Student's comments
"The lessons are very interesting and I learned a lot of Spanish from the best teachers in San Miguel."
"Great place to learn Spanish. The teachers are fabulous and they are wonderful people to be around.."
Frequently Asked Questions
How is your Spanish language school
different than others in San Miguel de Allende?
Do you offer programs for children or teens? What
are the age requirements to enroll in your program? Are there any
aditional requirement other than age ones?
Is there a minimum amount of time I must
attend your Spanish immersion program and do I have to start at the
beginning of a session?
All lessons will be in Spanish only or
the teachers will use English to explain some topics and/or to help
students in understand?
Where should I fly? Mexico City or Leon?
How will you place me in a class?
How big are the classes?
Can I receive college credit?
How will I do my laundry?
What are the "hidden costs"?
Do I need a passport?
Do you offer art classes?
What do I do if I want to rent an
apartment?
Should I take group lessons or private
lessons?
Do the school and families offer Internet access?
If I stay with a family, how far will I be
from school?
Do you offer programs for children or teens? What are the age
requirements to enroll in your program?
Are there any additional requirements other than age ones?
No, we do not offer special programs for children
and/or teens.
In some cases, during summer sessions,and at our sole discretion, we
might open a special group for younger students.
There are the following age requirement to enroll in our program:
1) At this moment we do not offer programs for students under 13 years old.
2) Students under 18 and over 13 years old can enroll in our program
only if an adult is travelling with them.
The only additional requirement to enroll in our program is a genuine
interest in learning Spanish and about Mexican culture.
All lessons will be in Spanish only or the teachers will use English
and/or other languages to explain some topics and/or to help students
in understand ?
The philosophy of our program is that students should
be exposed to
Spanish language the most possible.
We think that the main goal of an intensive/immersion language program
is that students, with the help and support of the teachers, walk in
direction of the "break point", that is the moment when they will start
communicating in Spanish without mentally translating it into their
native language.
Our teachers are very experienced, they will do all what they can to
make students understand and participate using Spanish only.
However our teachers, in particular during the first days of the
program, will be flexible and, when strictly necessary, expecially with
absolute beginners in Spanish, they might decide to use a bit of
English during lessons.
Is there a minimum amount of time I must attend your Spanish immersion
program and do I have to start at the beginning of a session?
The minimum enrollment is one week, with the
exception of June and July sessions, when, due to high demand, and at our sole
discrection, we might enforce a minimum enrollment which might vary
from 2 up to 4 weeks, please check out the schedule page of this site
for details.
If you are a complete beginner we do suggest that you start at the
beginning of a session, while if you alreday know Spanish then you might be able to start on the 2nd or 3rd week of a session.
How is your Spanish language school different than others in San
Miguel?
While many Spanish immersion programs are quite
similar, one very
important factor is the student to teacher ratio. Our classes have a
maximum of ten students, and they are often smaller than that. We pride
ourselves on being a small, student-focused Spanish language school and
we are committed to providing the very best educational structure
possible. We have found that while there are many other language
schools like ours, they are often larger and somewhat impersonal. When
shopping around for Spanish schools always ask questions about class
size and how many students will be attending the program overall.
How will you place me in a class?
On your first day you will be tested to determine the
class that best suits you. If you winding up feeling that your class is
too easy or too hard you are always invited to try a different one. The
final say is up to you (with the help and suggestions of our teachers,
of course).
How big are the classes?
Average group size si 5-6 students. In any case no more than 10 students are a admitted in a classroom.
Can I receive college credit?
No, not unless you work this out with your college head of time. We will be glad to provide any kind of documentation you need for academicpurposes.
Where should I fly Mexico City or Leon?
Leon aiport is closer than Mexico City one. Flights are sometimes more expensive into Leon, but if you have the option, we recommend Leon.
If I stay with a family, how far away will I be from the school?
Usually five minute walking or less, fifteen minutes walking as maximum. San Miguel is a very small town and you can walk anywhere you need to go.
Should I take group lessons or private lessons?
If you have a very short time to spend studying with us or/and specific professional goals for studying Spanish private lessons might be better while if you have 2 or more weeks available and enjoy the interaction with other people then the group program might be your best option.
How will I do my laundry?
There are many "lavanderias" along the streets. You drop your laundry off and come back a few hours later to find it clean and folded neatly in plastic bags. It costs about as much you would spend in a coin operated laundry in the US.
What do I do if I want to rent an apartment?
Short term rentals (under three months) are difficult to come by in San
Miguel, especially during the summer. What is best is to stay in a hotel for your first few days and then look around for signs for apartment rentals. If you are not in a position to do this, then a homestay or hotel might be a better option for you.
What are the "hidden costs"?
None. Aside from your transportation to San Miguel, your homestay, and tuition you need very little extra money. This, of course, depends on your personal spending habits. You may want extra money for day or weekend trips, gifts, shopping, bars and restaraunts. However, San Miguel is a good place to be for students and those traveling on a limited budget.
Do I need a passport?
ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Mexico will be required to present a valid passport.
Visit www.travel.state.gov for more updated and official informations.
Do you offer art classes?
No, but there are several places in town that do. If you are interested in taking some art lessons on the side our staff will be happy to direct you to them upon your arrival.
Do the school and families offer Internet access?
No, the school nor the families offer Internet access. However you will find seven Internet cafes on same block of the school where you will be able to get Internet connection starting from $1 US per hour.
