1. How much time does it take to learn Spanish at the Instituto Miguel de Cervantes?

It always depends on three main aspects: your natural ability to learn a language, your motivation, and the time you can spend here.  Usually you can’t control the first aspect, but motivation can often compensate.  People have been here six weeks and gotten to the subjunctive form of the verb, which is one of the last steps to master in Spanish grammar.

2. Can you please give me an itemized estimate of the complete cost of your program?

3. Can you describe your program in a few words?

There are classes beginning every Monday, and you can stay for the number of weeks you want.*  The program is adjusted to your needs, length of stay, your learning speed and level.  It is very personalized, and there are no more than 5 students in a group.  Also, you can benefit from a homestay, which allows you to live with a Mexican family and practice your new skills every day.  We also take you on cultural activities to make your experience richer.

* The school is closed from 17 April to 2 May 2004 for Easter Holidays.

4. What is the difference between the Basic and the BasicPlus program?

Our Basic program takes place from 9 AM to 12:30pm, daily. It includes 1.5 hours of Spanish grammar and 1.5 hours of practical and conversational Spanish, it is done in groups of maximum 5 students.  The BasicPlus has these same two periods and an additional 1.5 hour period of individual one-on-one instruction, Monday to Thursday.

5. What time is the one-on-one period of the BasicPlus program? Will I spend all afternoon in class?

The one-on-one period goes from 1PM to 2:30pm.  The rest of the afternoon is yours!

6. What do you learn during the one-on-one period of the BasicPlus program?

During this period, you are the only student, so you learn exactly what YOU need or want.  You can go over a topic that seemed a bit complicated in the morning, or concentrate on a different topic like literature, legal or medical Spanish, etc.

7. How much grammar is included in your Basic program?  Will it be necessary for me to be enrolled in the BasicPlus program to learn grammar?

Our Basic Program has one period of practical Spanish and one period of Grammar.  Each period is 1.5 hours.  If you want more specific attention, to learn Spanish vocabulary in your profession for example, then you'll need to enroll in the BasicPlus program.

8. Will the grammar period be only approach of the language?

Of course not!  Our dynamic teachers are very dynamic, the grammar goes into you without you really feeling it.  You just discover that suddenly you are using the past tense or that you know the difference between por and para!

9. It is my hope that the cultural program will be conducted completely in Spanish.  Is this the case?

Yes, it's conducted mostly in Spanish.  You need not worry about this aspect.

10. What are the extra activities that the Instituto Miguel de Cervantes offers?

In addition to the regular program, we offer different activities like: dance lessons (salsa and merengue), cooking lessons*, tours around the city*, tours to museums*, tours to mines, mountain biking, hiking, movies*, etc.  Most of these activities are free. *These are not always available.

11. Will the local people in Guanajuato be friendly and willing to speak to me as I explore the city?  Will people want to speak to me in English, or will they speak to me in Spanish?

The people in Guanajuato are very friendly if you are.  They will try to speak English sometimes, but if you ask them to speak in Spanish, they'll be happy too, as their English is usually not very good.  If you are looking to meet people, you will be happy to know that Guanajuato has many cafés and bars where all types of people hang out.

12. Can I fly into Guanajuato city?  If not, what is the nearest city that I can fly into?

The nearest airport is between Guanajuato and León, it's about 30 minutes from Guanajuato.  The airport code is BJX, and there are direct flights from many American cities.

13. Who will pick me up at the airport?

Usually, your host family will be there.  If for any reason they can't be there, a member of the Instituto Miguel de Cervantes will be there. If you are staying in a hotel or apartment, the airport pick-up is not included, but we can do it for $37 one-way (max. 2 people). If an airport pick-up or delivery is required for more than two people, then please contact us and we'll calculate the cost depending on the number of people requiring transport.

14. How will I know who you are at the airport?

The person waiting for you will display a great big smile and a sign with your name on it.

15. Can you tell me more about host families and accommodations?

Our host families are carefully selected from middle and upper-class families in Guanajuato.  We've been working with some families for over ten years now, and our newer families are usually referred to us by older families.  In the homestay, the family will give you a room and three meals a day.

16. Can I choose families with or without children, etc?

Most of the families don't have small children, but you can ask specifically to have, or not to have any in your home. 

17. I have certain food requirements, will this be a problem?

No. Our families are always aware of these health considerations and will cook according to any special diet you may have.  Students with diabetes, allergies, special diets, etc. should not hesitate to choose the homestay option because of dietary restrictions.

18. Will I get the turista while in Mexico?

In your homestay, all the vegetables and fruits are treated with purified water and disinfected. This is also the case in most restaurants in the city.  In case you get an upset stomach, your family will help you find the appropriate medicine or make you a homemade remedy. Chances are you will become sick if you eat in street stands or bad restaurants. 

19. Can I get a private room?

Yes.  If you request a private room, we will provide it for you, depending on availability.  There is an extra $5 cost per night for this option.

20. Do you have accommodation options other than the homestay?

We have 4 apartments available. Click here for more information.

21. Can we stay in a hotel?

Yes!  Even though you will not practice your Spanish as much, it is possible.  There are at least 50 hotels in town, so there will always be a place for you.  We are happy to make reservations for you, just indicate the hotel class you prefer: luxury, moderate, budget, etc. Click here for more information about hotels in Guanajuato.

22. Will I have any problem using a certified birth certificate as my proof of ID?  I am worried that I won't have time to get a passport.

US citizens do not need a passport to travel into Mexico, though it is always better to have one.  A proof of US citizenship will be enough, and with that document you’ll able to get your tourist card (visa) when you enter Mexico.  The tourist card (visa) is also available at any Mexican consulate. If you arrive in Mexico by plane, you will be issued a tourist card (visa) on board the plane.

23. I'm interested in your school from reading about it on the net, but would like to read references from former students. How might that be possible?

Yes, it is possible to send you references.  Just let us know, and we'll put you in contact with some recent students. In the meantime, you can read the comments made about our school by former students.

24. I don’t have all my registration information with me right now, and I don’t have access to the Internet at home.  Can I send you the registration by regular mail?

Yes! If you experience problems filling out the registration, or want to send it by regular mail, just download the paper version from our web site and fill it out by hand.  Expect regular mail to Mexico to take about 2-3 weeks.  Remember to send your deposit registered or express mail.

25. Are there any hidden costs?

No.

26. If I share a room, who will be my roomate?

When you share a room, it's always with another student of the same sex.  We also try to match students according to age, interests, or any other preference that they may indicate.

27. How do I go about getting my laundry cleaned?

Almost all the families have a lady who comes and cleans the house.  She usually does the laundry too.  You can make arrangements directly with her (about 50 pesos per week or so).  The other option is to go to a full-serve laundromat (there are no self-serve landromats).

28. Is it possible for you to give me an estimate of how much money I may need?

Other than your class fees, since your food and room are provided by the family, your costs depend on your spending habits.  Let me give you an idea of what things cost in Guanajuato:

29. How can I get money in Guanajuato? Is there a Western Union? Should I bring my ATM cards?

If you need money, there is a Western Union here, but there is also a much cheaper alternative:  your ATM card.  You can take out money, in pesos, from any one of a number of automatic tellers (usually no more than 150-250 dollars per day), and there is only the bank fee, which is usually one or two dollars per transaction. Cash is accepted everywhere, bring some for emergencies.

30. Is there a gym or a place to work out in Guanajuato?

People here exercise a lot.  There are several gyms where you can use the equipment for a small per-visit fee.  Also, it isn't difficult to enroll in an aerobics group.

31. Are your teachers bilingual in both English and Spanish?

Most of our teachers are bilingual English/Spanish. Some even speak Japanese, French or German. 

32. I would like to send my son and perhaps several other students for 2 - 4 weeks next year.  They would range in age from 15 - 16 years old.  Is that OK?

We welcome groups of all ages.  Depending on the size of the group and the time you’ll spend here, we’ll arrange a program for your group.  The bigger the group, the better discounts you’ll get.

There is indeed a diploma we give you at the end of your stay according to the level and program you followed.  However, there are no credits related to this diploma.

34. How do I get to school in the mornings? Is any kind of transportation provided?

Transportation to and from the school is provided everyday at the start and finish of your classes.

35. Is this a good area for bicycling?  We are considering bringing our bicycles.

Guanajuato is full of trails for mountain biking and hiking. Guanajuato also has a great rock climbing area.  If you are an adept of this sport, do not forget to bring your equipment!

36. I arrived in Guanajuato with my son, with plans to study at a school in the city that said it had a kids program.  The idea was that my son and I would both be studying at the same time.  Well, it doesn't have a kids program, so I am looking into other options for him.  What do you offer for kids?

Usually, the younger kids get totally immersed in the elementary school just next door.  It is one of the best elementary schools in the city.  However, this school is closed during the summer.  We do not claim to have a kid's program as some other schools in the city do (but beware, they often don't have what they say!).

37. Can you describe a "typical" student at the Instituto?

There is no such thing as a typical student. We have students of all professions and ages. Many students find this mixture to be the most apealling part of the Instituto. For example, we've had: a journalist from New York, a judge from Nebraska, an event manager for the Olympic games, a journalist from the Miami herald, a children hospital researcher, a dance instructor, lawyers, doctors, police agents, teachers, etc.

38. How soon can I arrive and how late can I leave?

A week in our programs include 7 nights, so if you arrive on a Saturday, you should leave on a Saturday too. If you stay one or two extra days, we will charge them at US$20 per night or US$25 per night for a private room.

39. Since you are in the mountains, should I bring warm clothes?

It is a good idea to bring a warm change of clothes for the chilly mornings and nights.

40. Is the deposit extra to the school fees?

No, the deposit counts in your total payment, the deposit is not an extra fee.

41. How can I pay the balance I owe you?

You can pay with travellers checks, cash (USD or pesos), a personal check, a certified check or a bank (not postal) money order. We do not accept credit cards.

42. How safe is the city of Guanajuato?

The city is the safest in the state and the state is one of the 3 safest states in the country.