"IA Summer" - Learn Spanish through Cultural Immersion in Mexico

I decided to join Iguana Abroad because I have family from Argentina and I always wanted to communicate with them in their own language (my grandpa never taught my mum, so the language has been lost for two generations now). Iguana Abroad was the perfect program for me because living in Mexico on an immersive course you learn Spanish so much faster than you would at home, and it’s also a lot more fun! :) The program focuses on authentic conversational Spanish as well as reading and writing, so it was the perfect balance between learning the structure of the language and also feeling like you are developing the skills to speak to native speakers. When I called my grandpa on the program and spoke to him in Spanish I almost cried because I could tell how proud he was of me hearing me speak his language. I am so grateful to Iguana Abroad for this experience. I hope I can come back one day :)

Iguana Abroad was such a rewarding experience. The program allows you to live in Mexico while learning Spanish, travelling and generally getting to know this awesome country! To be fully immersed in a culture and learn from local Mexican teachers was such a special opportunity and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Everyone on the course was so welcoming and open to share their life experiences of Mexico and the staff on the program made us feel excited about Mexico and Mexican culture. I would like to especially thank Harry and Harry for organizing the program and also the Spanish teaching staff for their patience with my slow uptake of Spanish vocabulary!

I found Iguana Abroad online as I was looking for summer programs to boost my Spanish level while spending the summer outside the US. The program is a really cool mix of Spanish lessons and cultural immersion, with time for relaxing as well as some daily structure to help keep you focused. We visited Aztec ruins, a village in the mountains with Spanish-era architecture, lots of nature and also an Aztec city built on canals (the Mexican Venice!). Seeing Mexican daily life and day to day Mexican culture was really eye-opening – I loved visiting the markets, buying local products, and seeing how local Mexicans live their daily lives. I also loved meeting Spanish speakers on the course during the weekend trips and excursions – many of the Mexican people who we met on the trips and at the Spanish school have become my close friends. Overall, Iguana Abroad was a perfect immersion program, both for learning Spanish and also enjoying the cultural sides of the country. Gracias Iguana Abroad!

After coming to Mexico on Iguana Abroad I can confidently say that Mexico is my favorite country I’ve been to so far. I LOVE the Mexican style of art, all the vibrant colors that you see everywhere, the food, the music, the traditional arts and crafts… Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Mariachi… The country is so full of life, it makes you feel energised and alive being there. The Iguana Abroad course for me was a perfect way to experience the country for the first time because they organize most of the details (Spanish lessons, Accommodation, weekend trips, Airport transport, etcetera), which makes the trip a lot less stressful. Plus the course was really fun. Some of my favorite memories from the trip were from the Iguana Abroad immersion events (dancing Salsa with a tropical rainstorm happening outside was memorable!), as well as the cookery class and the excursions outside of the city. I loved every moment of it.

Iguana Abroad was amazing! The course was a perfect way to see Mexico while also learning Spanish and exploring both with a group and independently. Compared to the US the Spanish lessons were very conversation-focused, which was perfect for me because my aim was to speak Spanish fluently in my time in Mexico. I came on Iguana Abroad with friends but I would definitely recommend doing it on your own as well because everyone on the group was super friendly and welcoming. If you are in two minds, I would say do it – you won’t regret it :)

I thought that Iguana Abroad was a brilliant program with a wide range of people from all around the world in a very cool part of Mexico. The trip set itself apart from other similar programs that I have done due to the high quality of Spanish teaching, the frequent opportunity for authentic Spanish immersion and the interesting locations that were offered on the weekend trips. I stayed in a homestay during the program and I am so glad that I did – my homestay family was lovely and they really helped me to feel at home in Mexico and helped me connect with the culture. I also think my Spanish improved a lot just by being around Spanish speakers 24/7. Overall, Iguana Abroad offered the perfect balance of Spanish lessons, immersion events and free time to allow us to make the most of Mexico without it ever feeling overwhelming. Would recommend!

If I had to summarize my trip to Mexico on Iguana Abroad in just three memories it would be:

1) Visiting the ancient Aztec city of Xochimilco on the first weekend. When we got there it was so busy because it was a Mexican national holiday, but that actually made the experience better! We rented a “trajinera” boat to explore the area and there were hundreds of Mexican families on other boats playing music, having BBQs and enjoying the amazing weather. One of the best parts of the Xochimilco day was when a Mariachi band came onto our boat and started playing Mariachi music to us – an incredible experience!

2) Travelling to Yautepec for the village carnival. This was one of my favorite days on the program just because it was so unexpected. We arrived in the village to explore a traditional Mexican village but when we got there there was a carnival happening which was awesome! I also think they do a Day of the Dead carnival there too in November which we didn’t see, but hopefully next time!

3) In third place I would have to say the two gorgeous dogs that live outside the Spanish school! (Chiquilin and Gordito… the most adorable dogs you will ever see)

Hard to choose just three memories but these are maybe my favorites!

I had never travelled outside the US before signing up to Iguana Abroad but I am very happy that I did! Iguana Abroad was an incredible experience <3 I made so many friends on the program, learnt a lot of Spanish and visiting another country for the first time was nerve-racking but ultimately so satisfying! One thing I’ll never forget is the way that the Iguana Abroad guys make you feel so at home when you are there – taking time to help you buy groceries in the market, making sure everyone is happy on the program, and generally just making the trip an awesome experience. The process of arriving in Mexico is very easy because they come and pick you up from the airport and the routine of Spanish classes, day trips, cooking classes, etc, is something that I will definitely miss! Everyone on the program was amazing and weekend trips were always so memorable thanks to the awesome people in the group <3 Overall, Iguana Abroad make the whole process so easy from start to finish, they really show you the best side to Mexico and make the whole experience so much fun. An all round perfect Spanish course!