intro

What are the minimum and average ages for your programs?
Our Spanish program in Merida welcomes adult students – and group of children in summer time, but they range from 18 and older.
The average age on our Spanish program could be anywhere from 18 to 35, depending on their program and time of year, but we also have programs for senior couples (55+) in winter time with their own activities. Most participantsare very active and interested in culture as well.

Can I get college credit for my Spanish program?
The question of college credit for Spanish study abroad depends on your college or university - your first step should be to check with your Spanish Language Department to find out what they require in order for you to receive credit.

Can I make special requests for my accommodation (non-smoking host family, special diet, etc.)?
Yes you can !! Our homestay department will make you a questionnaire before you leave where we will be able to find the home that matches the most things you want in a house and family, but please bear in mind that the sooner you book your program, the more likely we will find the best home for you.

I'm a vegetarian/allergic to some substances, will this be a problem?
No, you will inform us that in your homestay questionnaire and we will be able to acknowledge this to our homestay department and suit you with the best host family. They will then choose a host family for you that can adapt to your needs.

How far ahead should I book my Spanish program?
For a course during the high season (May to September), we would recommend booking eight to twelve weeks in advance. During the rest of the year a month's notice will be fine. But remember the sooner you book the chances of getting the best accommodation as often are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Also you will be taking advantage of the cheapest seats on your flight ticket.

Which days should I book my travel for?
Week end is the best option as you will have time to settle with your new family, home and be ready for class on monday.

Do I need to take out an insurance policy?
Yes, it is highly recommended and we could offer you good options of getting insurance here in Canada. Even if you have a medical insurance policy valid outside your own country.

Will I need a visa?
Canadian citizens must be in possession of a valid passport, or alternatively for short-term travel to Mexico and Costa Rica, U.S. and Canadian citizens may carry a certified copy of their birth certificate with photo identification instead of a passport.
For short-term stays (generally under three months in most countries) a student visa is not required. For stays longer than three months, Canadventures can apply for a student visa for you.

Do I need to take any study material with me?
Most students find that it's a good idea to take a bilingual dictionary also take a notebook and writing materials. The program material is included in your first month of studies and for the following courses the fees could vary between $30 and $40.

What happens on my arrival? Is there an airport transfer? How do I get to school on the first day?
You will do a placement test (unless you are a complete beginner) to confirm your level of ability and ensure your placement in the most suitable group. The test can be a combination of written and spoken exercises. You will also have an orientation session where you will be shown the University campus, classrooms, library, cafeteria and other information about the location of the University and general information of the city and places.

How does the school know what my level is?
You will do a placement test (unless you are a complete beginner) to confirm your level of ability and ensure your placement in the most suitable group. The test can be a combination of written and spoken exercises. You will also have an orientation session where you will be shown the University campus, classrooms, library, cafeteria and other information about the location of the University and general information of the city and places.

How much progress can I expect to see during my Spanish program?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, since it depends on
a) your aptitude; b) your study habits; c) your willingness to speak Spanish whenever possible and not fear mistakes; d) the amount, if any, of prior language training a student you had; and e) your ability to speak any other foreign languages besides their mother tongue.
If you add to this the fact that "fluency", "speaking Spanish", etc. mean different things to different people (different people have different requirements and need to use their Spanish in different situations and conditions), you can see how difficult it is to give an answer to the apparently simple question: "How many weeks course do I need to be able to speak Spanish?". However, as a general guide Universities usually grant 1 credit hour for each 15-20 classroom hours at a Spanish Abroad school. This is equivalent to a years worth of college level classes for a 3 or 4 week course.
Finally, in the case of what might be termed an "average" student, starting from beginner's level, we would say that, after 3 or 4 weeks, s/he should be able to take part in a basic conversation on general topics.

What are the qualifications of the teachers in my Spanish program?
All teachers should have a university degree. More importantly, a good teacher needs not only an academic background and professional training, but above all a certain type of personality: i.e. patience, imagination, compassion, creativity, flexibility, and last but not least, a real interest in people and cultures.

What are the programs like? What kind of methods are used?
The teachers are all native speakers. During class the only language used will be Spanish, so you get used to listen and understand the spoken language. Grammar and communication skills are taught in such a way as to provide constant interaction with the teachers and the other students, and you learn the language and grammar structure without memorization of rules and vocabulary in a way that allows you to apply this knowledge after a relatively short time with flexibility and fluency. Because you'll be studying in a country where the language is spoken, and especially if you live with a host family, you'll be able to practice and use your new language skills immediately.

How are host families selected? Where do they live? What is their social status? What can I expect? Do they speak English?
Our homestay department has chosen the best homestay families. In most cases we have successfully worked together with the same families for a long time. School can be reached with a maximum 20-30 min. bus ride.
In Mexico, host families are in general families who, in average, are well-off: many families, for example, have maids and speak English. We try hard to place only one or two students per host family, so that you can immediately practice your newly acquired Spanish. You'll meet very communicative persons. You can organize things together with your host family: you'll find that many of them and their friends are very interested in your culture and country, and you can also learn a lot about Mexico and its people.
Even for beginners without any knowledge of Spanish, staying with a host family is also recommended from the very beginning, since they are people who are used to dealing with foreigners, and know how to make themselves understood in a caring way.

What about security ? Is it a dangerous place?
The White Merida, as it is called in Mexico has its “trademark” portraying a clean and safe city, but the important thing is to bear in mind some simple, commonsense rules and to be alert. The great advantage you'll have is that you'll be receiving guidance from people who live in the place where you're studying, who are part of the culture and know what you can and can't do. Your school and your host family will be able to tell you exactly where you can and can't go, what to be careful of, etc.

Will I have access to Internet during my stay?
Yes you will be able to be connected at the University (included in your fees) If you like to stay for long periods an Internet café is the option (reasonably-priced) and most of our host families have access to internet.