3. Cuernavaca,
Morelos,México
Cuernavaca is located in the Morelos, Mexico. It is
about one hour away from the international airport in
Mexico City. It is known as "The City of Eternal
Spring" due to its excellent climate.
4. What are the highlights of the trip?
Students and chaperones take Spanish
classes at Encuentros Spanish Language
School.
We all stay in home stays with Mexican
families.
We visit cultural and recreation sites in
Cuernavaca We visit the zócalo, the Brady
Museum, the Cathedral, the Palacio de
Cortez, a water park, the Mercado Central
as well as other places of interest.
5. More Highlights
We visit the pyramids in Tepotzlan, and the
silver mining town of Taxco.
We take a Salsa dance class.
We have a Mexican cooking class.
“My favorite part of Mexico was everything! I really loved Taxco though. I
loved that town and how we were allowed to be with different groups and
6. The Logistics of the Trip
The trip is during mid-winter break. We
leave on Friday, February 15 and return
Friday, February 22.
It costs $1200 (approximately) for airfare,
housing, food, Spanish classes and all
excursions and travel expenses within
México.
3-4 students are in each house with one
adult chaperone. All houses are in the same
neighborhood, located near Encuentros.
7. Encuentros Spanish
School
Encuentros offers Spanish classes,
provides homestays, and coordinates
excursions in Cuernavaca and the outlying
communities.
http://www.learnspanishinmexico.com/
menu.htm
9. A Mom’s Feedback on the Mexico Trip
“The locals, markets and historical sites were the highlights of the trip. The people
were so friendly there, very warm and outgoing.
The host families were on the whole terrific and really opened their homes to all of us.
Unbelievable hospitality and food!
All in all, this trip dispelled the myths of Mexico and stereotypes of Mexicans. Although
one needs to beware in a big city (as it's true anywhere in the world), there were a lot
of people out at night and we mainly went out as a group - so I didn't feel that there
were any safety issues. Finally, it was good that the girls saw and experienced a
different Mexico then the touristy beach resort areas.”
Debby Tsuang
(Katrina’s Mom-Class of 2012)
10. A Student’s Favorite
Experience
“My favorite experience in Mexico was going downtown in the evenings. The amount of
people out and about late at night was interesting to me. There were also so many different
stands with food, candy, knitted items, shirts, etc. Going downtown in Mexico allowed me to
get to know the people and "feel" of Mexico. It taught me the importance of family
connection in Mexico and also taught me about Mexico's exciting nightlife.” Michaela Flum,
class of 2012
11. A Mom’s Feedback on the Mexico
Trip
It was an amazing experience to get to share with my daughter. Getting to see the
bond that they have as a class - -the sisterhood -- was especially awesome. I felt
completely safe the entire time (except for some middle of the night fireworks to
celebrate lent/carnival.) In particular, our homestay was very special -- our family
was fabulous and opened their home and their family to us -- I will cherish that part
of the experience. We bonded with them. It was by far the best part of the trip for
me, and
for my daughter. All this despite a major language barrier. I expect to have
their grandson come and visit us this summer. That part of the trip was life
changing for us. I wish we could do it all over again! I'd go back tomorrow!
It was also great to see Ellie's Spanish -- I was quite impressed. She was
the translator in our homestay. I had no idea -- it was great to see her
language in action.”
Jana Berber
(Ellie’s Mom-Class of 2012)
12. A Dad’s Feedback on the México trip
“As one of the 3 dads who chaperoned the Cuernavaca trip, I can say
wholeheartedly that it was truly amazing. The Encuentros experience was
great for both me and my daughter (my high school Spanish all came back to
me!). And for me, visiting the historic sites of Tepoztlán and Xochicalco
was the highlight of the week.
It was a trip that also shattered my preconceptions of central Mexico,
where I had never been before. Cuernavaca was a clean and pleasant suburb,
and I felt safe the entire week, even walking the half mile with my
students to and from our home stay every day.”
Michael Hilton
(Meghan’s Dad-Class of 2012)
