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jeana

Nov 2, 2004, 10:16 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2384 views)

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Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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Hi,
Can anyone suggest a good Spanish language school in Mexico City? I know most of the schools are located in picturesque cities and towns, but I'd like to spend a month in Mexico City before heading off to travel and study around the country.
Thanks. Jeana

jilla

Nov 5, 2004, 4:16 PM

Post #2 of 8 (2340 views)

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Re: [jeana] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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This site might be of help.

http://www.mexperience.com/learnspanish/ls_courses_mx.htm

Jamie L

http://www.jrlankford.com
http://www.thejesusthief.com

raferguson

Nov 9, 2004, 7:49 PM

Post #3 of 8 (2301 views)

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Re: [jeana] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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Mexico City is an interesting place, but a relatively dangerous one, with taxi robberies and express kidnappings significant hazards. You should research security issues before you go, and take extra care while you are there. More info below.

Also, if you have less than strong lungs, the air polution may get to you after a few days. The air polution is some of the worst in the world. My spouse can only spend about two days there before she starts to cough.

I suggest that you reconsider your plan to spend a month in Mexico City.

There are several web sites with security information for
travelers and tourists. The ones that I am aware of are
listed below. I urge people to review the information on
these web sites, compare the recommendations of the various
countries to each other, and compare the various government
recommendations to any personal opinions expressed on the
internet.

The government web sites below include security and
other travel information for virtually all the countries in
the world, including each other.

USA - http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

UK - http://www.fco.gov.uk

Canada -
http://voyage.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm

Australia -
http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice/advices_mnu.html

The following web sites offer personal or other views on
security.

Mexico Mike talks about security on Mexico's highways on
www.mexicomike.com

Personal reports for some countries in latin america are
available from the South American Explorer's club -
www.samexplo.org

Some travel agents and some employees of large companies may
have access to private security report services. Some
travel web sites will also have some limited security
information, such as www.latinamericatravel.com. Note that
most good guidebooks will also discuss security, and may
offer security advice specific to the town or area.

If you are aware of any other english-language security
information on the web, please let me know.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES

The Canadian information is also available in French, at the
website above.

The French government has their own web site with security
information, in French. http://www.diplomatie.fr/voyageurs

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs - http://www.mae.es/

Germany - http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/de/laenderinfos/reise_warnung_html

Richard Ferguson

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

quevedo

Nov 11, 2004, 4:28 PM

Post #4 of 8 (2272 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Español en la ciudad de México

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Me parece un poco exagerada esta descripción de la ciudad de México. Viajo allí con frecuencia y nunca he sufrido ningún asalto ni nada parecido. No hay más contaminación que en otras grandes ciudades del mundo. Con las debidas precauciones es perfectamente posible y además recomendable disfrutar de esta capital, llena de historia, arte y cultura.

Un saludo cordial,

Quevedo

bdlngton

Nov 14, 2004, 6:58 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2230 views)

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Re: [jeana] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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I believe la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico has language courses for foreigners. I know a few people who have studied there and really liked it. If you want to really learn the language, living with a Mexican family will also be very helpful. I know my friends lived with families in Coyoacan, which is a nice area.
You can probably find more information about the UNAM program by doing a web search.
Susy

bdlngton

Nov 14, 2004, 8:51 PM

Post #6 of 8 (2227 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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Just an observation on the US State Department's travel warnings. One of the countries on their list of places US citizens should not visit is Colombia, yet the Fulbright program operates under the State Department and Colombia has a very active Fulbright commission that receives various American participants every year. I went on the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program in 1988-1989 and lived and taught in a section of Bogota that none of the embassy people (Americans and Colombians) would ever even visit. At the time the US sent me there Colombia was on the list of travel warnings. I checked to be sure, and they are still sending teachers there on the exchange. Not to say that I doubt the validity of the warnings, and I think the situation is worse in Colombia than when I was last there on another Fulbright program in 1998, especially in regards to kidnappings, but the Fulbright programs in Colombia still continue. Interestingly in all the process of applying for, preparing for and participating in the Fulbright not once was any travel advisory or warning of danger by the US State Department even mentioned to me or the other participants.
Susy

wdthethird

Feb 1, 2005, 7:51 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2056 views)

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Re: [jeana] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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I had a good experience learning Spanish in Mexico City at Academia Hispano Mexico, Chihuahua 221, Colonia Roma.

This school is in the very nice neighborhood of La Roma. There are many Japonese and German students as well as a few Americans. The staff is extremely nice.

And as for the other response about the "danger" of Mexico City. It is a shocking exaggeration. Yes, there are kidnappings and robberies. But I have lived here for a year now in the middle of the center of the city and have seen do problems what so ever. There were many women at my school that were, like you, travelling and learning Spanish. Mexico City has a vibrant art scene and it is worth checking out!!!

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jeana

Apr 29, 2005, 6:23 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1840 views)

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Re: [jeana] Learning Spanish in Mexico City

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Hi Everyone,
Way back when, I wrote to you asking for advice, and I want to thank you for all your help. I took a short trip to Mexico City in March, spent a few days sightseeing, visiting the museums and galleries, visiting UNAM and Academia Hispano Mexico, meeting a few language penpals I have been communicating with by email for six months, and even took in a concert at el Auditorio Nacional (Marco Antonio Solis -my favorite!). Despite being a very independent and adventurous traveler from a large city myself, I confess I was a little nervous because of all the travel advisories I had read. Well, I had the time of my life! I can't wait to go back -the plan is for January, although I don't know how I'll be able to wait that long. Thanks again for all your advice and encouragement!
All the best,
Jeana