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As the Hispanic population living in United States of America rises day by day, the demand for teachers who speak and understand Spanish as well as understand the Latino culture is also becoming more and...
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About the Instituto Chac-Mool
Around Cuernavaca
Getting Here
Q. Is a conversational approach the best for acquiring a language? A. Absolutely. When a student starts with basic and familiar Q. Are grammar based programs a good choice? A. A grammar based approach is actually the least effective way of acquiring a language in part because they focus on learning all the rules of the language before you even start producing the language. They key is to acquire the language, not just learn it, and the best way to acquire a language is through use and not through strict grammar studies and memorization. A simple example: How many things did you learn or memorize as a child or an adult that you have since forgotten? How many things did you actually do, that you still remember how to do? Q. Should I select an accredited school? A. A Spanish immersion school accredited by the Mexican Ministry of Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública) will be able to provide transcripts for your Spanish studies. These transcripts can be prestented to your higher education institution in order to be granted college credit by that institution. Instituto Chac-Mool is proud to be accredited by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Q. Are the older schools, the better schools? A. If you believe the old methodologies of teaching a language are superior, then maybe an old school could be a suitable choice. More recently the concept of learning a language has changed to one of acquiring a language. When you just learn a language it can be easy to forget, especially when it is learned through grammar based principles. But when you acquire a language, it becomes more ingrained, it is there when it is needed to be used. Q. Does a large school offer more? A. This depends on what a person is looking for. The large schools more often have the reputations of being the party schools, where the vacation is more the focus than the language learning. Although we have fun at Instituto Chac-Mool, our reputation is that of a serious school, one that is small enough that each student is known and personally attended to.
A. There are many cultural aspects that relate to the Spanish language, and learning about the culture makes it easier to learn how to produce the language. For instance, Do you know why Mexican people don't like to use a seat belt? ...Do you know why when you call a person by their name, they answer "mande"? ...Do you know why it is usually difficult for Anglosaxon's to understand subjuntive, prepositions, pronouns, the two past tenses in Spanish? (The answer to the question about the seat belt is that in Mexican movies a car crash ALWAYS results in a big explosion! Instituto Chac-Mool will cover the rest, and much more in class.) Q. Why not select a school from a website listing many schools? A. Most of these sites have incomplete school and area information and some will not even tell you which school you have registered with until after they receive your money. Others offer discounts that they cannot always honor, or will request a higher fee to reserve your space than the school actually requires. Some websites rank schools, giving the impression they've done their homework, when in fact the schools that pay them the highest fee are ranked the highest. We suggest you do your homework and talk to the school directly to be sure your needs are going to be met and promises kept. Q. Why does some of the text and information on the Chac-Mool website seem familiar? A. Some schools have been actually copying information word-for-word from our website. We try to keep on top of this and make changes to our site so as not to confuse the reader, but this is not always possible. We are flattered that our excellent programs are widely copied, but we take copyright infringements very seriously. Q. Are host families mostly interested in practicing a language other than Spanish? A. This is not the case with host families working with Instituto Chac-Mool. The directors carefully select the families and have continuous meetings with them to insure they are providing the service the student deserves. The school is very strict in their conviction that foreign students are here to acquire Spanish and not to teach the family members a language. The host family is there to help you practice the Spanish you have learned. This low anxiety environment is helpful as you are not constantly being taught new things by your host family, a situation that can be very exhausting and stressful. Q. Why should you pay your host family personally? A. If you pay your host family personally, as Instituto Chac-Mool requires, you know that they are getting paid, and on time (this makes for a more pleasant stay for the student, and a happier host family). We request you pay the family weekly, beginning on the day of arrival. Q. What is the Natural Approach to learning? A. Instituto Chac-Mool believes students acquire the language best in a low-anxiety, natural setting, using real life situations and objects to support their learning. That means that you may meet people in the community, purchase something at the mercado, do some banking, ie. things where you are actively participating. This approach is distinct from a grammar based approach, where generally you learn, not by doing, but through studying a book and memorizing grammar rules. At Instituto Chac-Mool we stress communication skills and conversational fluency. Our goal is to get you communicating in Spanish as quickly as possible. more info Grammar-based private instruction is also available. Q. On what date do classes begin? A. New classes for all levels begin each Monday throughout the year, students usually begin their homestay the Saturday or Sunday prior. (Please note school holidays.) Students may study for any number of weeks. Q. What are registration, tuition and accommodation costs at Chac-Mool? A. Rates can be found here. Q. How and when do I pay my fees? A. Registration fees must be paid in advance by check (in U.S. funds) or through PayPal. It is requested you pay tuition in full on your first day of class, although weekly payment is accepted. Extended stay discounts are honored when the student pays for all weeks together. Adults will also pay US$25 for a book at this time, required for group classes. The book covers several Spanish levels. For your accommodations, you will pay the family personally, at the beginning of each week. The families will accept travelers checks or cash (pesos or US dollars). Q. What is the ICM Money Back Guarantee? A. ICM guarantees that all actively participating students will learn, or their money back. This guarantee is offered only on tuition and to students that are enrolled for 2 weeks or longer and that have been an active participant in the classes. Requests must be made by the student to the school's director no later than 1:30 pm on the second day of study. Q. What is the ICM refund policy? A. Class attendance is the student's responsibility and tuition refunds will not be made for classes missed. However, if a student formally withdraws from their course prior to their scheduled ending date, days missed may be made up at a future time. Registration fees are also non-refundable. Q. What additional costs I can expect at Chac-Mool? A. Plan for approximately US$5 to cover an optional Friday afternoon field trip. Some optional evening activities, such as candle making, and cooking class, require a small fee for materials. If you participate in the weekend excursion there is a charge depending on destination (usually $30-$35). Fees for copies, email and faxes will be stated at the school. Q. What is the excursion schedule? A. The day long excursions vary in destination and are tied to history topics discussed during the previous week. Since the destinations are subject to change, a schedule is not posted online. Overnight excursions are often scheduled for the summer weeks, ask our representative for more info. Q. How can I get college credit? A. Instituto Chac-Mool is a fully accredited institution by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Many colleges and universities accept Study Abroad credits granted by a higher education institution recognized by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Since each institution has their own policy about transferring credits, we recommend that students verify that credits are accepted by their home school before enrolling in Spanish immersion classes. If your school requires copies of documents proving accreditation, they are available upon request. While at Instituto Chac-Mool you must request your free transcript as there will be a US$30 fee if transcripts are mailed. Q. Do you offer a certificate of completion? A. At the end of your course, the school will provide an official Certificate of Completion upon request. You must request this while at the school as they cannot be mailed to you. Q. Do you have wireless internet access so I can bring my laptop? A. Yes, you will have access to free WiFi at Instituto Chac-Mool. Access hours are when the school is open, from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday. It is always recommended when traveling with a laptop (and other electronic devices) that you have them fully insured. For those who want to travel light, there are many inexpensive internet cafes near the school. Q. How do I get mail and be contacted while at Chac-Mool? A. It is recommended that mail be sent to you in care of Instituto Chac-Mool, instead of to your family. The address is Chac-Mool, Privada de la Pradera #108, Colonia Pradera, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, 62170. Mailing to and from Mexico is not always reliable. School telephone/fax: (52) (777) 317-1163. Q. Are snacks at the school available? A. Beginning in January 2006 the school will have a cafeteria so that students may buy food and drinks. The weekday hours are between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm and the offerings will include beverages as well as tortas, taquitos, sopes and many other freshly prepared items. Q. What meals are included with the home stay? A. The host families provide three (3) meals a day: breakfast (desayuno), lunch (comida), and dinner (cena). On the days of an excursion, students can request a sack lunch to take with them. The sack lunch consists of a sandwich or torta, a fruit and a drink. Q. Do the families provide laundry service for personal items? A. The host families will launder your sheets and towels, but for personal laundry we suggest you use one of the neighborhood laundry services for inexpensive laundering of your clothes. Q. Does Chac-Mool have a doctor on staff? A. Chac-Mool has a doctor on call. Still, we encourage you to arrange for medical insurance before your trip. One source for insurance is through Travel Guard provides medical insurance for travelers. Q. What is the weather like in Cuernavaca? A. In the "land of eternal spring" you will most often find temperatures in the 70's and 80's during the day, with cool evenings. Check the 5 day forecast. Q. Will I need an electrical converter? A. Electrical current in Mexico is the same as in the USA and Canada. The sockets though, may not work with your appliance's plug, as some do not have the grounding plug hole, or it may have two equally sized flat slots, not accommodating a plug with a wider grounding prong. If necessary purchase an adapter before you go, or in Mexico. Q. Will my cell phone work in Mexico? A. Since we don't keep up with all the cell phone technology or services offered throughout the world, we can't say for sure. Please check with your phone service provider. Q. Can I get internet connection in Cuernavaca? A. Yes, there are many "internet cafes" near the school and host families. Connection is usually very inexpensive, from 5-15 pesos per hour. A. You can buy pesos at the airport in Mexico City, the exchange rate is very good. There are many banks and "casa de cambios" in Cuernavaca where you can also purchase pesos. A. This changes daily, but The Universal Currency Converter can give you the latest rates. Q. Are there ATM machines in Mexico? A. Yes, you will find ATM's (dispenses pesos only) in the airport in Mexico City as well as in banks around Cuernavaca. Be cautious while using an ATM, do it during daylight hours and at large protected facilities (ie. most banks). Q. What are typical business hours? A. Government offices and businesses are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, close for lunch and then reopen from 4pm to 7pm. Museums and archeological sites are usually open 8am to 5pm, but museums are usually closed on Mondays. Q. When and how much should I tip? A. Airport pick up service drivers do not expect to be tipped. You do not tip your host family, but if you'd like to bring them a little gift from home, or take them for a beverage sometime during your stay, that is a nice gesture. If eating out, your servers will appreciate a 10% tip. Mexican's do not tip taxi drivers, but if you like, up to 10% is sufficient. Q. Is there a gym near the school? A. Yes, Coral Gables gym at San Jerónimo No. 207 in Colonia Tlaltenango offers short term memberships at about US$15 per week or US$50 per month. A. Dress is informal, so casual clothes such as jeans and shorts are acceptable. Lightweight layered clothing is a good idea as is something warmer for nights and higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as is a hat, if you tend to burn. There is a pool at the school if you want to pack a swimming suit. For class, pencils and notebooks are necessary and a Spanish dictionary is helpful. Bring any medications you might need, be sure to put these in your carry on luggage. Hand sanitizer is helpful to have when you can't wash your hands. Q. What form of payment is accepted around Cuernavaca? A. Mexican pesos are easily spent around Cuernavaca. We recommend you purchase American Express Travelers Checks while at home (AAA issues these free of charge) and then change them into pesos at local "Casa de Cambios", as needed. Other brands of travelers checks are not always easily cashed. You will find a few businesses will accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express, but not many. Q. Does my host family provide towels and linens? A. Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you. Q. Do you recommend travel/medical insurance? A. That is up to the traveler. One source of travel insurance is through Travel Guard travel insurance rates start at $30 Q. Do you have any advice about the Mexico City airport? A. Before you pick up your luggage, use the rest room as this will be easier without bags to keep an eye on. Q. Is there a bus from the Mexico City airport to Cuernavaca? A. Yes, there is a direct Pullman de Morelos luxury commuter bus that leaves frequently from the Mexico City Airport. Purchase bus tickets in the International Terminal after you clear immigration and customs. The Pullman de Morelos ticket booth is located on the second floor, near the food court type restaurants. Please be aware that seats on the last bus of the day may sell out. Print a bus schedule Once at the bus station in Cuernavaca, buy a taxi zone ticket for your destination, about 25 pesos (have your destination address ready). Q. Is there an airport pick up and delivery service available? A. An airport pick up by an independent, licensed and insured driver can be scheduled for you by the school, upon request. All passengers will be picked up inside the terminal, and taken directly to their accommodations. Drivers speak English. Service available 24 hours per day, check in advance for the rate as it is subject to change. Complete pick up instructions will be given to you upon reserving this service. Q. How much spending money should I bring? A. This is difficult to say without knowing your spending habits, but students generally budget an average of US$10-20 per day for incidentals, shopping, nightlife, etc.
A. This varies by nationality and by age, so please check with your airline or travel agent when booking your flight. At this time, US and Canadian citizens are required to have a photo id as well as a certified copy of their birth certificate, or a valid passport. Q. Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years? A. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, then both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents. Q. What immunizations are required for Mexico? A. No vaccinations are generally required to enter Mexico but you may want to check with your local physician for recommendations at least several weeks before traveling. Generally recommended is to be up to date on booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
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