PROGRAM OVERVIEW - SPANISH FOR TEENAGERS >> Open to teenagers ages 16+ years of age (for all language levels) >> Live with a local Host Family including meals >> Combination of Spanish language course, cultural & outdoor activities >> Program length 2,3,4, 6, 8 weeks - June & August >> Study with international students >> Opportunity for parents or guardians to study Spanish at same time This program is designed for mature, independent thinking teenagers who enjoy and handle limited individual supervision, traveling to/from school, after class and at the weekends. The program offers students the experience of living & studying in a foreign country, experiencing and adapting to the local culture (very different from back home) and given the independence to explore, all under the supervision of experienced staff. Students may study and enjoy activities with older students. PROGRAM INCLUDES: Spanish lessons & materials - Host Family accommodation (shared) - airport transfers - bilingual guides and counselors - full program of activities & tours - insurance. NOTE: enrollment numbers are limited so please sign up early to ensure space in this program.

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Summer program in PLAYA DEL CARMEN
on the Mexican Caribbean coast, enjoy a full schedule of sports, leisure, cultural activities and excursions with other international students of the same age....

Originally named Xaman-Ha (Waters of the North) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya).

Located on the beautiful Mexican Caribbean coast some 40 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the newly named, Mayan Riviera.

The town center is situated so that you are never very far from the beach. Shopping here offers incredible variety with many quaint shops. The town square is right on the main beach and is a great place to just relax and watch the world go by.

Playa del Carmen is a beautiful & safe place to spend your summer, blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and easy access to the magnificent Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal.

These pyramids and temples are silent testimonies to the powerful civilization that built them and designated them holy places. Xel-Ha, a National Park and ecological wonder is close by and ferries cross daily to Cozumel, Mexico's largest island.

Our Spanish summer teenager program is held in a our school which is conveniently located just steps away from Playa del Carmen's famous Avenida 5 (5th Avenue) and 5 minutes walking distance from the stunning white sand beaches of the Caribbean Sea.

The school's great location means that you are always within close proximity to all of the main pedestrian areas, charming restaurants, cafes, boutiques and the beach.

Playa is small enough that most students walk to get around. If needed, inexpensive taxis are available for approximately 15 Mexican pesos per trip within the city of Playa del Carmen, or students can rent bicycles for their stay.

Our charming school offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a good mix of international students. The classes are held either outside in the school's lush garden or in one of the 7 air-conditioned classrooms within the school's 3 storey building.

Finally the school has a private lush tropical garden complete with a fruit growing banana tree, a Holy Ceiba Tree (Sacred Mayan tree) and two charming iguanas named Pancho and Freida.

School facilities include:
great location - walking distance to beach
7 air-conditioned classrooms
Small class sizes max 8 students
A school kitchen
Internet & wireless access
A school cafeteria (sandwiches, juices, snacks etc.)
A rooftop terrace offering views across the town
Lush large private tropical garden.

International student body:
We expect 60% of students attending to be non native English speakers, mainly coming from Europe / world, 40% will be English speakers from North America.

This program is an excellent option for Spanish school groups of 10 or more students travelling and study together. For more information on our Teenagers Abroad Groups Services and Options, please click on this link: GroupsAbroad.com

Standard summer program: (20 lessons per week) - max of 8 students per class

The first day of the program is dedicated to welcome students, to test students' language levels and to make sure everyone is familiar with the school policies, the premises and the area.

On the first day of school a placement test is administered to determine the student's level of Spanish. This way, students can start lessons straight away after they have been placed at the appropriate level. If a student is an absolute beginner, they do not have to take a test, and they can start lessons immediately.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows the student plenty of time for sports, cultural and social activities. It also allows the student to make new international friends among their new classmates, experience cultural activities together and practice their new language.

Many of the afternoon activities are centered around the beach with swimming and sports. Workshops and evening activities include mexican cooking, salsa dance classes, beach volleyball, football, karaoke-Night, BBQ's, etc

We also offer dedicated time on the program to volunteer at a local non-profit organization, helping under privileged children or helping to clean the local beaches!

Half day excursions could include:
> Puerto Aventuras enjoying Dolphins, Sea lions, Manatees then the beach!
> Cenote explore the famous underground cave and snorkelling in the river
> Xcacel with many beach games & activities
> Cancun enjoy a trip to this famous resort with great shopping and a trip to the cinema!

Full day excursions could include:
> Tulum visit these famous Mayan ruins and then relax on the beach afterwards
> Isla Mujeres visit this former pirate island by boat, a really fun day!

Additional opportunities (at an additional price)
Horse back riding, Windsurfing, ATV adventures, Parasailing, Yoga , Wave runners, Mountain biking & so much more!

Example weekly social and cultural activities (PDF)

What to see & do: attractions, sports & excursions

What to expect living & studying in Playa...

Host family: (shared double rooms) with 3 meals daily.

All families are located close to the center of Playa Del Carmen within a 15 minute walking distance to the school. The town has limited public transport due to it's size so students can catch Taxis if required for 15-20 Pesos, however most just walk! Students will be sharing a room in the host family and will travel to/from the school together.

The family provides 3 meals daily, breakfast & evening meal which will enjoyed with the family. Monday - Friday lunch will be a packed lunch that is eaten with the other students and teachers at the school.

Meal examples:
Breakfast: fruits, cereal, milk, coffee, tea, toast & jams, etc
Packed lunch: sandwich and a soft drink
Evening meal: will be a tradditional warm plate

Additional host family information (please read)

Curfew & general rules for students in Playa