Study Abroad Study Abroad ESL Classroom ESL Classroom Bilingual Education Bilingual Education Lingusitic Diversity Cuernavaca, about 50 miles south the advantages of staying with a local host dent a unique and rewarding experience. of Mexico City, is a modern tropical city and family and staying in a hotel. Anders also Another of Cuernavaca’s most well-estab- the capital of the state of Morelos. Also offers a Cross-Cultural Awareness program so lished schools is Encuentros, a spacious known as “The City of Eternal Spring” for its that students understand the cultural context school with a spectacular view of the La pleasant year-round weather, Cuernavaca is behind the words of their new language. Barranca Amanalco, one of Cuernavaca’s filled with lush parks and gardens as well as Cuernavaca Language School, founded in famous wooded Lingusiticravines that traverse Diversity the city. historical buildings and cultural attractions. 1960, is one of Mexico’s oldest and most Homestays with carefully selected families are Cuernavaca is the heart of Mexico and an respected language institutes. The intimate recommended as it affords the opportunity to ideal place for improving your Spanish lan- campus is located in a gated community in practice the Spanish learned in class as well guage skills while exploring the history and one of the city’s finest neighborhoods, allow- as gain valuable insights into Mexican culture of Mexico. ing students to study in a peaceful, secure lifestyles and culture. Encuentros offers stu- Anders Languages has a Spanish immer- environment. Their teaching methods facilitate dents a quality Spanish language program ori- sion residence in Cuernavaca. In a pleasant rapid improvement in Spanish language skills ented to the specific needs of the student, family atmosphere, the owners and the rest of regardless of the student’s current ability with complementary activities that provide the Anders Languages team offer a unique through the successful total immersion information about Mexico, respect for its cul- linguistic-cultural experience, where students approach and their professional instructors ture, and affinity with its people. learn Spanish 24 hours a day, during class, as have extensive experience in teaching Experiencia Centro Cultural was founded in well as during breaks, meals, and evening Spanish as a second language. Their time- 1977 with the goal of offering a total immer- activities with a team of language instructors. tested method of instruction, the cultural and sion Spanish program. Through interesting One of the unique features of Anders linguistic activities, the accommodations with extracurricular activities, excursions, and a Languages is its individualized approach and a Mexican host family, as well as the field trips cultural program, Experiencia has established the Anders residence, which offers students in and around Cuernavaca provide the stu- itself as an exciting learning destination. 34 www.languagemagazine.com March 2007 Study Abroad Study Abroad ESL Classroom ESL Classroom Bilingual Education Bilingual Education Lingusitic Diversity Going South for Spanish Hannah Zeiler explores some of Mexico’s hottest language learning destinations Lingusitic Diversity Experiencia is a small and friendly language Chac-Mool’s popular Mexican cultural program. Cuernavaca, Mexico is one of many language school where all classes take place under the The Spanish language school at immersion programs offered by AmeriSpan. In palm trees of the serene school garden. Universidad Internacional is located in a gor- addition to Cuernavaca, AmeriSpan has sev- Experiencia has always been strongly commit- geous residential setting. Their goal is to pro- eral other Spanish immersion locations in ted to the Mexican culture and traditions and vide students with a complete linguistic/cultur- Mexico: Cancun, Guanajuato, Merida, actively contributes to a better intercultural al immersion resulting in significant improve- Morelia, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puerto understanding and friendship between foreign ment of Spanish language competence at Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. and Mexican students. every level. The faculty and staff at Universidad Owned and operated by educators, Internacional are committed to maintaining the Guadalajara, often referred to as the Instituto Chac-Mool is on the cutting edge in highest academic standards to provide stu- “most Mexican” of cities, is the hospitable understanding and utilizing the newest and dents with the best that higher education has capital of the state of Jalisco. “The City of most effective techniques for teaching second to offer: interesting and relevant programs of Roses” or “The Pearl of the West” as the languages. Instructors are able to recognize study, innovative classes, professional guid- locals call it, was founded by the Spanish in each student’s learning ability, thus can meet ance, the latest technology, and most of all, a 1542 and is now second only to Mexico City their needs with precision. Instituto Chac- broad understanding of the world. in population, production, and commerce. Mool believes that acquiring language through AmeriSpan Study Abroad was created in Recognized globally for its rich cultural her- immersion, along with the Natural Approach, 1993 by and for lovers of language immer- itage, Guadalajara is the birthplace of the will guarantee all students will learn Spanish sion, study abroad, and cultures. Starting as a world-famous Mariachi bands, the popular quickly. The small class size and low anxiety two-person operation with a passion for trav- Mexican hat dance, tequila, and Mexican atmosphere improve the language learning el, they have grown to be a leader in educa- rodeos. In addition to its impressive historic experience. Homestays, excursions, and tional travel and study abroad with over and religious buildings and architecture, extra-curricular activities are part of Instituto 26,000 clients. Learning Spanish abroad in Guadalajara is also known for is abundant March 2007 www.languagemagazine.com 35.