institute (SLI) is located in a residential area of the city. The beautiful complex is built in the Mexican colonial style and includes comfortable and attractive conference rooms, small group classrooms, a swimming pool and cafeteria.

The SLI program is designed to provide all its students, from the complete beginner to the advanced, with a learning environment conducive to thinking, writing, and speaking naturally in Spanish within the context of real-life situations. You can begin classes any Monday of the year. The length of stay varies from one to 12 weeks, depending on your goals. You should plan to arrive on the Friday before classes to attend a Saturday morning orientation and placement activity to assure that you are in the appropriate classes. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (six hours).

Classes are small (no more than 5 students per teacher) and include a variety of activities to enhance the student’s learning. Late afternoon optional programs include videos, round table discussions, grammar clinics, Mexican contemporary literature and cooking classes. In addition, SLI offers a variety of excursions including trips to Xochiacalco Archaeological Zone, Santiago mountain wool market, Taxco, Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mexico City Museum of Anthropology, Bazzar Sábado, Frida Kahlo Museum, Puebla, and Cholula, Full weekend trips are offered to Acapulco and San Miguel de Allende.

An important part of the immersion experience is living with a Mexican family. The host families are screened and chosen to provide excellent attention. Families are middle and upper middle class by Mexican standards. The family provides you with three meals daily and transportation to and from school, if not within walking distance. You can choose to have a Private Room or Shared Room. Options for hotel living are available for those who desire that form of lodging.

Registration Fee
$100 (per person, not applicable toward tuition and non-refundable)

Tuition fee per week - Regular Program
$175 (2 week minimum recommended) Books and materials (when needed) $15-$25.

Additional Programs: Semi Private—3 hours of private classes and 3 hours of regular program.
Tuition $450 per week.

For those with professional needs, a completely customized private Executive Program of 6 hours of private classes—30 hours per week can be arranged. Prices upon request.

Excursions (optional)
Half day $18-$22. Full day $20-$25. Weekend (1 or 2 nights) $130-$180.

Airport transfer Mexico to Cuernavaca, one way $70. two people traveling together $90.

Private $22. Private for couples $44. Shared room and bath $15.
These prices are on a per night basis and include three meals daily

High School students (ages 13-17) can experience an unforgettable adventure by joining one of the SLI groups for a two week or more stay in Cuernavaca. Young people will receive the incomparable benefits of an increased fluency in Spanish, as well as the unique experience of being a participant in Mexican culture.

A typical day will look like the following:

8:00 am - 11:00 am Spanish classes (at your level in a group no larger than five) 11:00 - 12:00 pm Mini courses: The Mexican Family, Mexican History 12:00 am - 2:00 pm Functional Spanish—group classes with opportunities to practice “real life” situations such as shopping, bargaining, ordering at a restaurant 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm “Comida” with your family. Siesta 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sports/Arts/Other Activities—football, swimming, fiestas, picnics, movies, bowling, salsa dancing, guitar, ceramics, visits to the market, interviews with local people, art classes, weaving, Mexican singing classes, excursions.

This program is designed as a group experience. All travel is accompanied by adults. Reasonable curfews will be in effect and no alcohol will be allowed. Class attendance is mandatory.

Contact Sandra Pollack at journeyweavers@aol.com for registration and payment arrangements.

For additional information and pictures, you can visit the SLI web site link at: www.sli-spanish.com.mx

© copyright, 2004, Journey Weavers. All rights reserved.

Design: Marcelle Toor Designs