Spanish Language lessons with homestay packages in Chiapas
With its cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs, San Cristobal de Las Casas is a mix of Spanish colonial and colourful indigenous culture. Instituto Jovel, located in the heart of the city, offers Spanish classes for all levels, together with extra activities.

If you are planning to study Spanish in Chiapas we recommend Instituto Jovel, located in the very heart of beautiful San Cristobal de Las Casas. The school offers a variety of Spanish language classes (either group or individual tuition), homestay accommodation in Mexican families, and extra activities to make the most if your stay and of your learning experience in Mexico.

Classes are set up to accommodate individual learning preferences and personal interests and needs: some students are just looking for some practical 'survival lessons' to feel more comfortable while travelling in Spanish speaking countries, some others want to become fluent speakers. Classes are provided also for those who need their Spanish as bilingual teachers, physicians or other professionals. All teachers are specially trained second language teachers. They are all Mexicans, but they also speak fluent English, which is helpful sometimes to explain some concepts.

There are not specific textbooks you will need to purchase: teachers use many different texts, exercise books and other learning material, which will be available to students also after classes. There is no set policy for homework, as students usually agree with the teachers about the amount of work they are willing to do according to their learning plans and expectations.

The institute recommends learning sessions of one and a half hour each, and an average of 2 sessions (3 hours) per day. You are also recommended to arrange your classes with different teachers, so that you can use various textbooks, and experience different methods and perspectives in the learning procedure.

Your schedule will be as flexible as you want, and you will be able to change it until you are happy with your learning plan, although you will be asked to plan your classes on a weekly basis.

Time slots are as follows: 9-10.30 am, 10.30-12, 12-1.30 pm, 4-5.30 pm, and 5.30-7 pm.
The school is closed for lunch break between 2 and 4 pm.

Homestays
All families who work with Instituto Jovel are within walking distance from the center of town.
Homestays are usually organised with only one student per family, so that you can have maximum exposure to the language; but other arrangements can be made if you prefer sharing with another student.
Living with a Mexican family is a full immersion experience: you will learn a lot about the Mexican uses and traditions, and you will have the chance to practise the language with the family members full time. You will always be assigned a private room and usually share a bathroom.
Homestay arrangements can be made for stays of minimum 1 week, and other accommodation options (hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts in San Cristobal) are available upon request.

Arts and Craft Classes, Talks and more
In addition to your Spanish instruction you can sign up for the following classes: Mexican cooking, backstrap loom weaving, jewelry making with amber and silver, and leather work. The instructors of these classes do not speak English, so a little Spanish is helpful.
Once a week the institute hosts talks about Chiapas, either in English or in Spanish (translators are provided). The talks are free of charge.
The institute will also offer you assistance regarding your travel, leisure, and other personal needs.

Intercambios
Language exchange activities can be arranged upon request.
You can offer Mexican students English lessons for some Spanish lessons or practice (no money exchange).