Language Schools

Everyone knows that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture where that language is spoken. For years, Merida has played host to many people from around the world who come to the Mayan world to learn Spanish. There are now many schools to choose from, depending on the way that you want to learn.

Some students prefer the very structured approach, where instruction is given on a daily basis in a classroom setting. Some prefer to learn the grammar and underpinnings of a language, while others just want to dive in and give it a try. Some people want a lot of classroom training, others very little. And in addition, some people want to coordinate their language training with a stay in the home of a local family, while others would prefer to choose their own lodging.

Merida has something for everyone, of course.

The newest Spanish School in town is ECORA Spanish School. It is the
only certified with the "M" Distinctive to the high quality of their programs and customer service. If you want to include some fun Spanish or Mexican/Mayan Culture classes while in Merida ECORA Spanish School has Recreational or for fun Classes. They can send you a teacher to your rental home or hotel per day or per hours or even a teacher to go with
you or your family for a day trip or tour. This kind of classes are flexible and there is no advance reservation required. The teachers can also go with students to field trips to the market, the museum etc as part of your class at no extra cost. They also offer classes for University credit (Spanish Courses, Conversation, Mexican and Mayan Culture, Latin American Literature etc) as well as customized courses such as Spanish for Legal, Medical or Spanish for teachers. There is a minimum of one week study with a minimum of 15 hours per week to get one credit. Registration in advance is needed for this second case. Classes are held in Spanish but all teachers are bilingual. They also offer homestay accommodation,
Excursions, Internships and Volunteer placement offsite of the cost of the
program."

One of the oldest language schools is C.I.S., or Centro del Idiomas de Sureste (Center of Languages of the South). With three locations, C.I.S. is also probably one of the biggest schools, also teaching English to Spanish speakers. English classes start every Monday and go for a minimum of two weeks. In addition, C.I.S. offers extra hours per day in business, medical or legal vocabulary. C.I.S. will arrange a home stay if you request that.

Another established language school is the Benjamin Franklin Institute. Conveniently located in the Centro Historico, the Benjamin Franklin Institute is housed in an old colonial building. Classes will generally be one-on-one unless you happen to be there when someone else of your level is attending the school. Classes also start every Monday here, and can be scheduled for a week or a year. Teachers here will provide both classroom training and may take the class on guided tours of some of the local sights. This school will also provide homestay opportunities.

Above: Two students chat in front of a downtown language school.

A newer school is The Institute of Modern Spanish. The Institute is located outside of the center, in Itzimna. Probably the most organized to appeal to the foreign high school or college student, the Institute of Modern Spanish offers various levels of Spanish language courses, as well as Spanish for Business, Yucatan History and a few other cultural classes. They encourage their students to stay in home of local families for the full immersion experience.

Recommended Language Schools
 Ecora Language School:
www.spanishschoolecora.com
 CIS (Centro del Idiomas de Sureste): www.cisyucatan.com.mx
 Instituto Yucatan:
www.institutoyucatan.com
 Lengua Alternativa:
www.lenguaalternativa.com
 Benjamin Franklin Institute: www.benjaminfranklin.com.mx
 Institute of Modern Spanish: www.modernspanish.com
 Spanish Institute of Merida www.simerida.com

More interesting articles
 Say it in Spanish - an article to help you get started.

Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.

Promotions & Discounts
 Click here to get the best deals for your visit in the Yucatan.