WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Beautiful, laid back beach town blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, very different atomsphere to Cancun. Easy access to the magnificent Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal.

Enjoy a Spanish language course in Mexico at our language school in the area of Playa del Carmen.

Originally named Xaman-Ha (Waters of the North) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya). Located on the beautiful Mexican Caribbean coast some 40 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the newly named, Mayan Riviera.

Playa del Carmen is a beautiful place to spend some time, blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and easy access to the magnificent Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal.

These pyramids and temples are silent testimonies to the powerful civilization that built them and designated them holy places. Xel-Ha, a National Park and ecological wonder where both fresh and seawater mingle to create a natural aquarium, contains several prehispanic temples which are a must see.

Playa town center is situated so that you are never very far from the beach. Shopping here offers incredible variety with many quaint shops. The town square is right on the main beach and is a great place to just relax and watch the world go by.

Beachfront restaurants and smaller hotels offer an alternative to the much busier Cancun. Playa del Carmen is growing at an incredible pace, but somehow manages to retain the small town atmosphere that has made it a long time favorite for many.

Playa del Carmen is also the home base to the ferries that cross daily to Cozumel, Mexico's largest island. This kicked back island is just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula and is a divers paradise! It has many open air bars, Mayan ruins and endless miles of deserted beaches that all play a part in the mystique that is Isla Cozumel.

Playa del Carmen is a marvelous place to spend some time, relax and learn Spanish!

Our school is conveniently located just steps away from Playa del Carmen's famous Avenida 5 (5th Avenue) and 5 minutes walking distance from the stunning white sand beaches of the Caribbean Sea. The school's great location means that you are always within close proximity to all of the main pedestrian areas, charming restaurants, cafes, boutiques and the beach.

Playa del Carmen is small enough that most students walk to get around. If needed, inexpensive taxis are available for approximately $15 Mexican pesos per trip within the city of Playa del Carmen. Some students rent bicycles or use bikes loaned to them by the family they are staying with. Some families provide this service; others do not.

Our charming school (maximum capacity is 80-100 students) offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a good mix of international students (approximate 10-15% of the students are from North America).
Additional school information

In the afternoons and evenings, the school staff organize a wide range of activities for the students including salsa lessons, beach activities, Friday night organized dinners, pool parties etc. Students can alos enjoy the great nightlife and take advantage of the many water sporting activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and more.

In May of 2007, a group of young Inuit students from Pangnirtung (an Inuit hamlet in the Canadian territory of Nunavut) traded in their parkas for shorts and sandals. They travelled to Languages Abroad's Spanish language school in Playa del Carmen for one week. They participated in many activities including exploring ancient Mayan ruins, exploring communities, learning Spanish, swimming, snorkeling, exploring jungles, swimming with dolphins, meeting Mayan families, shopping, eating Mexican food, and sharing their culture and language. Check out the following link to learn more about their adventure and to view their images: www.xanga.com/PYLI_Mexico.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - 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 09:00 am each day - min age 18 - Max. 8 students per class - unlimited course length.

Standard program: 4 Lessons daily (20 per week)
Intensive program: 6 Lessons daily (30 per week)
Teenager Summer program: for ages 16-18

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. Spanish programs designed for all levels of the language and a lot emphasis is placed upon the speaking ability of the student. In addition to the normal classes, audio and video equipment, songs and local Spanish newspapers are used to promote the many different ways the language can be used.

After classes are over for the day our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

What to to do: Small beach town with relaxed atomsphere, great beaches and nighlife with a ferry excursion to the island of Cozumel. Fantastic water sports, sailing, diving and cruising available. National Park and ecological wonder where both fresh and sea water mingle to create a natural aquarium, prehispanic temples.

The beach scene in Playa Del carmen:

Social activities, nightlife & sports:

At the weekend explore the lost cities of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Mayan & Spanish cultures, sub-tropical rain forests, lively markets, Caribbean coast, beautiful beaches and the Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal.

Some examples of trips & excursions:

> 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 or shared room)with breakfast

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 15 - 25 minutes walk away.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels.

Self Catering Apartments: (private or shared room) no meals, choose between Basic (Apt 1) and Comfort (Apt 2)

This is also a very popular option especially for those students looking for further independence. Our apartments are normally located within the same distance as the host families (many are closer and in walking distance to the school).

All apartments provide a kitchen (including cooking utensils), shared bathroom facilities and living areas. Students can request a 1 or 2-bedroom apartment for their own, exclusive use, or can request to have an apartment shared with some of our other students. In this case, you have you own bedroom but kitchen, bathroom and living space is shared. Some apartments feature cable tv, queen size bed and air conditioned.

NOTE: The comfort upgrade apartment (apt 2) normally offer greater comfort: a larger apartment, better furnished, perhaps with a balcony, better location, TV, etc.

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