By Alisa W., guest blogger studying at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

I returned home yesterday from Playa del Carmen.  I took a bus to the Cancun airport.  The ticket for the bus is only 106 pesos, so it is very affordable and easy to take a bus, which is air-conditioned.  I found myself getting sad as the bus was driving through town to the highway, I passed many places that my friends and I would often visit or go eat.  My experience here has been so amazing.  I don't think I would have changed anything, even a couple undesirable experiences gave me a better perspective on life in Mexico. 

I think the thing that overall, I was most shocked about, is how much poverty exists in Mexico.  I had never really considered it, but you see many tiny little homes that I couldn't even imagine living in.  Houses with tar roofs and aluminum panel siding, and little concrete homes with only one room.  I was fortunate that my family seems to be comfortable enough, and my room was quite nice.  The second thing that I was surprised about was how nice, patient, and friendly the Mexican people are.  Even when you are making things more difficult for them, they don't get upset with you, they just do their best to try to help you.  I think many of us could stand to learn a few things from the generosity of these people.

I am glad to be back in the United States, and my first night sleeping in air-conditioning was better than I had imagined.  However, I miss Mexico, and found myself thinking about what I would likely be doing if I were still in Mexico, or what my Mexican family and friends were doing as I though about them throughout the day.  This having been my second experience studying abroad, I am 110% convinced that living in a culture that is not your own for at least a month is probably, in my opinion, one of the best things you can do to help yourself grow.  I don't mean taking a vacation, and staying in a 5-star hotel, I mean really experiencing the culture of the country you are visiting.  Stay with a family, talk with the locals, get your feet dirty, keep an open-mind, and know that even when you feel uncomfortable, you will come out of the experience a with a better perspective on everything the world has to offer.

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

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Meet Alfonso Nájera Sánchez, Academic Coordinator and a Spanish Instructor at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
41 year old, Degree in Spanish, Resident of Playa del Carmen since 1999

Which languages have you studied?
English

Have you ever studied abroad? 
I would have like to work or study abroad at some point.

When did you enter the study abroad industry?
I have worked with our school since 1999

What is your job within the organization?
Playa del Carmen school's Academic Coordinator and Spanish Instructor

What do you like best about your job?
I love to teach the Spanish Language and share our Mexican Culture with the students. Every week I enjoy the challenge of organizing the classes and meeting the objectives of our students and helping them meet their goals.

What person or group of people have contributed to your success?
The entire school staff is like a family and has had a great impact during my 11 years at the school. I have learned a lot from every member of the team.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization?
Teaching Spanish and sharing the rich Mexican culture. Satisfying the needs of our students and helping with  any concerns while they are here in Mexico.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Un curso de español no solamente se limita a la enseñanza de la gramática. Durante su inmersión debemos lograr su satisfacción comunicativa y guiarlos hacia un encuentro real con la cultura mexicana. De esta manera los estudiantes podrán disfrutar cada proceso de aprendizaje en la lengua.

("A Spanish course is not only limited to the teaching of grammar. During your immersion, you must achieve communicative satisfaction and be open to a real encounter with Mexican culture. In this way, you can enjoy the learning process in each language.")

Learn more about AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Over my trip I have constantly been evaluating my packing choices.  I thought it might be useful for those traveling to Playa del Carmen, or anywhere that has a similar climate.  The climate here in Playa is, well, HOT.  It isn't necessarily the temperature, however, that gets you.  It's the humidity.  The humidity is often very high.  I walked past a thermometer that said the humidity was 80%.  The temperature is usually only around 85-90 degrees.  Being from Texas, this does not seem that hot, however, combined with the humidity, it often feels hotter than Texas.  You spend most of the day very sweaty, but don't worry about it too much, because everyone is sweating!

Fortunately for me, I had some help when packing from my sister who had just returned from a month in Costa Rica.  The first thing I will say not to bring is denim jeans, or really any type of pants for that matter.  You don't need them, and you will likely be uncomfortable trying to wear them.  Yes, the locals will wear them, but you will find yourself wondering why??  If you insist on bringing some, wear the pair you want to bring on the plane, that way you can save space in your suitcase.  Ladies, I don't recommend bringing make-up, I gave up on all of it after the first few days.  I did wear it when we went out at night, but not much, as it is likely to melt off of your face.  The essentials: shorts (lots of them), bathing suits, tank tops, and very light t-shirts, and for girls I recommend light sundresses or cover-ups.  Fortunately, here in Playa, the style is more casual, and people aren't quite as modest since most people spend their time in bathing suits anyways.  I'm not implying, however, that it is OK to walk around everywhere in your string-bikini, because it's not.  A few things that I had wished I had brought were a few more things to dress-up with, the style is still fairly casual, but people do get dressed up to go out to the club or bar.  Ultimately, it's up to you.  I have found that I feel the most confident and outgoing when I am comfortable with what I'm wearing.  Wear what you like, you don't always have to conform to the styles that are in fashion right now.  Wear what makes you feel good.  In playa, I have found, less equals more. 

Another good idea is to bring an old beach towel that you don't mind leaving behind.  You will get a lot of  use out of your towel any time you stay somewhere with a beach, and if you can leave it behind you will have more room for your souvenirs and gifts on the way home.  Another good idea is a hat and sunglasses.  I brought a cheap pair of sunglasses so I didn't have to worry about scratching them, breaking them, losing them, etc. etc, and they got scratched badly, so I'm definitely glad I chose to bring the $5.00 pair.  Most importantly, don't forget the sunscreen!  Sunscreen is expensive here in Playa, so I recommend bringing your own.  An umbrella is also a good idea, as it does rain off and on fairly often, and it's not fun getting caught walking home in it.

Fortunately, don't worry too much if you forget something.  You can always buy it at your destination!

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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Meet Katherine Neumann, Reservations, Information and Front Desk at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
I am a 29 year old Canadian who has been living in Mexico on and off for 10 years (as a permanent Resident for the past 6 years). I have a BA in Spanish. 

Do you travel often?
As often as I can! I love nothing more than visiting somewhere new.

Have you studied abroad?
I did a study abroad program in Mexico when I was 18 and it completely changed my life. What was originally meant to be a 5 week Spanish Program in Mexico has turned into a decade and counting…..

What foreign languages do you speak?
I studied French in Canada and am fluent in Spanish.

How did you get involved in Study Abroad?
My study abroad experience had a huge impact on me and my life. I learned so much from the host family I lived with and am still in touch with them today. I wanted to help other students have the same experience I did in Mexico.

When did you start working at the school?
December 2009

What is your job at the organization?
Reservations, Information and Front Desk. I am here to answer any questions that the agencies/ students may have, both during the planning process and during their time in Playa del Carmen.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I truly enjoy meeting the students from all over the world and seeing them fall in love with this country. It is always sad to say goodbye to students at the end of their stay, but incredible to hear how their study abroad has changed their life- especially when they tell me in Spanish!

What person or group of people have contributed to your success?
I love that our school is a big extended family and every student feels part of that here.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization?
When I first arrived in Mexico, I definitely experienced a bit of culture shock and was so nervous about being in a foreign country and not being able to speak the language whatsoever. The first day I called home crying wondering if I was really as brave as I thought I was. I thought about cutting my trip short but  decided to stick it out and see what happened. By day 3 I had made lots of friends at school, by the end of week 1 I was able to answer questions in Spanish and find my way around the City on my own and by week 4 I was loving all the delicious Mexican food and couldn´t seem to eat without Chile y limón. On my last day I called home crying again but this time because I didn´t want to leave.

Anything else you'd like to add?
If you are unsure about traveling to Mexico, please feel free to ask as many questions as you have. AmeriSpan can relate to the questions/concerns that students and their families may have and we are always happy to help.

See more about the  Playa del Carmen Spanish school

By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

 It has been very hot here in Playa for the past week.  It rained on and off nearly every day, and now I realize that the rain helped to keep it a little cooler, especially at night!  I'm counting down my last 4 days here in Playa.  The time has flown by, and I can't believe I've been here a month already!  I'm excited to get back to the comforts of home, but as I've said before, sad to leave such beautiful beaches.

There is a famous beach here in Playa that is known as Mamita's.  I can't tell you for sure, but my family, and many locals say this is where they famous people go, as well as the rich.  From what I've told the beach beds are quite expensive.  I am confused as to why this beach is recommended, and I'll tell you why.  Each day, my friends and I head down to Fusion beach (straight down from the school) and each get a bed for 25 pesos, and we share a bucket of 6 beers for 90 pesos.  If two of us share one bucket, that's only about 7 dollars for 3 beers and a bed for each of us.  The beach is beautiful.  The sand is powdery, and the water is turquoise.  It isn't packed with people, and it's easy enough to get food as well.  Now, after our day at the beach, I always walk down the beach on my way home, which means that I pass mamita's beach.  As I walk I near Mamitas, the beach becomes crowded, and after I pass the pier the water is full of seaweed, and the sand is no longer powdery.  There is also an awful smell that I encounter right after the pier as well.  So I don't understand why people would pay more money for things that aren't as nice merely for a name.  Now, understand that I haven't myself spent much time on Mamitas, other than to walk past it.  However, it does bring me to the conclusion that sometimes, when on vacation (or in any aspect of your life, really) it's sometimes good to put down the guidebook, and check out the different, less well-known options for yourself.

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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Where you decide to study depends on what you like to do and how you want to study. Beach lovers will fall in love with both Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta, while culture buffs may prefer the colonial town of Oaxaca or the beauty of Guanajuato.

We are confident that you will realize that AmeriSpan offers the best options in Mexico but if you aren't sure why not compare our programs with two of the largest Spanish school chains:

Don Quijote: learn Spanish in Mexico

ENFOREX: learn Spanish in Mexico

By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

I am coming up on my last week in Mexico, and I have very mixed emotions.  It is nice to have a beautiful beach to go to every day after school, and I am learning so much of the language that it is disappointing to have to leave when it is going so well.  As the saying goes, however, “there is no place like home”.  I'm definitely excited to go home and see all of my friends and family.

Today, while people watching on the beach with a friend I met here from England, we were talking about how there were not many people from the United States here in Playa.  This was surprising to both of us, as we both had expected to meet a slew of Americans.  However, here in Playa, and at school as well, Americans seem to be the minority as far as tourists go.  There are many, many more Europeans that come to visit.  I have learned from my family, that only about 8 years ago, Playa del Carmen was nothing more than a fishing village with only a few paved streets.  Now it does have a decent sized tourist area.  However, in certain parts of the town you would never have any idea that tourists come here if you didn't already know.  I think in many ways, Playa del Carmen is a well kept secret that has some beautiful beaches without the crowds you might see in more well known places such as Cancun.

The group of friends that I had made here in Playa are all gone except for the English girl and myself.  Two of my good friends left just a day or so ago, and it's interesting how quickly strangers become close friends when you are by yourself in a foreign country.  It is sad to see them go, and we all talked about hopefully all meeting up again in the future.  However, the in all likelihood, we will probably never meet again, but we are all thankful for the time we have had together.  Over the past few weeks we have all had many, many laughs at miscommunications and misunderstandings due to differences in culture, accents,  etc.  I encourage everyone that travels to a foreign country to make friends with people that aren't from the same country as you, and I promise you will learn a lot about yourself and other cultures.  While having many laughs in the process.

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

The end of my third week here in Playa is almost here.  I have mixed feelings about this.  On one hand, I will be very excited to get home and enjoy some air-conditioning!  On the other, I do enjoy Playa and the friendly people.  I also especially enjoy spending many afternoons on the beach getting a tan!

Something I have been thinking about is all the vendors that sell food on the corners and around town.  Everyone has always told me, “Don't eat anything from those places! You'll get sick!!”.  However, a lot of people also told me, “Don't go to Mexico! You'll get kidnapped”.  For three weeks now I have been walking around in Mexico, a lot of the time alone, and I am fortunate to say that I am still quite safe!  I know there are dangerous places in Mexico, but Playa is for the most part no different safety wise than many American cities.  You just have to be aware of your surroundings.

I often see many of the locals eating from these small stands, and I wonder if they are as bad as everybody says.  In some ways I understand the concern.  Especially if they clean their food using only the tap water (in case you didn't know, it's not safe to drink!).  In other ways, these people are trying to make a living selling food, and they won't last long if they get a reputation for having “dirty” food.  On my first night here, I did get some fresh cut coconut from a stand down on quinta avenida (the tourist avenue), and besides being a bit dry it was very good, and I'm happy to say there were no ill health effects. 

My conclusion:  I can't really say whether I recommend not eating there or not.  There are concerns, but you might find some of the best home made food you ever had at these stands.  Use your better judgement, if the food smells bad or looks bad, then don't eat it.  However, if the stand looks well taken care of, why not try a little bit?

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

Today marks the end of my second week here in Playa.  These two weeks have gone by very fast, and I can't believe that I only have two weeks left.  Today, my friends and I took a colectivo (basically, a taxi van that takes 10 or 15 people to places in one general direction) for only 30 pesos/person (about $3 US dollars)  to Akumal. 

Akumal is where many sea turtles come to lay their eggs during their season (April-November).  There were a lot more locals here, and the beach was much smaller.  We rented some snorkeling equipment for 140 pesos ($12 US dollars) each, and went out to swim.  Aside from watching my friend try to walk from the beach to the water with his flippers, which may be one of the funniest things I have ever seen, I got to see a few sea turtles in the water!  It was very cool to see! 

After that we walked to a restaurant and got some food.  The locals in Akumal are all very, very friendly, and every day I am impressed by the kindness of the Mexican people!  I wish people were more like they are here everywhere else.  My Spanish is coming along very well, and I'm getting better at answering people when they talk to me.  Unfortunately, 4 weeks isn't enough to learn it extremely well, but it is definitely a very good start, and I think that if I continue my studies when I get home I will be able to learn it fluently in a few months. 

I plan to spend my last couple of weeks on the beach working on my tan, while enjoying a few cervezas!  One of the best things I have found in Mexico is the ability to bargain on things.  They tell you a price, and you tell them what you want to pay, and they meet you somewhere in the middle. Although it feels strange at first, it can save you a lot of money in the long run!  If you are considering studying abroad in Mexico, I highly recommend Playa del Carmen.  It is close to many major attractions in Mexico, has beautiful beaches, many options for shopping, and food with a more local feeling than you might get in some other places in Mexico.  Most locals will speak Spanish to you, so unless you ask them to speak English, you will get many opportunities to practice your Spanish!

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

Since living in Mexico, I have had a lot to consider about the choices concerning the school that I attend, the length of time I stay,  and choosing the homestay over other housing options.  I chose the homestay option with the belief that it would be the easiest way to spend my time here in Mexico.  After meeting others that are attending my school who had not chosen the homestay, I began to question whether or not I had made the correct choice.  Some of my friends are posted-up in the hotel that the school recommends, and some other of my peers are living in the student residence (which I didn't even know existed, probably because of my late sign-up). 

My first object of consideration became the student residence.  It sounds fun to be staying with all the students, being able to hang out all the time, and go out without having to plan hours before.  My second consideration was the hotel, mainly because it is air-conditioned, and that is where most of the people I hang out with are staying.  My homestay is far from these places, so I have start walking early to get to them, or take a taxi.  Fortunately, I have a reliable internet connection so we don't necessarily have to plan our afternoons and evenings before school gets out.  However, I also began to take into account the home where I stay. No, there is no air conditioning.  But there are two fans in the room and a good breeze.  The first couple of nights, it was difficult to sleep.  However, I now sleep soundly. 

At my home, my mom serves me two meals per day.  In the morning, fresh cut fruit and toast with jam.  In the evening, she serves dinner and chooses to mix it up.  Sometimes even serving the mexican version of Chinese food!  She is very kind, and when she found out how much I like Horchata, she served it the next night with dinner.  One of my fellow housemates mentioned that he loved empanadas con queso, and we had them for breakfast the next morning.  My familia also helps me with my Spanish.  Although my father speaks English very well, he will push you as hard as you like to learn.  If you speak in Spanish, he will speak in Spanish.  If you speak in English, he will speak in English.  My mom only speaks Spanish which forces me to put to use what I learn in school, even if I am not confident on a word, and she corrects me when I say things incorrectly in the nice way that only mothers are able to do.  The two meals per day helps to save me a lot of money, as well.  While my hotel and student residence friends are searching the streets for their next restaurant or surviving on packaged foods, I am enjoying home cooked meals from my family.  

I also feel like staying with a family keeps me open-minded.  I think when you are so close to your friends (i.e. staying in the same hotel or residence) you tend to all stick together and don't really get much exposure to the locals.  Since my friends are not close, I often walk down to lay on the beach by myself, and each time I have done so, I have had a lot of local residents stop and talk to me.  Which helps me with my spanish, and the city that I am staying in.  In conclusion, although I think there may be some sacrifice when choosing a homestay.  That being said, I am sure I made the right choice.  A homestay puts you out of your comfort in some ways (i.e. showing up when the entire family is there the first day!), but learning to be comfortable in an environment you're not used to is essential to learning about yourself and expanding your horizons.

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

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Read all of Alisa's blogs from Playa del Carmen