Our program is based on the idea that the best way to learn a second language is to use it for authentic communication. This "communicative approach" will help you acquire new language skills more easily and effectively within a real world or language immersion setting. By immersing yourself in the language and using it immediately, you will improve your pronunciation, learn new vocabulary, and comprehend correct grammar more naturally. Within that context, we focus your efforts on the four essential language skills for listening, speaking, reading, and writing – all within a cumulative and measured curriculum.
Classes are adapted to your needs
To ensure the quality of our curriculum, we assemble all teaching materials and workbooks at the Institute and all our teachers undergo intensive training in our methods. Plus, their classroom performance is continually reviewed. We limit class size to just 5 students except during the busy summer months when classes can have up to 8 students. That gives each student an opportunity for personal attention during class. Academic material is provided for each student but we suggest you bring a pen, paper and a dictionary with you to your classes.
Online Placement Test
One or two weeks before your arrival, we will ask you to take an online placement test. Those results will help us place you at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level of Spanish. We will also adjust that assessment with a quick oral test at the beginning of your first class.
Beginning Level Focus
- Development of basic communication skills
- Listening, comprehension, vocabulary development, pronunciation guidance, and conversation
Intermediate Level Focus
- Progression from beginning communication skills
- Vocabulary development and conversation practice with role-playing
- Some attention to useful grammar points
Advanced Level Focus
- Progression from intermediate communication skills
- Continued vocabulary enhancement and conversation practice
- Review of essential grammar structures for writing activities
- Reading assignments which pertain to your interests and learning goals
Programs For Individual Students
Basic Program
The language component of our Basic Program consists of a daily 3-hour instruction block from Monday through Friday. These classes begin at 9 a.m. and run through 12:30 p.m. with a half-hour break for a total of 15 hours per week of structured language classes.
Basic Plus Program
Those individuals who want more intensive language instruction may sign up for the Basic Plus Program. This option provides an additional language-learning block of "private instruction" from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. That's an additional 6 hours per week of one-on-one instruction that can be tailored to the specific needs of the student or professional such as teachers, medical professional, lawyers, and others. These are classes for individuals, not groups, and are designed to offer additional practice in the vocabulary and structures introduced in the Basic Program. Let us know about your needs and we will arrange a Basic Plus Program to fit you.
One-on-One Program
For a more intense learning experience and the ability to tailor one hundred percent of the curriculum to your particular needs, we offer a one-on-one program. It's 30-dollars an hour for these private sessions at the school or a location downtown. We can schedule as many hours as you'd like within two blocks during the day from Monday through Friday. The first block is between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The second block is between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. These individual classes are good for students at all levels of Spanish and for professionals who want to progress quickly during their stay in Guanajuato. Let us know what you need and we can work out a curriculum and a schedule.
Program Costs
Programs for Groups
Professional Groups
The Instituto can also plan a special program for groups of five or more professionals who need to learn Spanish for their jobs or careers. In the past, we have arranged programs for teachers in bilingual classrooms, doctors and other medical service personnel, lawyers, and social service professionals. When possible, we are happy to arrange special field trips to facilities related to the group focus such as local schools and hospitals. We've had groups with as many as hundred students and can offer special group rates depending on the size, activities, and special arrangements. So no matter what your needs, we'll be happy to work with you to plan an outstanding program for your group. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about how we can help you.
Student Groups
If you're organizing a summer trip for high school students or gathering all your teen or adult friends for a shared learning experience, we also offer special rates for groups of 10 or more students attending the Instituto together. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information about rates for your group.
Special activities
The payment for those options has to be done directly at the Instituto.
Cultural Activities
$10 per person per activity - no minimum required
These trips are designed to give students more "listening" and "speaking" time with the Spanish language and introduce them to many aspects of Mexican history and culture. They include visits to local museums, dance clubs, lectures on Mexican art, history, and literature, and hiking tours in nearby mountains. A weekly calendar of activities is posted every Monday offering two activities per week on a random basis. One of our teachers will lead the group at no extra cost to students but students will be responsible for any incidental costs, such as museum entrance fees. We can also recommend places worth visiting if you'd like to travel on your own.
Cooking Classes
$15 per person - group of 5 people minimum
Get together with your classmates for a Spanish class that will also teach you about Mexican cooking and reward you with something good to eat or drink! We organize cooking classes based on demand for groups of 5 or more. Projects could include handmade tortillas, tamales, fresh salsa, or even various kinds of margaritas or guacamole with a contest to see which is the tastiest. All instruction and conversation will be held in Spanish. Price is $15 per person.
Dance Classes
$10 per person - group of 5 people minimum
We can also organize latin dance classes for groups of 5 or more. They would be held at the school or a local studio or club. Dance styles could include Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, or even the traditional Mexican Zapateado. All instruction will be held in Spanish. Price is $10 per person.
Day Trips & Overnight Trips
Cost depends on activities - group of 5 people minimum
The Instituto also offers special cultural excursions during some weekends, typically during the summer months. Some of those destinations include the well-known San Miguel de Allende known for its thriving international artistic community and the historic Dolores Hidalgo where Father Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous cry of independence. Both are in the state of Guanajuato and are close enough for day trips. Farther afield are the colonial cities of Querétaro and Morelia, the quaint Pátzcuaro, México City or farther west, Guadalajara. They would require at least a one night stay over. The price of the trip depends on the destination and the number of people in the group. We need a minimum of at least 5 people. If there are not enough people for a group, the Instituto can advise you on how to travel on your own, and help you obtain bus tickets and hotel reservations.
Starting Dates/Holidays
New classes begin every Monday except on a holiday. The holidays we observe at the Instituto include the following:
- New Year’s Day on January 1st
- Holy Friday during Easter
- Mexican Independent Day on September 16th
- Christmas on December 25th