don Quijote Guanajuato

This new don Quijote school in Guanajuato is in line with the revolutionary launch of our Latin American programme in 2001. don Quijote Guanajuato operates in full co-ordination with the other schools in terms of courses, teaching methods, accommodation and services. This means that you have a further option in order to combine more cities since don Quijote offers you the opportunity to switch between schools in Spain, or even between Spain and Mexico. Obviously, this school is also located in the city centre and you can be assured of the don Quijote style and quality that you are accustomed to.

The city of Guanajuato is the state capital and is one of the most important historical and cultural colonial cities in Mexico. Guanajuato is located in the central part of Mexico, south of the high Mexican plateau. In 1988, the UNESCO declared Guanajuato and the surrounding silver mines a “World Heritage Site”. The state possesses an international airport, 40 kilometres from the city centre. Although a small city, Guanajuato has a great deal to offer: from the beautiful colonial buildings to modern museums, from the silver mines to the university. Guanajuato astonishes the visitor with the charm of its relaxed atmosphere. Its paved streets and picturesque squares. The Festival International Cervantino, or FIC, is a very prestigious and famous festival of culture, music, theatre and dance. It is held annually during the first two week of October and attracts intellectuals, artists and tourists from all over the world. The famous Underground Street, officially known as Calle Miguel Hidalgo has an amazing charm. Following the course of the old Guanajuato River, it runs nearly 3 kilometres beneath the city. Practically the entire state of Guanajuato has a pleasant climate with temperatures between 12ºC and 24º C. Critical comment: The majority of flights to the airport at Guanajuato stop first at Ciudad de Mexico.

At the don Quijote schools we use an interactive method of teaching based on learning by practice. That means that grammar is covered –after all, one of the key building blocks of any language- as much as possible by using practical situations. Speaking and actively using the language is central to the continuous interaction between teacher and student. don Quijote has refined the communicative teaching method and by constantly evaluating and applying students suggestions. Successfully implementing the interactive method totally depends on the personal attention your teacher is able to give you. Our groups never have more than eight students on all intensive and super-intensive courses. We determine the make-up of the group according to students’ abilities. The first day of the course begins with an oral and written test. (Although, if you know you are a beginner, you will start directly in a beginners group). We work with six levels, fixing the goals for each based on our experience and in accordance with the curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes. When you have finished the course, you will receive a certificate of participation from don Quijote noting that you have taken part in at least 90% of the lessons.

It is good to know that most of the host families have worked with us since the beginning. The families know from experience what the role of a host is. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the maximum out of your course. Nowhere else will you so directly experience real Spanish life. Nothing could be better to help improve your language skills. The word “family” should not be taken too literally, because your family could also be just a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn’t be the first to go out together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home. You can choose from a room with breakfast, half-board (breakfast and you can choose between a cooked meal in the afternoon at about two o’clock or light dinner at ten) or full-board (breakfast and two meals). It is obvious that you will have to adjust a little to the rules of the house. Remember, too, that locals have different eating habits. Apart from that, you are free to do what you want. You will be given your own keys, so you can come and go as you like. During your home-stay you will be able to receive phone calls. In the student apartments in Guanajuato there are only single rooms available and there is only a limited number of apartments, so if you want to stay in one of the student apartments make sure that you make your reservation early!

The number and diversity of excursions to interesting places in the vicinity at the weekends is great. There is no question of a standard offering. The students have an important voice in the excursion destination. The excursions, for which you will pay a nominal fee, only go ahead if a sufficient number of people take part. The activities and excursions are announced weekly in the office, where you can go with any queries or to put your name down. Sports enthusiasts can really enjoy themselves at don Quijote: aerobics, basketball, fitness training, golf, hockey, swimming, football, rafting, hiking and much more. Ask in the office about practising individual sports.