www.MexicoAmigos.com

    Catedrál por el centro                  Cascada "El Salto"             ¡Su clase en Cuernavaca!

Beginners-> Advanced Students    Stays from 1 week    Let us help you with your individual learning needs   SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS IN CUERNAVACA AND TEPOZTLAN, MEXICO You pay the same fees through us that you would pay at the schools in Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán! Phone Toll -Free (US/Canada): (866) 4-SPANISH or (866) 477-2647)  Daily: 8am-8pm, Pacific Time    Info@MexicoAmigos.com

Study and learn Spanish in tropical, colonial Cuernavaca, Mexico, in an intensive Spanish language and cultural immersion school.
Develop your Spanish language skills as far as you want to go.
"Come enjoy the warm tropical sun of Cuernavaca, Mexico...... for the “experiencia” of a lifetime!" ™

ABOUT AVENTURAS

In 1981, in between years of graduate study in social work, we traveled to Mexico to study Spanish in an intensive Spanish language immersion school. We knew then that acquisition of Spanish would be important to us in our profession working with mental health clients in California. We traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico, which we learned was one of the world centers for the study of the Spanish language. Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, we began our research of the many schools there. After visiting many schools and meeting their staff, we decided upon the program  at EXPERIENCIA, Centro de Intercambio Bilingüe y Cultural. It had many things that we were looking for and more:

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS A seasoned and experienced school. This program was founded in 1977 by Arturo Ballinas. Staff receive regular training updates on teaching methods. An intensive Spanish language program with small group (never more than five students in all group classes, not like some schools) and individual private classes. We can specially design a mix of group and individual classes  or add additional hours to meet your specific needs. A program which emphasizes learning Spanish in the context of understanding Mexican and Latino culture helping you to become culturally competent in your application of Spanish. Evening Learning Integration Activities included in the price of basic tuition (lectures, dance, bilingual "intercambio" with Mexican students learning English). Interesting and fun Saturday excursions, included in the price of basic tuition, to archeological sites, recreational sites, as well as other popular locations. An opportunity to live with Mexican homestay family who will welcome you as a member of their family. They will also help with homework and integrating the Spanish language and culture in a natural way. Volunteer work experiences to further integrate your language acquisition and integrate specific job related language skills. We help you arrange a placement in a hospital, a clinic serving families or a clinic serving children. A reasonable price with many additional activities included (evening Learning Integration Activities and Saturday excursions are included in basic tuition, unlike many programs where you pay extra, IF they have the activities available). Classes for children and teenagers on the same campus running concurrently to adult classes. A friendly, family-operated school with a serious academic atmosphere and  classes in a beautiful tropical garden setting. A focus on program flexibility to meet individual learning needs. Access to meet and speak with Mexican students studying English. Students from Europe and other parts of the world, not just the US, like many schools Special study programs for professionals (health, medical, education, social work, psychotherapy,  business, legal, etc). Significant discounts for professors, teachers, travel agents and others bringing groups to study. Inquire for quotes regarding your group idea.

We decided upon a six week course of studies with very little background in Spanish. During our stay, we fell in love with the people and the culture of Mexico. Our experience at Experiencia was one that left a lasting impression. In the spirit of our graduate studies professor at the University of Washington, our experience was one of "fun and learning, too!" We made life-long friends from Mexico and Europe. We traveled for two weeks in Mexico after our studies before returning home. Since that time, we have returned to Mexico for a dozen additional "aventuras" there, totaling about a year of time spent in various parts of the country. In 1999, we returned to Experiencia with our children (now 14 and 11)  for a "tune-up". Since that time, our children have taken ten weeks of immersion classes themselves and our own level of fluency has continued to build.

Each time we have returned we have taken additional students with us. We started AVENTURAS out of our love for México, her people and a desire to help bring increased Spanish language skills and cultural competency to the services that many people need in their employment setting today. The students that we send down and take down in group trips with us come from many different backgrounds. Some are Social Workers, Mental Health Therapists, Teachers, Nurses, Education Professionals, Business Executives and Professionals, College Students, Retirees, and other Mexico-lovers that just want to be able to speak better when they travel. Many of our students are Latinos who either want to learn the language for themselves, fine-tune some aspect of grammar, or expose their children to the culture and the language in a more intense way. Many students  have traveled with their families who study with them. Some students feel more comfortable traveling in a group so we have enjoyed setting up these experiences as well. We look forward to many more "aventuras" ourselves. We want to share our experience with you in helping you map out your next adventure in learning.

Most recently we have helped to bring online a website to provide Online Spanish Tutoring: www.SpanishTutorOnline.com using email and live instant chat to facilitate learning. Through the use of this format we have found that we have continued to build language skills after we have come back home. We have also been surprised at the improvement in our ability to read  and write Spanish. Currently, this program is offered in an immersion-style format with the learning occuring completely in Spanish. This is appropriate for intermediate and advanced students. For some students it will help them brush-up on their Spanish and be at a higher level of fluency when they arrive in México for intensive study. For others, it will help to maintain and build their fluency when they have returned home.

A sus ordenes,    Charley and Laura, AVENTURAS: Educational Travel Adventures
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Aventuras: Educational Travel Adventures
Language and Cultural Immersion Program Consultants
3565 North Main Street , Soquel, CA 95073, USA
Phone Toll -Free (US/Canada): (866) 4-SPANISH or (866) 477-2647 Daily: 8am-8pm Pacific Time
For International students from outside the US and in the Santa Cruz, California area: (831) 476-6360

www.MexicoAmigos.com
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If you are interested in learning to speak Spanish in an intensive way...
The most innovative and efficient intensive method for learning  Spanish based on individual needs...
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ABOUT EXPERIENCIA: Centro de Intercambio Bilingue y Cultural

Experiencia is a premier Spanish language and cultural immersion program in Mexico for over 25 years. The home campus of the school is located in the town of Cuernavaca. This is in central Mexico about an hour and a half south of Mexico City. At an altitude of 4,500 feet in central Mexico, it is known as “the City of Eternal Spring” for it's year-around mild temperatures. The Tepoztlán campus
is located in the indigenous village of Tepoztlán and enjoys a similar climate.

Experiencia was founded in 1977 by Arturo and Humberto Ballinas, as one of the first Cuernavaca language schools, with the goal to offer a first-class Spanish program and an interesting extracurricular program. Since then this school has provided small classes of no more than five students or private classes, at all levels of instruction. Tuition costs for group classes are between $135 to $160 dollars per week depending upon length of stay. Classes begin every Monday throughout the year with instruction between 9am and 2pm and two hours of extracurricular activities in Spanish M-F from 6-8pm. Activities included in the price of tuition are lectures; cultural activities; Mexican/Salsa dance classes; twice weekly language and cultural “intercambio” with Mexican students learning English at the school; Saturday excursions to ancient pyramids, museums and recreational sites. Additional Sunday excursions each week are available for an additional fee. Reasonable accommodations can be arranged with a Mexican host family for a complete immersion experience; on campus; in an apartment or at a local hotel.

Experiencia has always been strongly committed to the Mexican culture and traditions. Lectures on history, culture and contemporary events are an integral part of the program. They have carefully selected each member of its teaching staff. All of the teachers receive ongoing training through specialized courses. Qualified and committed teachers are a vital condition for a successful learning environment.

 Experiencia is a small and friendly Spanish language school. Both the students and the teachers experience the school as their second home characterized by an easy and relaxed atmosphere, yet a serious setting for study and language acquistion. The classes take place under the palm trees of the school's garden and under the warm subtropical sun of Cuernavaca and Tepoztlan.

If you feel more comfortable traveling in a group, contact AVENTURAS regarding current group trips on our calendar.

You pay the same fees through us that you would pay registering directly with the school in Cuernavaca. We will provide you with travel information on an individualized basis and help you arrange a study  program based on your specific needs.
AVENTURAS charges no additional fees, except for group trips.

Our Spanish Courses in Cuernavaca, Mexico

EXPERIENCIA OFFERS THREE BASIC PROGRAMS
AND WE WILL PLACE YOU ACCORDINGLY FOR THE NUMBER OF WEEKS REQUESTED

A basic language course, from 1 to 16 weeks. A four week course, in which the vocabulary is especially suited to those students interested in travelling afterwards. A combined course for advanced students, including language, history and culture, with appropriate vocabulary. To a maximum 16 weeks. Longer programs may be arranged. Any of the three programs can be studied either individually or in a small group. Students may register for any number of weeks. Group and individual classes begin each Monday throughout the year.

*** Make new Friends!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
A special program can be offered to those with a specific learning objective, e.g. for business executives, teachers and educators , social workers, mental health workers, flight attendants, medical staff or technicians, etc. An extra fee will be required.

Families and children are especially welcome at EXPERIENCIA! Ask about our classes for children and teens.

Please inquire with our representatives, AVENTURAS to learn more:   Info@MexicoAmigos.com

Sunday Excursion: Pilgrimage to Chalma

*** OUR SPANISH COURSES Open to everyone age 5 and up. Special courses arranged for children and teenagers All levels of instruction begin each Monday throughout the year Your skill level will be determined in a personal interview Each course is attended by no more than five students You will have a different teacher each week You will receive homework on the average of ½ to 1 hour daily A change of groups is possible, according to your progress A certificate will be awarded at the end of every course

***          COURSE CONTENT, TEACHING METHODS & MATERIALS Spanish is spoken exclusively in the classes (a knowledge of English is not necessary) Each course will progress through 15 different levels First levels include grammar, verbal communication, reading and writing Advanced levels help to consolidate acquired skills and expand vocabulary Illustrated teaching materials are used as often as possible Grammar exercises use various written materials as well as group discussions Dictation is given to improve writing skills Learning Integration Activities reinforce structured classroom learning The school's own grammar book will be the basis for all programs Specific exercise books will be utilized for each course Teaching materials are up to date and written by the school staff, allowing the teacher to adapt the teaching-learning process to the needs and knowledge of the student Daily assigned homework One book for each 4 week course required. US$10

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WEEKLY CLASS PROGRAM

Monday through Friday 09:00-10:30 hrs Spanish grammar lesson 10:30-10:45 hrs Break (Practice your Spanish with teachers and other students!) 10:45-12:00 hrs Spanish grammar lesson 12:00-12:30 hrs Break (Practice your Spanish with teachers and other students!) Monday through Thursday 12:30-14:00 hrs Conversation Class Friday 12:30-15:00 hrs Practical Situation (market, museum, historical site, pyramids in town etc.)

Mercado Municipal in Cuernavaca

Monday 18:00-20:00 hrs Lecture or Round Table Discussion Tuesday and Wednesday 18:00-20:00 hrs Bilingual exchange program Thursday 18:00-20:00 hrs Lecture or Round Table Discussion Friday 18:00-20:00 hrs Video or Cultural event Saturday 09:00-19:00 hrs Excursion (within the state of Morelos) Sunday 8am-6pm Excursion (outside the state of Morelos)

View of Tepoztlán from Pyramid Site

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Example of Our Lecture Topics

Art in Mexico Prehispanic philosophy Precolumbian history The Mexican Revolution Mexican contemporary history The myth of Quetzalcoatl

The political system in Mexico Mexican society The role of women in Mexico Mexico's geography The Zapatistas/ Marcos in Chiapas:Struggle for indigenous rights

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BILINGUAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH MEXICAN STUDENTS

Experiencia is a school that also offers foreign language classes for Mexican students. The establishment of  bilingual interchanges or "intercambios" many years ago has made the school well-known in Cuernavaca because apart from language instruction, it actively contributes to a better intercultural understanding and friendship between foreign and Mexican students. All students may participate in the bilingual exchange. Various topics of interest are discussed in small groups or the students simply decide what to talk about, one hour in Spanish and another in English, German, Italian or French.

Film and Video Evening

Documentary and feature films about history, culture, politics and life in Mexico, as well as Latin America and other continents. All students may participate.

Xochicalco Pyramid Site

SATURDAY EXCURSIONS (included in weekly tuition) Xochicalco, a ceremonial center of the Toltecs, and Malinalco, a fish hatchery village The pyramid of Tepoztlán, a tradition village of Morelos Tlayacapan, a 16th century village built according to the "Utopia" of Thomas Moore Las Estacas River Tequesquitengo Lake

SUNDAY EXCURSIONS The pyramids of Teotihuacán, a ceremonial center of the prehispanic Mexicans Taxco, a silver town in the state of Guerrero The Caves of Cacahuamilpa, 2 Km. long subterranean caverns famous for their natural beauty Mexico City Museum of Anthropology and Ballet Folklorico The Pyramids of Cholula, the center of the mighty Toltec empire

Teotihuacan: Pyramid of the Sun Pottery Shop in Puebla

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WEEKEND EXCURSIONS: 2 or 3 Days

• Colonial towns of Puebla, Querétaro and Guanajuato

• Acapulco, a world famous town on the Pacific coast

• Oaxaca, the pyramids of Monte Albán and Mitla

All excursions are accompanied by an expert guide. Entrance fees, when charged, are the student's responsibility. No charge for transportation on Saturday. A small charge for Sunday.

ACCOMMODATIONS OPTIONS AND PRICES WHILE STUDYING SPANISH AT EXPERIENCIA
HOMESTAY FAMILIES, DORMITORIES AND OTHER OPTIONS

Living with a Mexican family is, for most students, a valuable experience and, for the school, it is an important part of the language program. Experiencia has carefully selected the families and are responsible for seeing that each student will be welcomed as another family member. Your family will also help you with homework and with the improvement of your conversational fluency. Also available are dorm rooms at the school, although we request early registration to guarantee availability, especially in the summer. Breakfast is the only meal provided for this type of accommodation. Should you prefer a private accommodation, Experiencia can assist you finding a hotel room or an apartment.

Homestay Families: "Fun and Learning, Too!"™

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SCHOOL SERVICES

• Money exchange: Sign over your Traveler's Checks by 9:30am, Pesos by 12pm!

• Laundry service (VERY reasonable!)

• Internet service ($3 per hour)

• International calling cards

• Certificate of completion documenting activities/hours

• Café serving low-cost, fresh food during morning/early afternoon

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ABOUT CUERNAVACA