ASLI-Spanish Language Institute

A functional program based on the natural approach to language acquisition that will encourage students to develop their Spanish Language skills and to discover Mexican culture as they experience life in a Spanish speaking environment. This program is designed for independent students as well as for groups from all walks of life. Travellers wanting to return home with more than just a souvenir, and there is a special program of individualized needs for EXECUTIVES. We accommodate all levels of Spanish ability. We will find an appropriate and enjoyable level with classes tailored just to your needs.

Cuernavaca is a resort town. Since days of the Pre/Conquest it has been considered a perfect place to escape for relaxation and some tranquillity. Many Mexico City residents have weekend homes here, and there is also a sizeable colony of retired foreigners. It is typical of the Mexican tradition to have much of its beauty hidden behind walls, often with vibrant bougainvillea. The city offers a wide range of garden restaurants, nightclubs, cultural events and sport activities. The nickname is City of Eternal Spring, as the temperature is nearly perfect year round. It’s best described by the fact that houses have no central heating or air conditioning. They simply are not necessary.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM a) LANGUAGE CLASS (3-5 students per group) --3 Hrs. (Grammar, drills and conversation) b) FUNCTIONAL SPANISH (or cultural) -------------1 Hr. (Situations at the bank, restaurant, hotel, post office; Idiomatic expressions, dictation)For more advanced students-vocabulary expansion and other aspects of the language. c) CONVERSATION PROGRAM, History, cross Culture, or Literature 2 Hrs. The philosophy of the program is to encourage students develop their skills through the guidance and leadership of the teaching staff as “language facilitators" Three hours per day as spent in a class of no more than five students per teacher for the benefit of the student’s personal language development. This allows our carefully selected and trained staff to assist the students individually with their language needs.

As a full immersion program, an important part of your experience is living with a Mexican family. This provides you with real life situations, not only in the language, but in the culture as well. Our families are caring hosts specially screened and chosen to provide excellent attention. Families are middle and upper class by Mexican standards. Houses are smaller and less luxurious, but some have beautiful gardens, pool and servants. The family provides the students with the two main meals and transportation to and room school, if not within walking distance.

Each weekend, field study trips are sponsored to places of historic and cultural interest. Areas around Mexico City, such as the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan, the Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor in the center of the Valley of Mexico, and the Folkloric Ballet presented at Palace of Fine Arts are frequent destinations. Field trips in the Cuernavaca area are conducted weekly. Students are invited to become involved in the activities of the Cuernavaca community. In addition to those activities provided by the families with whom students live, there are concerts, art exhibitions, plays, and other cultural activities each week. The close proximity to Mexico City, the intellectual and the cultural heart of the country, provides additional opportunities for enriching educational experiences.