Hi, guys:<BR><BR>Sorry for multiple posting - it's my 1st time on this message board. <BR><BR>I need your help with regard to choosing a school to study Spanish in Mexico. I would like to go there (it will be my first time in Mexico) and stay for a couple of weeks (March 1 to March 16). <BR><BR>I have been looking on the web and it seems that there are plenty of opportunities. However, I've never been to Mexico and would like to hear from any of you who has done this or knows someone who has and can recommend the school that he/she attended or is familiar with. Just so you know, I'm a beginning learner of Spanish, so I would need lots of instruction as well as time to practice my language skills. <BR><BR>Ideally, I would like the school to be somewhere on the coast in a culturally interesting area (perhaps, Yucatan, but all suggestions are welcome). I would like to live with a Mexican host family and be able to do some sightseeing on the weekends by public transportation or arranged by the school. I'm going alone, so safety is an issue, too. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your advice, <BR><BR>Julia

I have been to school in Saltillo, Cuernavaca, and Oaxaca. I like Oaxaca the best. Oaxaca is really interesting and there is a lot to see and do while you are not in school. Cuernavaca is not bad, but it is a bigger city and imho there is not as much to do right around town. However, you can go to Taxco and Mexico City on long day trips. Saltillo is in the north so it was much more Americanized. Anyway I like Oaxaca best. The school I have been to 3 times is Becari- you can check their web site. Many people have also told me the Insituto Cultural in Oaxaca is a very good school. These schools will arrange homestays with families. Saftey wise, I beleive Oaxaca City to be very safe. I have been there 8 times now for various reasons and never have met anyone that has had a problem other than petty theft. Good luck- I'm sure you will have fun wherever you choose.

I too have heard that the school in Cuernavaca is one of the best Spanish Language Schools in Mexico. And they have beautiful springtime all year long. I found that out be reading the "MexicoTravelGuide" I believe they have a website where you can order that book. If I were you, I'd also check into San Miguel De Allende School. It's in a small town, I believe in the state of Jalisco. It's really dedicated to the Arts. I've also heard a lot about the UNAM, in Mexico City. Check those out.

You might want to check Playa del Carmen. There are several language schools there. One is Solexico on calle 6 between ave. 35 & 40. More information at www.solemexico.com

I second the recommendation of Solexico in Playa Del Carmen! I've not taken the classes there, but did a 'tour' of the place as it's run by a good friend of mine, Jerry (Gerado) Diego. Nice, nice place, personal service, homestays AND it's near a beautiful beach!

Thanks to all who responded to my message. I will look into the schools you recommended. <BR><BR>Thanks again, <BR><BR>Julia

When you decide on the city, tryNational Registration Center for Study Abroad (NRCSA) (www.nrcsa.com), their site has good comparison information.

You might want to check out Cactus Language - a travel agency specialising in language courses around the world. I booked a course through them for Spanish in Salamanca, and the school (Mester) was great. I wouldn't rely exclusively on them, but it can simplify your arrangements (they can take care of the school, accommodation, flights and transfers) if you want. They've got arrangements with 5 or 6 schools in Mexico.

Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oaxaca!! The best!