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Gap Year Program

Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen
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Course description

STUDENT PROFILE
The Gap Year Program is aimed at students who can spend an extended time learning Spanish in Spain and Latin America. They want to get to know new cultures, maybe combine different destinations and countries and practice their conversational skills with native speakers. They are open to new experiences and many want to obtain official certification for either their studies or career.

BENEFITS OF THE GAP YEAR SPANISH PROGRAM
This long-term Gap Year course is designed to allow you to create a good base or advance your level if you already have knowledge of Spanish. You can combine different destinations and study in our schools in Spain, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico. It offers classes in an intensive format of 20 hours per week for a period of at least 12 weeks, during which you will also have leisure activities to experience an authentic cultural immersion. In addition, you can complete your course with internships in Spanish companies, or with a volunteer program in Latin America.

Course break/holidays: You can take up to one week off for holidays every 4 weeks of course taken; 1 week of advance notice is required.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar

Class schedule

Course duration
12-40 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 55 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
18 Nov 2024, 01 Dec 2024, 24 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 03 Feb 2025, 17 Mar 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 16 May 2025, 16 Sep 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025

Don Quijote does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Playa del Carmen.

Class size

Average 4 students
Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

Our Spanish school in Playa del Carmen makes the most of the year-round good weather. We have several semi-outdoor classrooms and our enormous tropical garden is a welcoming communal space where students from all over the world can meet, mingle, and practice their Spanish. Hop on the sand volleball court for an impromptu game between classes, or relax in a colorful hammock. Our outdoor café is perfect for informal study sessions. Plus, the school's central location puts you just a short walk from downtown and the beach.

Number of classrooms
16

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Library
  • Cultural Trips
  • TV Room
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Studying Area
  • Audio Learning

Teacher qualifications

Native Spanish speakers
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen varies over different time periods, courses and levels.

Don Quijote teaches students from all over the world, including:

USA
12%
Germany
10%
UK
10%
Brazil
8%
Sweden
8%
France
6%
Italy
6%
Austria
4%
Switzerland
4%
Belgium
3%
Denmark
2%
Iceland
2%
Japan
2%
Norway
2%
Australia
1%
Canada
1%
Other
19%

School holidays

Don Quijote does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
18 Nov 2024, 01 Dec 2024, 24 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 03 Feb 2025, 17 Mar 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 16 May 2025, 16 Sep 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025

School location

Simply known as “Playa,” this small Caribbean fishing village on the Mayan Riviera is Cancun’s laid-back neighbor (approximately 35 minutes from Cancun’s international airport and 40 minutes from Tulum). Playa is a great place to enjoy the cultural and historic richness of Mexico and the Mayan people. It attracts people from all over the world because of its relaxed, tropical atmosphere and its unmatched beautiful beaches. Despite a rapidly growing population and increased popularity as a tourist destination, the residents of “Playa” are committed to maintaining their city’s bohemian charm and relaxed pace. Our school in Playa del Carmen is just 6 blocks from the white sand beaches.

Take a video tour

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photos

Photos

  • Activities offered at Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen 1/5
  • Activities offered at Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen 2/5
  • Classroom at Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen 3/5
  • Entrance to Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen 4/5
  • Students of Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen 5/5
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 4 reviews
5 stars
1
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location

"It was great, shame that my hours were cut."

Jacco van Teeffelen, student from Mexico

My two teachers were great, with good knowledge and structure. Disappointing that the hours for me were cut, While I understand the logic, I really think is it not good practice.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Date of study
28 Aug 2023 - 1 Sep 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very good. I should have stayed longer"

Gary Anderson, student from Canada

Very good. Good mix of grammar and conversation location of school was very handy to accommodation and city center

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
13 Feb 2023 - 17 Feb 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Excellent"

Bruce Dupuis, student from Canada

Everything went well. I now understand what the Rosetta stone was not able to teach me. I feel i can better understand the Spanish language and the background that was missing from the online training.

I probably should have taken an English course on how to conjugate English verbs before i tried to do that in Spanish.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
27 Jan 2020 - 14 Feb 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Overall it was a pleasant and educational experience."

Leo Lacroix, student from Canada

The teacher was very pleasant, patient and the material was presented in an organized and logical way. We had 7 students in our class, which is one more than what is advertised. I think there should also be a verbal test given in addition to the written one, as some of the students in the group where I was placed had trouble putting a few words together. Because of this I often felt as we were losing valuable learning time. The outdoor classroom was adequate but hot and one student kept turning off the fan while the rest of us sat there being too hot. The teacher should have taking a majority vote. This is a democratic society, I think.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
28 Jan 2013 - 15 Feb 2013
Age group
65+
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Don Quijote offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay, Double room (Bed & Breakfast) - 2 students must book together

325 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
325 €
Home stays offer you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish or Latin American life while living in the home of a local Spanish speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the most out of your language course as it gives you a privileged view of daily life in another culture.

About home stay:

Your host "family" may be a family with parents and children or a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn't be the first to go out on the town together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home.
You can choose from various meal options. You'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account as much as possible.
Wi-Fi is included at our Spain destinations and some Latin America destinations.
You will be given your own house keys, so you can come and go as you please. You will also be able to receive phone calls at the family home.

Homestay,Double room (Half Board) - 2 students must book together

369 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
369 €
Carefully selected families, located within 30 minutes walking of the school, offer you the unique opportunity to experience Mexican life while living in the home of a local Spanish, speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you.
It's the best way to get known to the culture and beauty of Mexico.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account.

If you have any allergies, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs

Homestay, Single room (Bed & Breakfast)

379 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
379 €
Carefully selected families, located within 30 minutes walking of the school, offer you the unique opportunity to experience Mexican life while living in the home of a local Spanish, speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you.
It's the best way to get known to the culture and beauty of Mexico.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account.

If you have any allergies, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs

Homestay,Single room (Half Board)

423 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 1 - 30 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
423 €
Carefully selected families, located within 30 minutes walking of the school, offer you the unique opportunity to experience Mexican life while living in the home of a local Spanish, speaking family. You'll speak Spanish all day long, out of necessity and fun and interest in the family life you see unfolding around you.
It's the best way to get known to the culture and beauty of Mexico.

You'll eat at local hours - usually later you may be accustomed to- and you'll eat local foods, although the family will take your preferences into account.

If you have any allergies, dislike of particular pets or any other special requests, just let us know in advance and we'll do our best to satisfy your needs
student-residence

Student Residence, Double room (No meals) - 2 students must book together

462 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
462 €
All of our student residences in Playa del Carmen offer individual, shared and triple rooms, Wi-Fi, shared TV, shared living/dining rooms and washing machines. Bed linens are provided; we suggest that you bring your own towels, for maximum comfort.

Student Residence, Double room, (Bed & Breakfast)

497 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
497 €
In Playa del Carmen we have 2 srudent residences: 0ne is a beautiful Mexican Caribbean style house, with 10 big rooms all with A/C and private bathroom. It's located in a very quiet area and only a 10 min walk to the school and 15 min to the beach and the fifth avenue.

Common areas:
- Big Mexican kitchen
- comfortable sitting room and dining area
- Terrace (where the Buffet style breakfast is served every day)
- Tropical garden with pool and BBQ area
- Wifi

The second residence was originally a small charming hotel. It has 10 double rooms, all with A/C, cable TV and private bathroom. There is also a cafeteria where a continental breakfast is served every day for the students.Located on 10th avenue, 2 blocks from the beach and 10 minutes walking distance from the school, it is the perfect location from everything that Playa del Carmen has to offer.

Student Residence, Single room (No meals)

536 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
536 €
All of our student residences in Mexico offer individual, shared and triple rooms, Wi-Fi, shared TV, shared living/dining rooms and washing machines. Bed linens are provided; we suggest that you bring your own towels, for maximum comfort.

Student Residence, Single room, (Bed &Breakfast)

580 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 1 - 20 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
580 €
In Playa del Carmen we have 2 srudent residences: 0ne is a beautiful Mexican Caribbean style house, with 10 big rooms all with A/C and private bathroom. It's located in a very quiet area and only a 10 min walk to the school and 15 min to the beach and the fifth avenue.

Common areas:
- Big Mexican kitchen
- comfortable sitting room and dining area
- Terrace (where the Buffet style breakfast is served every day)
- Tropical garden with pool and BBQ area
- Wifi

The second residence was originally a small charming hotel. It has 10 double rooms, all with A/C, cable TV and private bathroom. There is also a cafeteria where a continental breakfast is served every day for the students.Located on 10th avenue, 2 blocks from the beach and 10 minutes walking distance from the school, it is the perfect location from everything that Playa del Carmen has to offer.
apartment

Regular Shared Apartment,Double room (No meals) - 2 students must book together

310 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
310 €
You can choose to share a student apartment with up to four or five other students. In a student apartment you'll prepare your own meals and interact with students of all ages and backgrounds. We recommend you make a pact about speaking Spanish in the apartment; other shared languages often take students away from Spanish language practice. Wi-Fi is included at all don Quijote Spain destinations.

About shared student apartments

All of our student apartments include all the basic facilities you will need to enjoy a comfortable study abroad experience.
You will share the kitchen and the bathroom and you are in charge of helping to keep it clean together with your roommates.
Wi-Fi is included at all Spain locations and some Latin American destinations.

Regular Shared Apartment, Single room (No meals)

394 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
394 €
You can choose to share a student apartment with up to four or five other students. In a student apartment you'll prepare your own meals and interact with students of all ages and backgrounds. We recommend you make a pact about speaking Spanish in the apartment; other shared languages often take students away from Spanish language practice. Wi-Fi is included at all don Quijote Spain destinations.

About shared student apartments

All of our student apartments include all the basic facilities you will need to enjoy a comfortable study abroad experience.
You will share the kitchen and the bathroom and you are in charge of helping to keep it clean together with your roommates.
Wi-Fi is included at all Spain locations and some Latin American destinations.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Flights and airport transfer

The closest airport to the school is Cancun International Airport (PCM).

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Playa del Carmen based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Don Quijote: Playa del Carmen staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
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