The origins of the Spanish language lie in the Castile region of Spain. Through the conquest of colonies in past centuries, the Spanish language became the official national language, especially in the countries of Central and South America. Learning Spanish is worthwhile; it is the second most spoken language in the world. Where better to learn this romantic and spirited language than in the country with the most Spanish-speaking citizens in the world? Mexico is home to 112 million inhabitants, is the main destination for travelers to Latin America and offers a wide range of opportunities for language travel and language study trips.
Mexico - the land of vibrant colors and magnificent patterns - combines millennia-old culture and civilization with sparkling modernity, mysticism and beauty. Mexicans are known for their cheerful and carefree nature. The festive atmosphere during the country's biggest holidays attracts culture vultures from all over the world. The most famous festive occasions are Navidad (Christmas), Dia de Reyes (3 Kings), Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Cinco de Mayo (Battle Day).
Mexico offers more than just tacos, chili and cacti. Its diverse culture, turbulent history of rebellion and amazing arts and crafts impress tourists and language students from all over the world. Mexico is the site of the largest pyramid in the world and hot chocolate is prepared differently in every city. Some of the world's best literary works and films have been produced in Mexico.
During a language study trip to Mexico, Spanish students will be amazed by the sheer unlimited diversity of the country. Majestic cities from the colonial era, rare wild animals and plant species, imposing mountains, impressive waters, volcanoes, barren desert landscapes with giant cacti and the culinary diversity inspire visitors to the country. The surrounding seas (the Gulf of Mexico to the east, the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west) bathe beautiful paradisiacal strips of land. A language study trip to Mexico will therefore be an exciting adventure!
The best-known destinations along the coast are the cities of Acapulco, Cancun, Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán peninsula and Tijuana on the border with California. Guadalajara and Guanajuato are important tourist destinations in the interior of the country. The global metropolis and capital Mexico City is the economic, social, political and cultural hub of Mexico. The city of San Cristóbal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas, located at an altitude of over 2200 meters above sea level, is also a well-known tourist destination and is known as the capital of the indigenous Mayan people.
Mexico offers a wide range of options for language travel. If possible, combine different offers or extend your language study trip in Mexico by a few weeks to travel to this impressive and diverse country after your Spanish course.
If you want to learn Spanish in Mexico and are planning a language study trip, you can choose between the beach or the mountains, hot or cold weather, big cities or villages. However, it is advisable to avoid tourist destinations such as Cancún for longer stays. Prices are much higher here and most of the inhabitants speak fluent English and other languages, which makes it much more difficult to immerse yourself in the Spanish language. In larger towns, the locals tend to speak without an accent and more clearly. The choice of schools and accommodation in hostels or host families is also much greater here. On the other hand, smaller and less well-known towns are more hospitable. Many travelers here have less trouble striking up conversations with locals or making acquaintances.
Scheduled flights are offered daily from Europe to Mexico. If you choose a significantly cheaper flight route, you will usually have to reckon with one or two stopovers. A flight from Switzerland to Mexico costs between 700 and 2000 francs, with prices varying greatly depending on the time of year, number of stopovers and airports. The best-known destination airports in Mexico are Cancùn, Mexico City, Cozumel, Veracruz and Guadalajara. Due to the high travel costs, it is worth planning several weeks for your language study trip in Mexico. This way you can learn Spanish in a relaxed way and get to know the different facets of the country.
In Mexico, the temperature fluctuations of the different seasons are relatively small, as the area is very close to the equator. Therefore, it doesn't really matter what time of year you book a language study trip. Mexico has different climate zones. In the higher regions of the country, the climate is pleasant all year round, it often cools down quite a bit at night and snowfall is quite possible. The lowlands of the Yucatan have a subtropical climate with extremely high humidity. Temperatures here are usually between 28 and 35 degrees. However, it often feels much hotter and the occasional thundershowers hardly cool things down. In Mexico City, heavy smog sometimes makes breathing very difficult. Spending time in the cities of the highlands with a low oxygen density can also put a heavy strain on the body. These unusual and sometimes extreme climatic conditions require careful consideration as to where exactly in Mexico a language study trip to learn Spanish can be meaningful and relaxed. Those who do not tolerate extreme heat or low oxygen density well should definitely choose Spanish schools in more temperate climate zones.
Spanish schools can be found all over Mexico. The different locations offer different advantages for a language study trip. The decisive factors for choosing a particular school are therefore the sea, mountains and leisure opportunities in the various locations.
The most popular destinations for language study trips in Mexico are the following cities:
Of course, there are also numerous well-known Spanish schools with excellent Spanish courses in various towns along the coast. However, the prices there are sometimes very high due to tourism. Nevertheless, you can also find inexpensive accommodation and language travel providers by the sea.
Most language schools offer course models with 20 lessons per week. This leaves enough free time during the entire language study trip to get to know the country and its people, pursue hobbies and socialize. Of course, most schools also offer more intensive language courses, which are usually offered over a shorter period of two to three weeks. This type of course is particularly suitable if you want to end your language study trip in Mexico with an independent journey of discovery across the country.
Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico, but they do need a tourist card. Travelers receive this during the flight or at the border with Mexico. As soon as they enter the country, the card is stamped and the validity period of 180 days is entered. If you are planning a longer language trip to Mexico, you can apply to the Instituto Nacional de Migraciión in Mexico for an extension of your residence permit. The tourist card should always be presented and must be shown on departure.
Mexico has a very high crime rate. Organized crime has risen sharply in this country, but is limited to certain areas. Some regions are not affected by crime at all. Politically motivated violence can occur throughout the country, but the regions of Mexico City and Guerrero are particularly affected by this risk. The following regions should only be traveled to with the utmost precautions during a language study trip in Mexico: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, Veracruz and Tamaulipas. In these areas, innocent bystanders have been injured or even killed several times as a result of drug gang feuds. Although it is possible to travel in these areas, the greatest possible safety precautions should be taken. Seek local advice from the local authorities, who can give you a good and up-to-date assessment of the situation and important instructions. Travel to the cities of Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana should be avoided at all costs - crime is too high in these places, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also strongly advises against staying in these two towns. If you would like to complete your language study trip with a tour of Mexico, you should take this information seriously under all circumstances. The Mexican government is very keen to keep crime as far away as possible from popular travel destinations. Anyone traveling through the country should never be alone on remote roads or in remote areas. Before going on a language study trip to Mexico, it is essential to clarify the local safety situation in advance. If possible, talk to former language students from local schools, read the various safety information and instructions online or ask a travel agency. There is an increased risk of earthquakes in Mexico. In the event of an earthquake warning, travelers should always follow the instructions of the local authorities.
If you are planning a language study trip to Mexico, it is essential to calculate the costs in advance. A considerable financial cushion is necessary to ensure that your language study trip to Mexico is a success. In addition to the relatively high flight costs, the costs for the Spanish course, accommodation, meals, leisure activities and transportation should not be ignored. The cost of living in Mexico is relatively high compared to other countries in Latin America. Course costs vary depending on the number of lessons. Half-day courses with 20 lessons per week are considered standard courses and can be intensified with five to ten additional lessons. Courses with 20 lessons per week cost around 230 to 350 francs per week. The more weeks you book, the cheaper the weekly price. Accommodation in a host family during your language study trip in Mexico costs between around 160 and 260 francs per week, depending on whether you book half board or breakfast only. Prices are significantly higher in large cities due to the higher cost of living. Accommodation in a student hall of residence, a shared flat or similar accommodation costs around 200 francs per week without meals. Prices for meals in restaurants vary greatly. Modest small restaurants often charge no more than five francs per meal (excluding drinks). There is no upper limit to the prices, which are sometimes almost as high as in Switzerland, especially in the tourist towns. Food in typical street stalls, on the other hand, is very inexpensive: here you can enjoy three tacos for around 1.50 francs. After the first few days of your language study trip, you will certainly know the best addresses. A beer in the bar costs between CHF 1.50 and 2.50. A liter of water in the supermarket costs around 70 centimes, a loaf of white bread around CHF 1, a pack of cigarettes just under CHF 3 and 1 kg of beef around CHF 6. Supermarket prices are therefore significantly lower than in Switzerland. A monthly ticket for public transport in Mexico costs just over 15 francs. Cab rides are relatively cheap with a basic fare of CHF 1.60 and an average price per kilometer of 50 centimes. A one-month language study trip in Mexico costs around CHF 1500 to 2500 including language course, accommodation, local transportation, excluding flights and meals.
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