Student Reports: Cuernavaca

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Gizelle Watkins
An 8 week Language Course in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

“I always wanted to learn another language and loved the sound of Spanish. I like to travel and studying Mexican history in primary school was the beginning of my fascination with Mexico. Going on a language course and studying Spanish in Mexico combined my too greatest aspirations. Studying Spanish had other benefits for me because I have nearly completed my law degree and hope to work abroad therefore the ability to speak Spanish would widen the door of opportunity for me. Through my review of the brochure CESA seemed to be a well-organised and established organisation, which is why I chose to place my trust in them to arrange my course abroad as opposed to doing it independently with little knowledge.

Before arriving in Cuernavaca I expected the course to be very intensive, serious and difficult, however much to my delight I found the environment to be very relaxing and the people at the language school easy going.

My ability to speak Spanish greatly improved while I was in Mexico far exceeding my expectations. Before I went to Mexico I knew very little Spanish however I am now able to hold a fluent conversation in the language. The overall experience vastly exceeded my expectations. It not only built up my language skills but also helped me to appreciate culture. The lessons worked very well for me. Admittedly before the course I thought that the school policy of only speaking Spanish would be impossible to comply with, it wasn’t and this policy benefited me as I was familiarised with the language. Throughout the course there was an excellent teacher to student interaction also as the teachers were able to master the art of being both professional and sociable.

I was amazed at the beauty of the campus, it was almost as if I had stepped into the Garden of Eden: there was lush greenery and beautiful buildings all around. The students were very friendly and the teachers were excellent. They really made an effort to help students enjoy the experience of learning Spanish. The situation of the school in Cuernavaca was another bonus due to the good weather and friendly city atmosphere.

The other students in my class were generally very friendly sociable people. Also the Spanish students at the college was an added perk because we were given the opportunity to make friends with Mexican students of our own age group and were therefore able to practice Spanish with our new amigos even through email in my case after returning to London.

The cultural programme and excursions were particularly well organised as we were able to learn more about Mexican culture and history and therefore appreciate it more. The balance between free time and lessons was also ideal.

Cuernavaca is a very good destination for courses as not only is it a beautiful city but the locals were particularly warm and friendly. The nightlife was fantastic and the food inexpensive. My social life there was fun packed, with new places I discovered. It was therefore very easy to associate with local people and it was a city, which I felt safe to be in. The only thing I wish I could have changed is the duration that I stayed in Cuernavaca. I wish I could of stayed much longer it was a fabulous place!

I thoroughly enjoyed staying with my host family who proved to be likeable, friendly charming people. They were very welcoming to me as well as the other students that lived in the home and I would definitely recommend them to other students.

The assistance offered by CESA was excellent. I received accurate and sufficient information before leaving for Mexico, which proved to be most helpful when I arrived in Cuernavaca.

This was an excellent course and being situated in Cuernavaca a beautiful city made the atmosphere even better. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone.

I am making use of my language skills, through conversing with other Spanish speakers and travelling to Spanish speaking countries. I did not anticipate the prospect of accomplishing greater social skills from this experience, which has been greatly beneficial.

Right now I am at University studying for my Law Degree, once I have finished I plan to return to Mexico and study Spanish again. My most memorable moments about the course are the wonderful teachers and students I meet, as well as the fantastic Mexican festivals as I was lucky enough to be there on Mexican Independence Day as well as Halloween!