INSTITUTO CHAC-MOOL
Cuernavaca, Mexico

Teen Spanish & Culture Enrichment Experience
June 14 to August 13, 2010

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Spanish & Culture Classes Just For Teens

Taught by enthusiastic, qualified, young teachers, this June 14 to August 13, 2010 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 tolerance 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
TuesdayConversation class
WednesdayInterviews with local people in the zocalo, supermarket, orphanage & more
ThursdayConversation 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!
TuesdayMexican cooking class
WednesdayMovie night
ThursdayLatin dance lessons
FridayFiesta

Rates

In addition to the weekly tuition please budget US$20 per week for activities and field trips. Books are $10 each and cover approximately 2-3 weeks of classes. 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.

Are there fun WATER activities in Cuernavaca, Mexico? YES!
Teen activities

Spanish classes at Instituto Chac-Mool, swimming, children's interactive museum, water parks, playgrounds, ice skating, natural springs, hiking, snorkeling, trampolines, paddle boats, train rides, petting zoo, bird shows, haunted house, planetarium, bowling, sight-seeing trolley, soccer, miniature golf, arcade, making friends, movies, more!

The Instituto Chac-Mool teen program and website are copyrighted. Other schools DO NOT have permission to use this information as their own.
References

Those Caves at Cacahuamilpa were my favorite excursion, Las Estacas with the swimming in the springs was a close second. I'll be back again next year for more classes, I'm sure.
-Jason, middle school student


I'm so happy I cam to Chac-Mool this year. I didn't expect to meet such nice, patient teachers or stay with such a welcoming, kind family. The quality of everything, from the food in Cuernavaca to the amazing people here made this one of the most exciting experiences of my life and I can't wait to return next year with friends.
-Camille, high school student


Very good and I learned TONS!
-Alina, high school student


Very good, I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I think I would have to stay more than a week to really improve my Spanish. I never thought I would be walking the streets of Mexico, and taking a bus everywhere.
-Jake, high school student


I wanted to write to you a year after my 4 weeks at Chac-Mool during the summer 2007. I was so timid and afraid to try something new and when my mom made me come with her for Spanish classes I fought her on the idea the whole way. Looking back though I think it is the most rewarding experience of my lifetime and I wanted to let you know. I appreciate the way you opened my mind to something different. I will be beginning as a Spanish Major next year at UT and with my new confidence I know I will succeed. Mil gracias.
-Chloe, high school student


We came to Chac-Mool with two 14 yr-old grandchildren. I would strongly recommend such a trip for other seniors. It was a wonderful experience that made us appreciate each other in new ways. Also the teen group at Chac-Mool was so outreaching that our grandkids had an independent life here. We all worked hard, helped each other, and liked the whole experience.
-Joanne, consultant


Well my experience here in Cuernavaca with Instituto Chac-Mool was an unforgettable one. With Chac-Mool I got to visit famous places especially Mexico City at the Ballet and normal places like the orphanage. I even got the experience on how to make cheese from scratch. That was awesome. I really want to thank Chac-Mool for all the experience that you all have given me.
-Alicia


My experience in Chac-Mool was awesome! I had such a great time, learned a lot and made new friends. I hope to return in the future.
-Demi


My Spanish teacher is amazed at how much I learned at Chac-Mool and she is telling all the class they should go to Mexico to learn Spanish. Of course I am tell them Chac-Mool is the best.
-D.J.


There is so much I love about Cuernavaca and the school but most of all it was my host family. Gilda was awesome.
-Jennifer


I have such great memories of my trip and it was an eye opening experience to come to Mexico. I hope I can stay with my Mexican mama again next year. Please make it happen!
-Candace


I wasn't excited about coming to Mexico I thought it would be scarey to come on my own. My mom said she did a program like this when she was in high school and wanted me to have the same experience. Everyone at the school was so nice and I met other kids just like me. This is a very cool thing to do.
-Austin

Spanish In Mexico

Contact our Spanish School representative

Family Friendly Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish Schools
Privada de la Pradera #108 Colonia Pradera
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62170
(do not send payments to Mexico address, please ask for U.S. address)

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