WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Built on the ruins of a Mayan city, Merida (800,000) renowned for its safety, cleanliness, hospitality, fine cuisine & market. Beach & water sports only 21 miles north of Merida. Medium size school, downtown, fully accredited through the Yucatan Secretary of Education.

Enjoy a Spanish language course in Mexico at our language school in the city of Merida.

Merida, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is built on the ruins of a Mayan city has been the social and economic center of Yucatán since before the Conquistadors arrived.

Merida is a medium size city (800,000) and is renowned throughout Mexico for its safety, cleanliness, hospitality and fine cuisine. Its gracious, tree lined avenues, pleasing architecture, colonial charm, Mayan heritage and active cultural and recreational life make it an ideal location.

Close proximity to Mayan ruins and spectacular beaches have attracted Mexicans and travelers from around the world. This area is rich in history, abundant in subtropical beauty and hosts several biosphere reserves.

SCHOOL FACILITIES Nice classrooms, language lab, social areas and outdoor patio. high speed internet/e-mail. Mexican students also study English at the school, which gives students the opportunity to mix with the local students and perhaps practice language skills.

Our school is centrally located in a typical white washed two storey building, surrounded by a small garden.

The school actually has several locations in the cities and has been exclusively devoted to the teaching of languages since its founding in 1974. It is fully accredited through the Yucatan Secretary of Education.

Instructors are experienced native speaking teachers, well trained and enthusiastic about their profession. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels of study are available and groups are small allowing for maximum individual attention.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - start date every Monday, set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting 09:00am each day - min age 18 - Max. 6 students per class - unlimited course length.

Standard: (15 lessons per week)
Intensive: (25 lessons per week)

The schools teaching approach is called "total immersion" and there is no surer way to learn a language; you will be speaking Spanish from the start. Course work is carefully structured and designed to assure rapid improvement through the most effective and modern teaching techniques. To complement the classroom work, language laboratory sessions are available to reinforce skills.

Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together: trips to local galleries, museums, theatres, The Cathedral, the State Building and City Hall, the University, the Museum of Anthropology & Archaeology, parks and private mansions.

The famous Merida marketplace shouldn't be missed. It's a vast complex of booths, shops and street vendors, combining the exotic excitement of an oriental bazaar with the pleasant earthiness of a country fair. There are open-air concerts and art exhibits. Students can also take a 30-minute bus ride to the gulf town of Progreso for a swim.

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest: the ancient ruins around Merida, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah or visit the international resorts of Cancun and Cozumel via Mexico's public transportation system.

> Plan a group language program at this location! > GSA Advantage for US Government & Military personnel > Study & Live with your own private language teacher > Spanish programs for children & teens

Host Family: (private room - 3 meals daily).

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 20 minutes away.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Please Read: Important Travel Documentation

You will most likely have to fly through Cancún, Cozumel, or Mexico City. Mexicana flies to and from Mexico City. Aeromexico flies to and from Cancún and Mexico City. Cancún International Airport is 16 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the heart of Cancún City, many students fly into Cancun and then catch a bus to Merida (approx 2 - 3 hours travel time). Merida Lic-Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport is located about 4 km from downtown Merida.

"My host family was amazing! My host mother was so nice and made sure I was absolutely happy in every way! She was great!"
Stephanie Feldman (age 21) Program: Merida, Mexico