Language Schools in Mérida

Everyone knows that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture where that language is spoken. For years, Mérida has played host to many people from around the world who come to the Maya world to learn Spanish. There are now many schools to choose from, depending on the way that you want to learn.

Some students prefer the very structured approach, where instruction is given on a daily basis in a classroom setting. Some prefer to learn the grammar and underpinnings of a language, while others just want to dive in and give it a try. Some people want a lot of classroom training, others very little. And in addition, some people want to coordinate their language training with a stay in the home of a local family, while others would prefer to choose their own lodging.

Mérida has something for everyone, of course.

Benjamin Franklin Institute

Conveniently located in the Centro Histórico, the Benjamin Franklin Institute is housed in an old colonial building. Classes start every Monday here, and can be scheduled for a week or a year. Teachers here will provide both classroom training and may take the class on guided tours of some of the local sights. This school will also provide home-stay opportunities. www.benjaminfranklin.com.mx

C.I.S. Centro de Idiomas del Sureste.

One of the oldest language schools with three locations, C.I.S. is also probably one of the biggest schools, also teaching English to Spanish speakers. English classes start every Monday and go for a minimum of two weeks. In addition, C.I.S.offers extra hours per day in business, medical or legal vocabulary. C.I.S. will arrange a home stay if you request that. www.cisyucatan.com.mx

ECORA Spanish School

It is the  only school certified with the “M” Distinctive to the high quality of their programs and customer service. If you want to include some fun Spanish or Mexican/Maya Culture classes while in Mérida, ECORA Spanish School has recreational or “for fun” classes. They can send a teacher to your rental home or hotel per day or per hours, or even a teacher to go with you and your family for a day trip or tour. These kinds of classes are flexible and there is no advance reservation required. The teachers can also go with students to field trips to the market, the museum, etc. as part of your class at no extra cost. They also offer classes for university credit (Spanish Courses, Conversation, Mexican and Maya Culture, Latin American Literature, etc.) as well as customized courses such as Spanish for Legal, Medical, or Spanish for teachers. There is a minimum of one week study with a minimum of 15 hours per week to get one credit. Registration in advance is needed for this second case. Classes are held in Spanish but all teachers are bilingual. They also offer home-stay accommodation, excursions, internships, and volunteer placement offsite. www.spanishschoolecora.com

Habla: The Center for Language and Culture.

If you are looking for a school that takes a creative approach to learning Spanish, then Habla is the place for you. Habla views language learning as an experience involving how we understand the cultural setting we are exploring as well as how we communicate who we are in a new environment. Habla places an emphasis on community, beginning the day with community coffee and taking a break in the middle of classes for a community meal with foods from different parts of Mexico. Habla’s teachers have a deep understanding of language development as well as knowledge about the history, culture, and arts of Latin America, so you will learn Spanish by reading literature, discussing artwork, and participating in various cultural experiences around the city of Merida. Spanish classes are student-centered and targeted at the specific level of students so you will never be in a class with students that are at a different place in their language development. Habla also offers many “thematic programs” where you learn language by exploring various cultural themes including: Flavors of Mexico, Women in Mexican Art and Culture, and Mexican Independence and Revolution. www.habla.org

Institute of Modern Spanish

This institute has been teaching Spanish since 1995. The Institute is located in Col. Maya in walking distance of the Altabrisa mall area–dentist, modern hospital, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. They offer various levels of Spanish language courses, as well as Spanish for Business, Yucatan History and a few other cultural classes. The Institute is popular with students who are 35 years or older, and they receive many retired persons year round. They encourage their students to stay in the homes of local families for the full immersion experience. www.modernspanish.com

La Calle Spanish School

New Spanish school for adults in a colorful house in downtown Mérida. With a conversation-based method, learn the Spanish that we use every day and that will help you to communicate. Passionate teachers, creative exercises to stimulate participation, groups of max. 6. After class you can relax in a hammock, read a book or magazine in Spanish, watch a movie, play a board game, or do language exchanges. Cel. 999 274 3130. www.calle-55.com

Spanish Center Merida

A language school specializing in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. With our dedicated and experienced teachers, we offer high quality tuition combined with great activities. Class sizes are small (max. 5 students/class), ensuring swift progress and target. We are conveniently located in the Itzimná neighborhood with easy access to all parts of the city. Our students come from all parts of the world but mainly from the US, Europe and Far East. We endeavour to guide, assist and support all our foreign students as far as possible to make their stay pleasant and interesting while improving their Spanish language skills. www.spanishcentermerida.com

Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán – UADY

Spanish courses for international students: The program is designed to develop fluency in the use of language skills. It is divided into six different levels:
* Beginners        (1-A and 1-B)
* Intermediate   (2-A and 2-B)
* Advanced        (3-A and 3-B)
Each level lasts: 60 hours
Spanish Courses: Each 60 hour level: 4 credits
Additional Courses: Depending on the elected course: 1 or 2 credits.
Immersion in Cultural Activities: Immersion activities are linked to the program, and represent 25% of the course content. These include guided tours of museums, archeological sites and other places of interest in the surrounding areas as well as lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions. These activities are incorporated into the overall program. Spanish classes are normally in the morning or early afternoon.