Cuernavaca, Mexico
| Learn Spanish at Instituto Chac-Mool |
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Thank you for all your help in getting me prepared for my two weeks at Chac-Mool. They were absolutely wonderful. I came away with so much Spanish, and the confidence to use it, not to mention the great cultural tours, fabulous people. I could go on. I'm a little sad to be back to my regular life. How uneventful by comparison!
Shelby, Teacher & Director
Because of your love and extreme dedication to your work in helping others understand Spanish, we have been able to take the next step in our journey of reaching out the "hurting" in Cuernavaca! God bless you for helping us so diligently! Chac-Mool is the BEST in our eyes!!!
Paul and Sharita, Missionaries
I just wanted to say that the website you created for Chac-Mool is fantastic. It was so chock full of information that when I went, there were no surprises - I knew excactly what to expect. Your website is the main reason we chose Chac-Mool and I stated that in my evaluation. I had a fantastic time! It was the most different kind of vacation I have ever had.
Betty, Software Engineer
We (reluctantly) returned from Mexico yesterday ending our two week session at Instituto Chac-Mool. It was even better than we had hoped for! The classes were extremely practical, the teachers inspirational, and the team that Julio and Deana have put together there is a model of efficiency! Our Mexican family kept the program going, speaking only in Spanish, and inspiring us to improve day by day. And we coulnd't have gotten along any better either! And it all began with your support! I'm sure Instituto Chac-Mool has not seen the last of us!
Charles, Special Education Teacher
I have just returned from Chac-Mool and my experience with both the school and the homestay was fabulous! Thank you for your help with all of our questions/concerns. I have a feeling I will be going to Cuernavaca again soon.
Betty, professional
WOW!! Michelle and I thought we made progress in our three weeks at ICM. Our second summer adventure of three weeks really made a great difference according to the Spanish-speaking students and parents we work with at home. Our pronunciation and fluency is much improved, and we can listen to much faster speech.
The best part of the learning has to been the practice and production of speech. It's as if all of Cuernavaca wanted us to learn and progress in Spanish. Our home stay was, once again, excellent. The ICM instructors were patient and fun. And the price is right for a great learning vacation!!
David, Assistant Principal
A THANK-YOU/GRACIAS for the wonderful experience our daughter had in Cuernavaca. She learned a lot, had a wonderful family with whom she had lots of fun experiences and she enjoyed her time there so much. You run a great program.
Kathi, a mom
I had a most wonderful experience at Chac-Mool. The staff is attentive and extremely nice. My home stay experience was one of the best! We were perfectly matched.
Barbara, Social Work Supervisor
Our family was wonderful, their cooking was out of this world, our teachers at Chac-Mool were the best on earth, and Julio and Deanna were very, very excellent hosts. Our trips to Teotihuacan and Xochicalo were the best. The drivers to-from airport were also excellent. We have recommended Chac-mool to others already and will likely do more. It was an excellent vacation for the three of us. Thanks for all of your great coordination skills.
Vickie & family
Learning Spanish at chac-Mool is treated like serious business and I like that. But at the same time the teachers make class interesting, stimulating and fun. Time has flown by. Would we come back? You bet--in a heart beat.
Barbara, Home School Teacher
When I originally heard about the program I was excited to take part. Upon completion of two weeks here at Chac-Mool I would have to say that it has exceeded my expectations.I thought I might learn a little, meet a few friends, see some interesting sights. Well all of that happened and more. The students, host families and friends have been a very important part of this experience. It will be difficult to leave but I do plan on returning!!!
Allan
Absolutely amazing! I learned more than what I initialy thought I could. The professors here are patient as well as knowlegeable about the many intricate details of the Spanish language. Thank you for everything!
Clarissa, Medical Assistant
We returned yesterday from our study at Chac-Mool, and truly it was a God-send that I came across your website. We thoroughly enjoyed our study there and the city of Cuernavaca also. I'm so pleased and I can't wait to come back, which I hope to do soon.
Fred, Retired Editor
Excellent school, for 2 weeks or 8. Guaranteed to learn Spanish. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to learn in Mejico.
Jonathan, Film Production Manager
I had a wonderful experience at Chac-Mool. Your website is right on the money!
Christopher, Self Employed
Sherry-Thanks so much for your help - you are always a great help and I feel like we're old friends!
Barbara, Nurse-Midwife
Sherry, I just wanted to let you know that Michelle and I had a great time. The school was perfect and everyone was so nice. We actually talked to folks about how did you pick this school, several mentioned the Web site and the fact that they were able to visit with you about all the details. I think you really make a difference in people's decision to attend Chac-Mool. Anyway, it was a perfect choice, many different ages of students and from different backgrounds.
Shelly, Program Manager
Honestly, the description of Chac-Mool on its website is exactly what I was looking for, and I kept researching and re-researching the school because it sounded too good to be true. Now that I've been, I know. The atmosphere, the low student-to-instructor ratio, skilled and patient teachers, solid curriculum, varied cultural activities, and hospitable local families are time-tested ingredients that make for a sweet learning experience. It's exactly what I was looking for, and I'll happily return.
Ann, Writer
During September and October, 2003 I first visited Cuernavaca to study Spanish at Chac-Mool. One of the highest recommendations that I can make is to say that I returned to ICM for an additional 6 weeks of Spanish training. Without exception, all of the instructors and staff were and continue to be exceptional in their chosen professions. The diversity in each daily class was reason for anticipating each day of classes. In addition to a great daily agenda, the afternoon and weekend excursions were diverse and served to supplement the learning environment. Thank you for a useful and memorable experience.
John, Return Student
Since this was my first trip on my own to a different country I was very nervous. I could not have done it without the school program, tours and living arrangements. I have made some nice friends here I shall keep in contact with. Gracias.
Elizabeth, Teacher
I totally enjoyed my time at Instituto Chac-Mool. It is truely a life changing experience. Between the instructors and host family I felt very comfortable and learned a great deal. My appreciation for Mexico and it's people has grown deeply. I would recommend Instituto Chac-Mool in a heart beat if you truely want to 'immerse' yourself in the Mexican culture. Muchas gracias!
Sue, Basketball Coach
Cuernavaca is a wonderful city. It's beautiful, the people are so nice, and there is so much to do. Instituto Chac-Mool is in a very nice neighborhood and very convenient. Everyone at school is friendly and helpful and the experience is really fun. The school itself is conducive to learning and making friends and feelling at home in Cuernavaca.
Hope, Travel Business
I liked living so close to the school. Since I was traveling alone that did make a difference. The teachers are wonderful, very welcoming and very patient. I know that only so much can be achieved in one week and yet I am leaving with more than I expected. I found the whole experience very enjoyable and educational.
Martha, Administrator
The school was wonderful. The teachers and staff were helpful, responsive, talented.
Jeannie, Professor
My family was fantastic, I don't think I would have learned near as much about both the language and the Mexican culture without their help.
Will, Physician (Medical Spanish Course)
Instructors at the school were always prepared and very good about answering questions and explaining ideas. The class size was very helpful in my learning more. Without the efficiency of the administrative staff, my stay would not have been possible.
Joni, Police Officer
All in all, I feel like I couldn't have done better had I hand picked my own teacher and homestay family. It was truly an excellent and lifelong memorable experience. I wish all Canadians could get the REAL Mexican cultural experience as I know many have formed opinions based on a one or two week beach holiday at a tourist resort. Hardly in the same ballpark.
Vicki, Executive Assistant
I think it is awesome that Chac-Mool provides such a supportive environment. Chac-Mool takes a multifaceted approach to teaching, they support the spirit along with the mind!
Janelle, Student
I think after 2 weeks my confidence and level of ability is massively improved - plus the experience of living with a Mexican family has been fantastic. Especially the food.
Ian, IT Consultant
Dear Sherry, It's lucky Julio and family have you to represent them. They are really fine folks. I am inspired by the instructors and the digs. Again thanks for the work you do. I have benefited greatly and I appreciate it.
Wally, School Administrator
I was favorably impressed by the favorable environment for learning, by the quality and attentiveness of the faculty, and by the general constructive serious approach to teaching spanish. And the students too, they took their class time and homework seriously. I would recommend Chac-Mool to others as professional and yet engaging. It held my interest and challenged me at the same time.
Steve, Finance
The folks at Chac-Mool are very kind and considerate. They did more than required or expected to accommodate the wishes of the students. My family was the icing on the cake.
Kathy, Professor & Photographer/Artist
Excellent experience!! I will strongly recommend Chac-Mool to others - especially those who need a little extra support! A first-time Spanish student couldn't hope for a more helpful, assuring and supportive experience. Thank you!
Paul, Minister
I think the experience was well worth the time spent here. The school staff is excellent and the learning environment is perfect (outside in the winter!).
George, Business Owner
This trip filled in many Spanish gaps for me. Though it was difficult to communicate at first, the teachers and family helped me to better my communication ability.
Joe, Student (Spanish for Law Enforcement Personnel)
At first I was a little nervous about coming here and not knowing anyone, but immediately I met people, and also I met friends. The school is gorgeous. I don't even feel like I'm here to learn but I did and a lot! Thanks to the teachers who made it possible. But I would have not learned as much as I did if it weren't for mi familia. I didn't know how much it would really help to be totally immersed in the culture. The excursions we went on were great – so much was gained, so much was learned.
Samantha, student
Instituto Chac-Mool turned out to be far more than I could have possibly expected. It offers just the right combination of quality, flexibility and value. My only regret is that I have to go home.
Ben
I was very pleased with my experience at Chac-Mool. I feel I have been given the basic information to be able to communicate with the patient population I work with. If I return I would continue with the medical course with the idea of obtaining more cultural aspects of the population and perhaps more observation of patient care/practice in Mexico.
Linda, medical professional (Medical Spanish)
My experience with Chac-Mool was a good one. I felt the instructors were well versed in their material and I liked the program very much.
Eva, volunteer
Just a short note to say one GRANDE MUCHO GRACIAS! I had a great time and it was an awesome experience! The school and host family were perfect!
Curtis, Social Science Teacher
This was one of the nicest travel experiences I've had to date. My family was wonderful, my teachers were first rate. It could not have been better.
Carol, Teacher
I have enjoyed my experience at Chac-Mool. While I believe that immersion is inherently frustrating at times, I am extremely happy with the results. In three weeks I have gone from zero Spanish to being comfortable speaking and hearing Spanish all day. I am impressed by your program.
Eric, professional
Very pleasurable & helpful. Staying with my family was at least half of the value of a very valuable program.
Pat, medical professional
I had a great time in Mexico and really am quite pleased with the amount of Spanish that I learned in such a short period of time. The family was also very nice and welcoming.
Jon, French Teacher
Although I was nervous on arrival, that was quickly replaced by a sense of excitement and curiosity. My family was great, better than I could have hoped for. They created a home-away-from-home environment which was a great supplement to the more structured learning at the school.
The city of Cuernavaca is an awesome place to get to know! Everywhere I went there was something to see, or something to do!!! Being out in the city and talking to people was a great way to put the school work into practical use, and I was able to remember alot more than I ever could in high school classes.
Rachael, student
This has been a wonderful experience for our whole family. My husband and I greatly improved our ability to listen and speak Spanish. My kids have learned an incredible amount of Spanish and enjoyed learning the culture and playing with the sweet children they met. Our 'family' was just that, they worried for us constantly and were gracious as well as hospitable. The teachers were very knowledgeable and personally interested in our progress. This has been the trip of a lifetime.
Debbi and family
What a luxury to take 2 weeks out of my life and do nothing but study Spanish. The teachers are warm and accepting and the school was a very comfortable place for learning. I'm happy I was able to focus specifically on my work.
Sandy, nurse (Medical Spanish)
Last summer I had the greatest time in Cuernavaca. With our one-year anniversary approaching I am having many fond memories.
I remember the anticipation and excitement of preparing for our study abroad program and how I counted down the days waiting for our departure. Finally, when we arrived in Mexico to meet our families and get acquainted with the school it was so much fun it almost seems as if it were a dream!
I want to thank you both for the excellent job you did at providing all the individualized instruction and the incredible calendar of events, activities and field trips. Cuernavaca was in ideal place for studying with all its historical points of interest its fascinating culture and rich heritage. We never had an idle moment while we were there.
Each day I think about and appreciate the fact that I had such a great opportunity. Being neighbors with Mexico I feel greatly enriched by my experience. I'm proud to know the culture, language and history of the country that is so close to us and has influenced our way of life her in California.
I understand you will be in Cuernavaca again this summer, please let me know if I can help by sharing my experience with any of your future students. I wouldn't want them to miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Buena Suerte y Muchisimas Gracias!
Liz, teacher
When I arrived in Cuernavaca it was difficult to understand Spanish. After my first week it was easy to understand my family and my teachers. I have a great time. Thanks!
Tonya, student
I arrived at Chac-Mool not knowing what to expect. I thought that I would improve my Spanish and nothing more. But with fellow bicultural students and outstanding instructors I found myself immersed in the rich literature and history which has to Mexico offers. In short, I experience a personal cultural renascence.
Miguel, a fellow student, assisted me in interpreting the nuances of a novel titled, "La Frontera". The author is a Chicana, (Mexican American woman) what I learned was that being bilingual has and will have important leadership advantages for the upcoming millennium. While attending the program I noticed that many other students were experiencing this same cultural rebirth. Seeing this filled me with a sense of hope for all peoples. I return to San Francisco with a new and enduring sense of self and for this I have nothing left to say but the words, thank you.
Ramón, Teacher
From my first contact with the folks at Institito Chac-Mool over the Internet, I knew that I had made the right choice in selecting a spanish language program in Cuernavaca. The staff went out of their way to welcome me to Mexico and to make even my short stay educational, enjoyable and hassle-free. The teachers were friendly and enthusiastic and seemed to really like teaching the classes and getting to know the students. My Spanish ability improved dramatically with only 1-week of classes and I intend to make Institito Chac-Mool an annual trip. Thanks Chac-Mool.
Randy, professional with interest in politics
It was very wonderful. I owe the success of the trip to my host family.
They made me feel very comfortable, wanted, and cared for me during my stay in Mexico. The instructors were very friendly and super helpful. They held a solid pace in class & created a great learning environment.
Kellie, student
Great school with very personal & outstanding staff willing to teach you the aspect of Spanish you are interested in. Excellent conversational practice and the school grounds are clean and well maintained.
Pyra, M.D. (Medical Spanish)
Privada de la Pradera #108 Colonia Pradera
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62170







