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| Spanish Immersion in Cuernavaca |
| Frequently Asked Questions & Answers |
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- About 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?
- What form of payment is accepted in and around Cuernavaca?
- What is the exchange rate?
- What are typical business hours?
- Are there ATM machines in Mexico?
- When and how much should I tip?
- Getting Here
- Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?
- What immunizations are required for Mexico?
- 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?
What is the Natural Approach to learning?
The Natural Approach allow students to acquire a new language in a
low-anxiety, natural setting using real life situations and objects to support their learning. This approach is distinct from a
grammar memorization approach, where generally you learn
not by doing but through studying a book and memorizing grammar rules.
The Natural Approach at Instituto Chac-Mool stresses communication skills and conversational
fluency and our goal is to have you communicating in Spanish
as quickly as possible. more infoGrammar-based instruction is also available, upon special request.
Your confirmation email will detail methods of payment accepted by the school and the host family. Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars, however Mexican pesos are requested based on the exchange rate of the day. The school will
provide the exchange rate on your first day of class.
Traveler's Checks are no longer readily accepted by businesses in Mexico as a result of the large number of
fraudulent checks being passed. If you wish to travel with Traveler's
Checks please be aware that only YOU (not the business) will be able to exchange them for Mexican pesos at a bank or casa de cambio.
You will find a few businesses will accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express, but not many.
US Dollars are often accepted (not coins) although the exchange rate won't be in your favor.
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 terminal. Be prepared to pay/tip 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.
There are now two international terminals at the airport, your ticket should state in which terminal you will arrive. Both terminals offer
full services and there is a train connecting the two.
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.
Delivery back to the airport can be scheduled while you are at the school.
On what date do classes begin?
New classes for all levels begin each Monday throughout the year, although mid-week starts may be arranged. 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. Your confirmation email will also restate your rates and payment policies.
How and when do I pay my fees?
Life-time registration fees typically are 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. Book are US$10.
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 non-refundable, however they are life-time fees.
What additional costs I can expect at Chac-Mool?
Plan for approximately US$5 to cover an optional afternoon field trip. Some optional evening activities such as crafts 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-$50).
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. Be sure to bring the name and address of the school or institution so we can mail
your transcript. Also include the name of the person in the office who should receive your transcript, along with their telephone number.
A mailing fee applies.
Do you offer a certificate of completion?
At the end of your course, the school will provide an official Certificate of Completion free of charge 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. 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?
Instituto Chac-Mool sells prepaid phone cards that can be used from the school or the host family home. Since not all prepaid phone cards are alike, we suggest you do not expect other phone cards will work from other than Mexico public telephones.
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?
Cell phone usage is popular in Cuernavaca. Please check that you have an international phone with your phone service provider or you can purchase disposable cell phones in Cuernavaca or the Mexico City airport.
What form of payment is accepted in and 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.
ATM machines at area banks will dispense 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. As you would at home, be cautious while using an ATM, do it during daylight hours and at large protected facilities (ie. most banks).
In advance of your trip notify your bank that you will be using your ATM internationally, this is helpful if your bank is trying to protect you from fraudulent use of your card.
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%.
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 and any other valuables ONLY in your carry on luggage (do not check this bag).
Hand sanitizer is helpful to have when you can't wash your hands.
Does my host family provide towels and linens?
Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you.
If you are planning to swim, please bring your own towel from home for use at the pool.
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.
Is there a bus from the Mexico City airport to Cuernavaca?
Yes, there is a non-stop Pullman de Morelos luxury commuter bus that leaves frequently from the two terminals at the
Mexico City Airport.
Please be aware that seats on the last buses of the day may sell out. Print a bus schedule.
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 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.
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.
What documents are required to enter Mexico?
Passports are now required, be sure to check in advance that yours has not expired or will not expire within 6 months of your departure date from Mexico.
Privada de la Pradera #108 Colonia Pradera
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62170
