Selecting a School

• Is a conversational approach the best for acquiring a language?
  
• Are grammar based programs a good choice?
  
• Should I select an accredited school?
  
• Are the older schools, the better schools?
  
• Does a larger school offer more?
  
• Why are culture studies an important part of a language program?
  
• Why not select a school from an agency or website listing many schools?
  
• Why does some of the text and information on the Chac-Mool website seem familiar?
  
• Are host families mostly interested in practicing a language other than Spanish?
  
• Why should you pay your host family personally?
  

About the Instituto Chac-Mool

• What is the Natural Approach to learning?
  
• On what date do classes begin?
  
• What are the costs at Chac-Mool?
  
• How and when do I pay my fees?
  
• What is the ICM Money Back Guarantee?
  
• What is the ICM refund policy?
  
• What additional costs I can expect?
  
• What is the excursion schedule?
  
• How can I get college credit?
  
• Do you offer a certificate of completion?
  
• Do you have wireless internet access so I can bring my laptop?
  
• How can I make long distance calls from Mexico?
  
• How do I get mail and be contacted while at Chac-Mool?
  
• Are snacks at the school available?
  
• What meals are included with the home stay?
  
• Do the families offer laundry service?
  
• Does Chac-Mool have a doctor on staff?

Around Cuernavaca

• What is the weather like in Cuernavaca?
  
• Where can I buy Pesos?
  
• What is the exchange rate?
  
• What are typical business hours?
  
• Are there ATM machines in Mexico?
  
• When and how much should I tip?
• Is there a gym near the school?

Getting Here

• Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?
  
• What immunizations are required for Mexico?
  
• What form of payment is accepted around Cuernavaca?
  
• What should I pack?
  
• Does my host family provide towels and linens?
  
• Will I need an electrical converter?
  
• Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
  
• Do you have any advice about the Mexico City airport?
  
• Is there a bus from the Mexico City airport to Cuernavaca?
  
• Is there an airport pick up and delivery service available?
  
• How much spending money should I bring?

  Is a conversational approach the best for acquiring a language?

 Absolutely. When a student starts with basic and familiar conversation points, they become comfortable in producing the new language. A very important aspect for conversing in the new language is a speaker's confidence. The new speaker must learn to accept they may make mistakes. Every single error doesn't need to be corrected, and the speaker shouldn't be embarrassed as they try, the most important thing is for the point to be made (studies show that those who were often or strongly corrected tend to be shy and unconfident). Outside of class, the new speaker doesn't have the luxury of a teacher or dictionary or grammar book at hand to correct them as they speak, but through the approach used at Instituto Chac-Mool, the student develops their own rhythm with the language, and they will soon be discovering and correcting their own mistakes.

  Are grammar based programs a good choice?

  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?

Most grammar based programs will test you with questions like, name 5 personal pronouns, or give examples of present perfect indicative or past subjunctive. This is often difficult for students in their native language. Learning grammar rules is not an effective way to learn a new language.

  Should I select an accredited school?

  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.

  Are the older schools, the better schools?

 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.

  Does a larger school offer more?

 This depends on what a person is looking for. The larger 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.

  Why are culture studies an important part of a language program?

 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.)

  Why not select a school from an agency or website listing many schools?

  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.

  Why does some of the text and information on the Chac-Mool website seem familiar?

  Some schools have been actually copying information word-for-word from our website. They also take our photos, so unfortunately we have to mark many of them with our name. 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.

  Are host families mostly interested in practicing a language other than Spanish?

 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.

  Why should you pay your host family personally?

  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.

  What is the Natural Approach to learning?

  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.

  On what date do classes begin?

  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.

  What are registration, tuition and accommodation costs at Chac-Mool?

  Rates can be found here.

  How and when do I pay my fees?

  Life-time registration fees must be paid in advance. 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$10-25 for books covering several Spanish levels.

Your confirmation email will detail methods of payment accepted by the school and the host family. Since rates are quoted in U.S. dollars, the school will provide you with the current exchange rate if paying in Mexican pesos.

  What is the ICM Money Back Guarantee?

  ICM guarantees that all actively participating students will learn, or their money back. This guarantee is offered only on tuition and to adult and teen 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.

  What is the ICM refund policy?

  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.

  What additional costs I can expect at Chac-Mool?

  Plan for approximately US$5 to cover an optional afternoon field trips. Some optional evening activities, such as candle making, and Mexican cooking class, require a small fee for materials. If you participate in the weekend excursion there is a charge depending on destination (usually $40-$45). Fees for copies, email and faxes will be stated at the school.

  What is the excursion schedule?

  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.

  How can I get college credit?

  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. Since transcripts need to be mailed to your school, an international mailing fee should be paid for while at the school (approx. $40).

  Do you offer a certificate of completion?

  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.

  Do you have wireless internet access so I can bring my laptop?

  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.

  How can I make long distance calls from Mexico?

  You can purchase Ladatel/Telmex long distance calling cards at the school or various other locations around Cuernavaca and the Mexico City airport. You can also purchase in advance from www.telmexusa.com You can use the card in any of the public pay phones, including one at the school.

  How do I get mail and be contacted while at Chac-Mool?

  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.

  Are snacks at the school available?

  The school has 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.

  What meals are included with the home stay?

  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.

  Do the families provide laundry service for personal items?

  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.

  Does Chac-Mool have a doctor on staff?

  Chac-Mool has a doctor on call and a hospital is located very near the school.

  What is the weather like in Cuernavaca?

  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.

  Will I need an electrical converter?

  Electrical current in Mexico is the same as in the USA and Canada.

  Will my cell phone work in Mexico?

  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 that you have an international phone with your phone service provider. You can purchase disposable cell phones in Cuernavaca.

  Where can I buy Pesos?

  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.

  What is the exchange rate?

  This changes daily, but a Currency Converter can give you the latest rates.

  Are there ATM machines in Mexico?

  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).

  What are typical business hours?

  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.

  When and how much should I tip?

  You may tip your host family and private airport transportation driver, but it is not required. The tipping rate in Mexico restaurants is generally 10%.

  Is there a gym near the school?

  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.

  What should I pack?

  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.

  What form of payment is accepted around Cuernavaca?

  Mexican pesos are easily spent around Cuernavaca and you can purchase them at "Casa de Cambios" around Cuernavaca and in the Mexico City airport. You will find a few businesses will accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express, but not many.

  Does my host family provide towels and linens?

  Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you.

  Do you recommend travel/medical insurance?

  That is up to the traveler.

Please note: All care and precautions will be taken by all Instituto Chac-Mool faculty and staff, as well as home-stay families, to insure your safety and well-being. Instituto Chac-Mool, however, shall be not responsible for any liability, or injury during class time, at the host family, or during on and off campus events and excursions. In the event of inappropriate behavior on the part of the student, Instituto Chac-Mool reserves the right to expel the student from the homestay and all school related activities.

  Do you have any advice about the Mexico City airport?

  Before you pick up your luggage, use the rest room as this will be easier without bags to keep an eye on.

Once in the main terminal, ignore drivers that may come up to you to sell a service, this may not be safe (you can prearrange a pick up service through the school). The porters that will transport your luggage are convenient and can escort you to the commuter bus area in the International Terminal 1. Be prepared to pay about a dollar per bag. If you need an airport hotel, Hilton and Camino Real are connected to the airport. Close by is a Ramada and Fiesta Inn.

  Is there a bus from the Mexico City airport to Cuernavaca?

  Yes, there is a direct Pullman de Morelos luxury commuter bus that leaves frequently from the International Terminal 1 at the Mexico City Airport. If arriving on AeroMexico, Continental or Delta which land in the new International Terminal 2, you will need to take the train to International Terminal 1 to find the commuter buses. You will want the Pullman de Morelos bus line and their ticket booth is located on the second floor of Terminal 1, near the food court type restaurants. Please be aware that seats on the last buses 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 30 pesos (higher at night). Have your destination address ready.

  Is there an airport pick up and delivery service available?

  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 in which they land (ie. Terminal 1 International, Terminal 2 International, Domestic), and taken directly to their accommodations. 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.

Delivery back to the airport can be scheduled while you are at the school.

  How much spending money should I bring?

  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.

  Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?

  If a minor child is traveling with only one or without either parent, additional paperwork may be required. Check with your airline for required notarized authorizations and documents.

  What immunizations are required for Mexico?

  None are required to enter Mexico but you may want to check with your local physician for recommendations at least several weeks before traveling.