The following questions
and answers will give you useful information, tips, and help on
studying Spanish at INTERCULTURAL Spanish School, visiting Cuernavaca,
and travel to Mexico.
To read INTERCULTURAL Spanish Language School's vision, click
here.
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Can I attend Spanish classes
if I don't know any Spanish at all?
Yes. At INTERCULTURAL Spanish School, students who arrive
knowing no Spanish at all, as well as students wishing to
improve their Spanish skills will all find an appropriate
and enjoyable level of learning. Our flexible Spanish
classes are tailored to meet the needs of independent
students, universities, colleges, organizations, travelers,
and professionals. Top
How will my Spanish teachers
know at what skill level I am at?
Upon arrival you will be given a written and oral placement
exam to ensure that you are enrolled in the appropriate Spanish
class, according to your communication level. Top
On what date do Spanish classes begin?
You may start Spanish classes any Monday, 52 weeks a year (please
note Spanish school holidays). Spanish students may study
for as many weeks as they like. If you are participating in
our 1-on-1
Spanish Classes, you may start any day and hour that you
choose. Top
On what day should I arrive in Mexico?
Students usually arrive in Mexico the Saturday or Sunday before
their Spanish classes begin on Monday. Upon arrival in Cuernavaca, Mexico you will check-in at the Spanish school and we will introduce
you to your host family.
If you will be arriving after school hours you may take a taxi
directly to your homestay accommodation using the directions
supplied in your registration confirmation email. Top
Will I attend an orientation seminar upon arrival at the Spanish
school?
Yes. Upon arrival at INTERCULTURAL Spanish school you will be given a written and/or oral
orientation seminar which will introduce you to living and
traveling in Cuernavaca, general safety tips to practice,
and Spanish school procedures. Top
What are the prices at INTERCULTURAL
Spanish School?
Registration fees, Spanish class tuition, and homestay accommodation
rates can be found here.
Top
How and when do I pay my Spanish class and homestay accommodation
fees?
Click here
to find out how and when to pay your Spanish class and homestay
accommodation fees. Top
What is the schedule
for optional activities and tours of Mexico?
The schedule for recreational activities
and tours of Mexico vary
from month to month, depending on student interests. Destinations
and activities are subject to change, thus a schedule
is not posted online. Upon arrival at the Spanish school,
you will be given information about the available optional
tours/activities and will have the opportunity to sign-up
for the activities and tours that most fit your interests.
Top
How and when do I pay
for my optional activities and tours of Mexico?
Fees for optional activities
and tours of Mexico are paid directly to the Spanish school several days
in advance of the event. Click here
to view available payment methods. Top
Can I pay with a credit/debit card?
Your registration
fee can be paid using a debit/credit card or E-check
through our secure and instantaneous payment processing
form, powered by PayPal,
the world's #1 online payment service.
We can also accept major credit/debit
cards online to pay your Spanish classes, homestay
accommodation, and tours of Mexico, but there will
be a 5% charge to cover transaction expenses incurred
on the Spanish school. Click here
to view alternative payment methods. Top
What additional costs can I expect to pay at the spanish school?
There is a minimal charge for Spanish
books and class material, depending on your length of
study and the type of Spanish class you will be taking. There
is also a charge for any optional activities
or recreational tours
of Mexico that you participate in. Phone cards can be
purchased for 50 & 100 pesos. Phone and fax service is
USD 2 per minute to the U.S., E-mail connection is 10 pesos
per 15 minutes, to receive an email, the cost is 1 peso per
page. Copies can be made for .50 pesos per copy. Top
How can I receive mail and be contacted while at the Spanish
school?
It is recommended that mail be sent to the Spanish school,
rather than to your host family. Keep in mind that standard
mail sent to Mexico takes 3 to 4 weeks to arrive. Click
here
for INTERCULTURAL's contact information.
Top
Is food available at the Spanish school?
As a courtesy, INTERCULTURAL Spanish School offers free
coffee and light food such as sweet bread, fruit, and other
traditional Mexican snacks. Sodas, candy, and other snacks
may be available for a charge. Top
Are meals included with the homestay program?
It depends on which homestay program you choose. The Deluxe
Homestay Program includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The European
Homestay Program includes only breakfast. The Economic
Homestay Program does not include any meals. On the
days of a tour, students
can ask their host family for a sack lunch to take with
them. Sack lunches consist of a sandwich, chips, fruit,
and a drink. Top
Does my host family provide laundry service?
No, however, the Spanish school works with a service that
picks up and then delivers your clean laundry to the school.
Top
Is there a doctor on staff at the Spanish School?
INTERCULTURAL Spanish School has a doctor on call. If needed,
medical services are readily available and will be provided
by qualified physicians affiliated with the Spanish school,
at a reasonable cost. However, we recommend you to purchase
international medical insurance
before your trip. Top
What is the climate like in Cuernavaca, Mexico?
Cuernavaca, Mexico is
known worldwide as "The City of Eternal Spring"
for its wonderful climate, crystal skies, and radiant sun.
The temperature ranges from 70º-80º F (21º-28º
C) all year-round. Nights can be a little cool. Top
Where can I buy Pesos in Mexico?
You may buy pesos at the airport in Mexico City and there are
also many banks and "exchange houses" around Cuernavaca.
We recommend that you do not carry too much cash. Try to keep
your money in travelers check, and change your money every few
days. Visa debit/credit cards are also useful in receiving pesos
at the teller machine. Top
Yes, you will find ATM's at the airport in Mexico City as well
as around Cuernavaca. Top
Can I get an Internet
connection in Cuernavaca?
Yes, there are many "Internet cafés"
in Cuernavaca. The
Spanish school also has an Internet connection. Top
What is the electric
current in Mexico?
The electrical current in Mexico is the same as in the
USA and Canada (110v). The sockets though, may not work
with your appliance's plug, as some do not have the grounding
plug hole, or it may have two equally sized flat slots,
not accommodating a plug with a wider grounding prong.
It is a good idea to purchase an adapter before you travel
to Mexico. Top
What are typical operating hours for businesses in Cuernavaca?
Government offices and businesses in Cuernavaca, Mexico are usually
open Monday-Friday from 9am to 7pm, taking a lunch from 2pm
to 4pm. Museums and archeological sites are open 10am to 5pm,
but museums are usually closed on Mondays. On Sunday, some sights
do not charge an entrance fee. Top
What should I pack?
Dress is very casual in Cuernavaca,
so jeans and shorts are acceptable. Lightweight clothing that can be layered
is a good idea to pack, along with a light
jacket for nighttime outings. Comfortable walking
shoes are a must, as is a hat, if you tend to burn.
Also bring a swimming suite because your host
family may
have a swimming pool and there are also many public
spas in Cuernavaca. For class, notebooks, pencils,
and binder are necessary. An English to Spanish dictionary
is also helpful. Bring any medications you might need
and be sure to put these in your carry on luggage.
Top
How much extra money should I bring to Mexico?
You will need money for any personal purchases, laundry (about
USD 3 per week), and for afternoon/night-time entertainment.
Generally students spend an average of USD 10-20 per
day on extra purchases. Top
Do you recommend traveler's/medical insurance while
traveling in Mexico?
Yes. We suggest that you check coverage of traveler's/international
insurance in your home city. If additional coverage
is necessary, it should be purchased before coming,
as this coverage can be expensive in Mexico. Our Spanish
school faculty, staff, and the host family regard
the student's safety and well being as their top priority.
However, the Spanish school shall be not responsible
for any liability, or injury during class time, at
the host family,
during on/off-campus events, or during tours
of Mexico. Insurance can be found online at the following sites: http://www.travelersmed.com http://www.alltripinsurance.com. http://www.eStudentInsurance.com Top
What immunizations are required for Mexico?
No shots are required to enter Mexico but you
should check with your local doctor. Hepatitis
vaccinations are recommended. If you are also
planning to travel to southern, tropical regions
of Mexico, insect repellent with a minimum of
20% DEET and/or malaria pills are advised. Top
What documents are required to travel to Mexico?
The documents required vary by nationality and age.,
so please check with your local Mexican Embassy
or Consulate, airline, or travel agent when booking
your flight. Canadian and U.S. citizens are required
to have a photo ID and a certified copy of their
birth certificate, or a valid passport. When you
travel to Mexico you will go through immigration
where they will check your documents and stamp your
Tourist Visa (a blank card will be given to you
on your flight). On this card they note the number
of days you will be in Mexico, be sure they put
the correct number of days or longer (you can stay
up to 3 months, and then you will have to apply
for an extension) that you will be studying. Do
not lose this card because you must turn it in to
leave the country. We recommend making a photo copy
of your Tourist Visa and all other important documents,
to store in a separate location. This makes replacing
them much easier. For further questions contact
your local airline, travel agency, or contact your
local Mexican Embassy/Consulate: USA (202) 728 1600,
Canada (613) 233 8988. Top
Are additional
documents required for persons less than 18 years?
If a minor is traveling with only one parent, the absent
parent should provide notarized consent. If only one
parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared
to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities.
In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico
alone or in someone else's company, then both parents
(or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide
notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has
a different last name from the mother and/or father,
the parents should be prepared to submit evidence to
airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate
or adoption decree, that they are truly the parents. Top
Is there bus transportation from the Mexico City airport
to Cuernavaca?
Yes. The airport has a public bus service, "Pullman
de Morelos", that provides transportation from
the airport in Mexico City to Cuernavaca. This direct
bus service is offered daily for approximately USD
10. Buses depart approximately every 45 minutes,
starting at 6:30 AM until 11:00 PM. To reach the
"Pullman de Morelos" ticket counter, as
you come out of the secured customs area and into
the main terminal, take the elevator to the second
floor of the airport. Then walk through the food
court to the very end of the hallway where you will
veer to the right. At the end of the hallway you
will see the ticket counter.
When you arrive at the Cuernavaca bus station,
you can take a taxi directly to the school (8:00
AM-2:00 PM) or if after business hours, directly
to your housing accommodation. Top
Is there a delivery service to/from the Mexico City airport?
Yes, this service is available 24 hours a day. Please
check delivery service prices here.
You will need to notify the Spanish school for pickup
service at least 1 week prior to your departure
to Mexico. This fee is paid to our representative
with cash or travelers checks, upon your transfer
to Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Instructions:
If you are arriving on an international flight,
as you come out of the secured customs area and
into the main terminal, look for our representative
holding a sign displaying your name. For domestic
flights, please watch for the sign as you enter
the domestic terminal from the secured area because
you cannot be met at the gate. For all arrivals:
In the event you cannot locate the sign (please
wait at least 15 minutes), the new meeting place
will be in front of the "Freedom Bar",
a well marked bar/restaurant in the international
terminal. Our representative will deliver you to
the school or your homestay accommodation.
Please
note the pickup policy: A Spanish school representative
will confirm your arrival time prior to departing for
the airport. If your flight number has been changed
or cancelled, it is your responsibility to notify the
Spanish school at least 12 hours in advance of your
originally scheduled pickup time. The school does not
require notification of small delays because our representative
will wait at the airport for up to 2 hours after your
originally scheduled pickup time. If your flight is
delayed more than 2 hours, please phone the Spanish
school for rescheduling. After you have applied for
the pickup service offered in the online student registration
form, you will be E-mailed the necessary instructions
for meeting an INTERCULTURAL Spanish School representative at the airport.
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