HOMESTAY AND SPANISH LESSONS IN SAN CRISTOBAL en San Cristobal de las Casas

At Instituto Jovel, we have been teaching Spanish to students from all over the world since 1993.
We pride ourselves on our friendly and relaxed study atmosphere, and do our best to make your time with us as fun as it is profitable. All of our teachers are specially trained second language teachers, all Mexicans, but they all also speak fluent English, necessary sometimes to explain some concepts.STUDYING AT INSTITUTO JOVEL
Our aim at Instituto Jovel is to make your stay with us as successful and pleasant as possible. That means: High quality language classes, providing Mexican families where you feel comfortable and giving you any assistance you need regarding travel, leisure, and other personal needs.
We rely on you, the students, to give us feedback, whether you are happy with your teachers, your family, or whatever else you need. You may change any arrangements until you feel that this is the language learning experience you want for yourself. So, please talk to us.Spanish classes
We offer one-on-one Spanish instruction and group instruction. Our Spanish classes are set up to accommodate individual learning styles, personal interests and preferences. All of our teachers are specially trained second language teachers, all Mexicans, but they all also speak fluent English, necessary sometimes to explain some concepts. Some of our students would like to learn ´survival Spanish´ for their travels, other would like to study the language in all its complexities, others need their Spanish as bilingual teachers, physicians or other professions. We don´t use one particular textbook for all students, but a variety of textbooks, exercises, books and other learning materials. All these materials are available to students to study outside of their classtime and to make copies to study at home. We don´t have a set policy for homework, students do as much as their wish, in agreement with their teachers.
HomestayAll of our families are within walking distance from the center of town. In general we place just one student per family, so that you have maximum exposure to the language, but if you prefer to live with another student, you may do so, too. The reasons we suggest homestays are: You have contact with Mexicans, learn about daily life and practice your Spanish. You always have a private room (usually share a bathroom), and share all the meals with the family. We only offer homestay together with Spanish classes and for a minimum of one week. After that week, you may add days as needed.If you choose not to stay with a family, accomodation is easily available in hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts in San Cristobal and ranges in price from $10 US per night upwards. We are happy to help you find something which suits your needs and budget.Arts and Craft ClassesIn addition to your Spanish instruction you can sign up for the following classes:

Mexican cooking
Backstrap loom weaving
Jewelry making with amber and silver
Leather work

The instructors of these classes do not speak English, so a little Spanish is helpful. AdditionallyYou can sign up for intercambios. At a time convenient for you, you can meet our Mexican English students and teach them English for half an hour and then they teach you Spanish for half an hour. No money is exchanged.Usually once a week, we have in the institute a talk relevant to Chiapas. The talks are either in English or in Spanish (we provide translators). The talks are free of charge.