In a study abroad program such as this one, a language student may spend much of their time with the host family. For that reason, Instituto Chac-Mool works as a team with the families to make the students stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The time the student spends with the host family is an opportunity to acquire the culture and language in the most natural of settings, and a very low-anxiety environment. For bilingual teachers especially, this is a priceless opportunity to learn more about the Mexican culture, traditions and customs, and relate that information to the students they have in their own classroom.

The Mexican families that work with Instituto Chac-Mool enjoy having Spanish language students in their homes, valuing the opportunity as much as the students do. In addition to being experienced in providing a pleasant homestay, families are required to attend regular meetings which emphasize the important role they play in the Spanish immersion program. Families are in frequent communication with the school make sure the quality of service is the best it can be.

Most families live within 5-20 minutes walking distance to the school. Students will be placed (prior to their arrival) as closely to their room requests as possible, taking into account the following factors: shared (with a student of choice or one assigned by the school) or private room, smoker or non-smoker, dietary habits (vegetarian meals, etc), allergies, etc. Once a student arrives to their host family, they will be integrated as a member of the family and included in family activities, as desired. Students will be notified of their housing address about one week prior to arrival.

Note: During the summer months accommodations can begin on Saturday or Sunday (class start date will be the following Monday). Once classes end, the student will be able to keep the housing another day or two (no later than a Sunday departure, please). Be sure to communicate your housing dates when registering.

For those students not wanting a typical homestay, some of our host families have made their private guesthouses available. Most are similar to studio apartments plus a 3 bedroom unit may be available. They are located on the same property as the owner's main house and may be reserved with or without meals. Guesthouses have their own private entrance, kitchen or kitchenette, and private bathroom. Pricing is based on the number of persons staying in the unit.

Please reserve early for summer and holiday weeks. If you select this type of housing we will choose the accommodation that most closely matches your requirements, or put you on a waiting list for the next available property. Students will be notified of their housing address about one week prior to arrival.

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and affordable furnished vacation rentals are available in Cuernavaca. Selected properties may be found online at www.cuernavacainfo.com, including many rentals close to Instituto Chac-Mool. Consider the following neighborhoods: Col. Pradera, Col. Tlaltenango, Col. Atzingo, Rancho Tetela, or phone our representative for location assistance.