Hola Spanish School: Language and cultural tourism in Mérida, México
Hola Spanish School: A Gateway to Yucatecan Culture Through Spanish
This December, Hola Spanish School, in Mérida, Yucatán, is celebrating seven years of fulfilling its mission: to teach Spanish with an authentic local touch. What started as a few online classes among friends, guided by Nidi Salazar, has blossomed into a vibrant community for those looking to dive into Yucatecan language and culture. The heart of the school lies in its private lessons, which means every student gets exclusive attention tailored to their needs, interests, and proficiency level. With individual sessions or small groups of up to four people, Hola Spanish School guarantees effective learning in a fun and enriching environment.
A communicative and cultural method
At Hola Spanish School, learning Spanish goes beyond just the words—it’s about truly experiencing the language. Using a communicative method, each class is customized to fit the needs of every student. Yucatecan or Mexican teachers teach all lessons, ensuring students acquire practical and authentic Spanish.
In addition to focusing on everyday vocabulary, the curriculum incorporates local expressions and phrases rooted in Maya culture, allowing students to not only learn the language but also gain a deeper understanding of Yucatecan culture.
Hola Spanish School caters to all levels, from A1 (complete beginner) to C2, with specialized training in areas that students require, utilizing technical and professional vocabulary tailored to individual needs. They also offer classes for young learners, starting from age four.
Unique experiences and modalities
One of the standout features of Hola Spanish School is its immersive experiences, such as the Hola Experience, which combines two hours of classes with a cultural tour of Mérida. During these outings, students explore authentic, less-touristy spots like traditional tianguis, which gives them a real taste of everyday life in Yucatán. The experience wraps up with a delicious local lunch.
For advanced Spanish speakers, the Hola Experience Yucatán takes things up a notch with an even deeper cultural immersion that ventures beyond the capital. These four-hour tours explore the rich history and culture of the state, all while sharpening their language skills in real-world settings. They also organize full-day private tours designed with an educational and cultural focus, personalized to match each student's interests, making the experience even more special. Please note that these tours are exclusively for students over 18 years old.
Classes for everyone
The school maintains a flexible schedule, with classes available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, with sessions ranging from two to four hours per day. They even have online classes, perfect for those who want to get a head start or continue learning after their time in Mérida, accommodating students worldwide. Additionally, there are special classes for children from four years old, and on Saturdays, they offer Yucatecan cooking classes where students can learn to prepare the region's most traditional dishes.
Teaching and community
Respect and coexistence are fundamental at Hola Spanish School. According to Nidi, the school not only brings together students eager to learn Spanish but also creates a space where people from different backgrounds connect with Yucatecan essence, going beyond the more touristy spots. This approach allows students to immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of Yucatecos, truly enriching their learning experience. It’s no wonder that many students have continued their journey with the school over the past seven years.
Prices and packages
In-person classes are priced variably: starting at $350 pesos per hour for sessions lasting between 2 to 4 hours, down to $250 pesos per hour for packages of 15 hours or more. Online classes maintain the same costs as in-person sessions. For those who are interested in culinary adventures, cooking classes are available for $950 pesos.
At Hola Spanish School, the Spanish language opens doors to exploring the rich tapestry of Yucatecan identity. By joining their classes, students not only dive into learning Spanish but also forge connections with the vibrant traditions, history, and warm spirit of Yucatecos—experiences that go beyond just words. So, if you’re looking for an authentic way to explore Yucatán, Hola Spanish School is the ideal place to begin.
Hola Spanish School
Calle 53 #522 x 66 y 68, Centro, Mérida
Tel. 999 453 2658
contact@hola-school.com
www.hola-school.com
IG: hola_spanish_school
FB: Hola Spanish School Mérida
Author: Sara Alba
Panamanian with a Mexican accent since 2005. Editorial Assistant, a walking jukebox, and always lurking on social media, in the constant search of hidden gems to visit and share.