Click on the links below to go directly to questions on specific topics, or scroll down to browse through the questions.

Student Age
Airport Access
Teacher Education
Classes and Levels
Climate
Cost
Excursions
Family Discount
Home Stays
Hotels
Internet Access
Hispanic Students
Payment
School Credit
School Location
Textbooks

Will there be other students my age?
Students of all ages attend our school.  This includes families with children, college students, older adults and seniors. Top

Which is the nearest airport from the city?
The nearest airport to Guanajuato is Leon/Bajio, which is about 45 minutes away by taxi. You can also fly into Mexico City, which is 4-5 hours away by bus. Top

What are the transport options from Leon/Bajio Airport to Guanajuato? How long does the trip take?
The main form of transport from the airport is by taxi and usually takes approximately 45 minutes. Top

I'm a bilingual teacher. Do you offer any special programs to help me prepare for my exams?
We can help you to improve your grammar, listening, writing, oral description and reading comprehension skills as preparation for your exams. Our one-on-one classes can be especially helpful if you have specific questions on grammar, or if you need to practice writing messages in Spanish to monolingual parents. Top

What size is your small group class?
There is a maximum of 5 students. Top

Can I combine some group classes with one-on-one classes?
Yes, however, one-on-one classes depend on teacher availability. Top

How can I select my classes?
Prior to your arrival you can check the list of classes (course descriptions) and inform us of your preferences. If you are already in Guanajuato and can come to the school, we prefer you to do the written exam before your start date, since it can be quite time consuming to do it during registration on Monday morning, and you may end up missing one or more of your classes. When you arrive at the school, you will also be asked to take a short oral exam. The written exam is used to determine your level of grammar and the oral exam your level of spoken Spanish for conversation classes. Some of the cultural courses have certain Spanish language prerequisites and you will be informed by the staff whether or not you can take them, as it will depend on your level of Spanish. The staff can also make suggestions as to the type of classes you can take to suit to your needs. Top

I have checked the course descriptions and I like the sound of a lot of the classes such as cooking, dancing and grammar. Can I take all of them?
Of course. As you can choose the type of classes you take and you can ask for as many different classes as you want. We recommend that you have second choices, just in case two of the classes you want to take are held at the same time. Top

What do you offer intermediate and advanced students?
Intermediate and advanced students can combine language classes with cultural courses. For example, an intermediate student might want to take three daily sessions of Spanish, in addition to one daily session of Mexican History and Mexican Literature. Top

If I am a true beginner and have never studied Spanish before what are my options?
For true beginners we suggest at least three language classes: basic communication, vocabulary and practical structures. In addition to these classes, you have the option of taking other vocabulary and  grammar classes, as well as cooking and dancing. Top

What is the climate like in Guanajuato?
The climate is spring-like year round with warm days and cool nights.  There are showers during the summer. Top

Do the language classes cost the same as the cultural courses?
Yes, except the cooking class, which costs $16 US extra to cover the cost of the ingredients. You do, however, get to eat what you prepare in class. Top

What is the registration fee for?
The registration fee covers the cost of making accommodation arrangements, planning your schedules and activities during the week, and also includes a free student ID card. You only pay the registration fee once, so if you return in the future it will not apply. Top

Do you organize weekend excursions?
Yes, we arrange weekly excursions and lots of events during the week. Top

Do you offer any discounts for kids?
Yes, we offer a discount on the registration fee, which is available from August to April. Children ages 6 to 12 pay a $30 US registration fee (a saving of $45 US), but they pay the full tuition fees.  Top

Do the host families live within walking distance to the school?
There are some host families who live near the school; however, families can be located in any part of the city. Top

Could you recommend a hotel near the school?
Yes, we would be happy to do so. Top

Does the school have internet access for students?
Yes, there are three computers in our internet cafe. Internet access is available to students at a cost of 5 pesos per 1/2 hour. Top

My parents speak Spanish at home. What special training can you offer me?
Latin people often have good listening comprehension but grammar problems when speaking and/or writing. We offer classes in composition and writing, grammar, and conversation that will help you focus on correcting your specific problems. We also try to highlight the differences between Latin American and North American societies and promote understanding through our auxiliary classes such as Culture, Cinema, Politics, and Mexican History. Top

Do you accept payments by credit card?
No, only cash ($US/Pesos). Top

What is the best way to bring money?
By far the easiest way to obtain pesos is to use a debit or credit card. Practically every ATM machine in Guanajuato accepts foreign cards. If you decide to bring travelers' checks, please bear in mind that the closest bank to the school is a 20 minute walk away, all banks close at 4pm and the queues can move very slowly. You are also required to hand over a copy of the front page of your passport every time you change money. Top

Can I get university/college credit from your school?
Yes, there are many ways to get credit.

• We can work with your specific university to grant college credit. However, we advise you to talk to your advisor and let us know what your university requires (i.e. course descriptions) in order to receive credit for your courses.
• You may receive credit from the University of Arizona through the summer program. Top

How far is the school from the city center?
By foot it is approximately 25 minutes; by bus or taxi it is approximately 10-15 minutes. Top

What kind of textbooks do you use?
We have developed our own textbooks for every level; beginner, intermediate and advanced. Textbooks can be obtained from the school office and can either be bought to write in and keep or borrowed. If borrowing, a deposit is required, which is refundable upon their return. All prices are in pesos. Top

• Vocabulary and Basic Communication - $20 (not available to borrow)
• Pronunciation and Diction - $250 to buy (with CD) / $100 pesos to borrow (without CD)
• Listening Comprehension - $20 (not available to borrow)
• Grammar Reference:
• Beginner - $300 (to buy or borrow)
• Intermediate - $250 (to buy or borrow)
• Advanced - $250 (to buy or borrow)