Cuernavaca, Mexico
June 15 to August 14, 2009
 |
| Spanish & Culture Classes Just For Teens |
Taught by enthusiastic, qualified, young teachers, this June 15 to August 14, 2009 program is fast paced, interactive, inspirational and fun. Our goal is to have teens not only comfortable and confident speaking Spanish, but also learn about the culture and history of Mexico. The program includes dynamic activities, each one with a clear educational and character building objective. Since this program has an emphasis on learning Spanish, teachers inspire students to contribute and connect with others by using only the Spanish language.
For teens the first week can be a big adjustment, but by week two they typically are more confident and better at coping with being in a foreign country and adapting to new situations. We recommend parents enroll their teens for a minimum of two weeks in order for the teen to achieve Instituto Chac-Mool's Seven C's:
- Competence in understanding, reading, writing and in speaking Spanish; in adjusting to new and different
situations; in their knowledge of the Mexican culture.
- Confidence in their Spanish language skills, learning abilities, as well as their social and adaptive skills.
- Connection with the local community, host families, and classmates;
learning tolerence for people from different backgrounds.
- Character building through new and sometimes difficult situations; learning to make good choices.
- Contribution through group study classes and team building activities; an
opportunity to contribute within the Cuernavaca community.
- Coping with new situations, cultures, and with acquaintances of different backgrounds (recommended: living with a host family).
- Control their future through new visions, sensitivities, experiences and knowledge; learning what cannot be controlled.
Parents: Your teen will leave Mexico a more confident, open-minded, appreciative, and well-rounded person!
| Spanish Study Weekdays 8:50-11:40 am: |
|---|
The size of each Spanish study group is no larger than 6 teens, and students are placed in their small group based on their Spanish ability. This ability is determined by a placement test and an interview on the first day of class. Students will interact with all the teens in the program during the afternoon and evening activities and events.
| Example of Afternoon Activities for Teens 11:50-1:50 pm: | |
|---|---|
this is a sample weekly schedule | |
| Monday | Conversation class |
| Tuesday | Conversation class |
| Wednesday | Interviews with local people in the zocalo, supermarket, orphanage & more |
| Thursday | Conversation class/pool & other activities |
| Friday | Showtime! Plays, demonstrations & other creative activities used to showcase the learning to date |
| Example of Evening Activities for Teens 5:00-7:00 pm: | |
|---|---|
this is a sample weekly schedule - small materials fee may apply | |
| Monday | Teen Coto-Cafe "ice-breaker" get to know students and teachers! |
| Tuesday | Mexican cooking class |
| Wednesday | Movie night |
| Thursday | Latin dance lessons |
| Friday | Fiesta |
In addition to the 2009 weekly tuition rate of US$235, please budget an additional US$10-20 per week for activities and field trips. Students are welcome to join the school's optional weekend excursions, an additional fee applies usually $40-$45 each. Food and drinks can be purchased at the school cafeteria. Older teens may also select to study in the adult program. Bring your swimming suit and towel, there's a pool at the school. Bring a backpack, tennis shoes, a hat, sweatshirt, and a smile. Leave the skimpy shorts and tops at home please.
Instituto Chac-Mool is fully accredited by the Mexican Ministry of Education as a higher education institution. If students would like a transcript reflecting the Spanish credits completed, please request this while at Instituto Chac-Mool. Note: there is an additional fee for mailing transcripts.
Please note: For younger teens we recommend that a parent or guardian travel with their teen and we welcome their registration in adult Spanish immersion classes. Solo travelers will be required to sign a Minor Agreement, a parent’s signature is also required. This agreement spells out that attendance is mandatory and that students who use alcoholic beverages and/or illegal substances will be expelled from the program. We have excellent host families that welcome teen students, a Saturday or Sunday arrival and departure can be accommodated.
