Intensive Course 20

Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute

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Course description

20 hours of group lessons per week with students of a similar level from 10am-2pm this is our most popular course in Playa del Carmen. Class is dynamic in several locations: cafes, markets, Mayan ruins, beaches and more for a total immersion experience. The class will cover different topics in convesation, grammar, reading and writing. Each week students will also have 1 included activity that is selected between the school and the students among: visit to a secluded beach, cenotes, mayan ruins like Tulum, dancing, cooking or salsa class, it might take place after class or the setting of the activity will be used for the class (as in Mayan ruins).

Course topics

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

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test before your arrival in Playa del Carmen to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 3 students
Maximum 9 students

Student age

Age range 16 - 70 years old
Average 25 years old

Certificate

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

Photos

  • Students of Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 1/18
  • Classroom at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 2/18
  • Classroom at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 3/18
  • Students of Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 4/18
  • Classroom at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 5/18
  • Classes at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 6/18
  • Classes at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 7/18
  • Classes at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 8/18
  • Classes at Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 9/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 10/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 11/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 12/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 13/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 14/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 15/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 16/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 17/18
  • Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute 18/18
reviews

Reviews

86% recommend

based on 22 reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
2
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"My teacher Ilse was so kind , knowledgeable and fun."

Angela Huerta, student from USA

Loved the teacher Ilse and our casual locations for private lessons. I loved the way she adjusted the content to personalize for my needs. I’d live to work with her again!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
Social activities
School location
Date of study
20 Nov 2024 - 26 Nov 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The instructors, Ilse and Joshua were exceptionally committed to my learning"

John Elms, student from USA

Classes ouside of traditional classroom were very effective. All lessons were conducted in a Starbucks food court kind of setting. I participated in two weeks of instruction. Week one seemed formulaic, coberng topics irrespective of my prior knowledge. Weeks two very much tailored to my needs for growh. I did not utilize the school for housing instead oping for an Air&B. I was not impressed with the logistics of the school admnsitration! I signed up for a mix of group and private instruction. Because of my pretest plaement there was not a group suitable for me to be placed in. That was a welcome result as placment as a pure beginner would have been a waste of money spent! Instead, I had four hours of private instruction per day divided amog two instructors. Starting week 2, I was told that I would have four hours per day with one instructor. NO BUENO! I complained litterally to my two instructors and the schedule reverted to 2 hours per instructor per day. AT NO POINT DID THE SCHOOL COMMUNICATE WITH ME DIRECTLY. So, lessons were effective, settings were good, instructors were competent and engaging, but the professioalism of the TAAN school was lackin.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
15 Jan 2024 - 26 Jan 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Perfect for me"

Kiran Rajput, student from UK

I loved my teacher Ilse, so enthusiastic and kind. Unfortunately there were only 2 of us on the lessons so we ended up having 2hrs individual classes as we were at different levels.
My confidence grew hugely by having this one to one time, geared around my own preferences and pace
We generally didn’t go to many new places as we gravitated towards air con!
I didn’t mind that at all.
I would definitely book Ilse again, Muchas gracias

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My ratings for this school

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

"Disorganized"

Amanda, student from Canada

I received about half the hours I had paid for, as much of the time was spent driving/walking to places where class would take place, this included a nearly hour walk to a supermarket during one of the days. Teachers were switched multiple times and there was no lesson plans. Could have learned more just talking to locals.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Date of study
8 Jul 2019 - 12 Jul 2019
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"4 weeks exceeded my expectations"

Marius Julios Zbeitung Escobar

Took a 4 week standard spanish course with teacher María and a group of students which included Germán French Italian América and Canadian. I enjoyed having class in different locations everyday and having activities each week which included salsa dancing, yoga, cooking and a class in a cenote cave. 4 weeks were ideal. And took me from beginners to intermediate. I also enjoyed the fact that we had group projects during class which allowed students to work together and make presentations and discussions.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
6 May 2019 - 31 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Awesome. Super great teachers !!"

Juliette Leroy, student from France

The teachers were awesome, very lovely and understanding. We did a lot of activities all together and they help me a lot with my Spanish which was very bad. Now I can understand a bit and speak a bit

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
20 May 2019 - 31 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Enjoyable Spanish course"

Andy Jing Schultz

I took 4 weeks of private lessons with Maria. We had class in different beaches and locations in the area. My wife also participated in some sessions, and we loved the class the setting and the food. We are now travelling through Mexico and would recommend this school to anyone.

Pd. We loved a lady we met who was 90 and taking group class and was more active and lively than teenagers in the group. We stayed in a hostel near the main avenida.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
6 May 2019 - 31 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"I had a great time studying for 6 weeks during last January and February at Playa del Carmen Spanish. I was able to advance from beginner B to intermediate 1. Class was split in grammar and conversation, 2 hours each and the material provided was a mix of book and own teacher made material. We not only learned by the book but by exploring Playa and having our ear get used to the language. During weeks we would have class in cenotes, cafes, cinemas, parks and more meaning we were able to explore the area while learning Spanish. Overall i fully recommend."

ALEXANDRA MEY

I had a great time studying for 6 weeks during last January and February at Playa del Carmen Spanish. I was able to advance from beginner B to intermediate 1. Class was split in grammar and conversation, 2 hours each and the material provided was a mix of book and own teacher made material. We not only learned by the book but by exploring Playa and having our ear get used to the language. During weeks we would have class in cenotes, cafes, cinemas, parks and more meaning we were able to explore the area while learning Spanish. Overall i fully recommend.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
4 weeks
Date of study
3 Jan 2019 - 1 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Good school for dynamics people"

Alice Garcia

I took their course both in México City and Playa del Carmen. This is a good school to include activities for good value for money and learn Spanish. I recomend this school for dynamic people who want to learn with motivational teachers and be on the move

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
3 Feb 2019 - 22 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"DIDN'T LEARN ANYTHING- MORE OF A PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE IN A CAFE"

Breanne Kamyszek, student from Canada

I only went to Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute for a week and I am very happy I didn't invest more money into these classes considering they weren't really classes. My "teacher" didn't have a curriculum to follow, we met at a busy coffee shop which was loud and hard to hear. never showed us the fundamentals, gave homework and never checked it. i basically paid to meet people and make friends. i never learned one thing. i switched schools and studied so much better elsewhere. the only cool thing was the activity and we made authentic Mexican cuisine.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
22 Oct 2018 - 26 Oct 2018
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A fun time of learning"

Paula Apro, student from USA

Overall I really enjoyed the class, but the days were too long. I think I would have learned the same amount in half the time. Although it was very nice to be outdoors for the classes it was sometimes loud and distracting. Not always the best learning environment. The excursions were a nice touch, but nothing was learned so it almost felt like wasted time.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
18 Feb 2019 - 1 Mar 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The private lessons have paid off"

Susanne Renggli, student from Afghanistan

I signed up for only 2 weeks, 2 private lessons a day. The teacher Alejandra was great! Always well prepared and very patient. For the practice of the conversation she has always chosen interesting topics, so that an interesting dialogue could emerge, and I could learn much about Mexico, its inhabitants and customs. She has always responded to my questions and suggestions. I really liked the fact that the classes took place every day in another café. It was not always quiet for work, but comfortable. So I learned to find my way around the streets of Playa del Carmen and got to know all the pretty cafes.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
11 Feb 2019 - 22 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Many experiences in one"

Carusso A

I would say this is several experiences in a single one because you have lessons outdoors most of the time as opposed of a classroom. My teachers Maria and Aldo we both knowledgeable and patient with the needs of the students in our group through the course of the 6 weeks arranged. I liked the school was flexible with the included weekly activity: they gave us options among beaches, cooking and salsa lessons. Do know lessons are dynamic and for students who enjoy being outdoors as opposed to a 4 walled room.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
14 Jan 2019 - 8 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Fiasco"

Jacques Robitaille, student from Canada

I am sorry to say, A class in a cafe with noise and many people, in addition I was talking to other students who do not speak better than me. To learn I need to speak with someone who speaks good Spanish, there was not a course plan at all. At the fine exchange for a private class the teacher called Aldo went very well. And I did not live with a family I was business that I was renting room I was speaking in English with my neighbor in the room. I thought to go with a family in imerscción. Discula I do not want to offend anyone

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
4 Feb 2019 - 22 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Worthwhile experience."

Gary Keifer, student from USA

I had a great experience at the language school in Playa del Carmen. Maria the instructor was very patient and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate my level of Spanish. We had fun on our two outings.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Sep 2018 - 14 Sep 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of my class"

Marcus Zocouvic

I was on holiday learning Spanish and exploring Playa del Carmen. The class taking place in different spots and in chilled locations proved the perfect combination for enjoying the beach and learning Spanish. I was originally planning on doing a 2 week course but found the group of teachers so approachable and dedicated that did 4 weeks. I didn't book accommodation so not sure how to review it.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
13 Aug 2018 - 7 Sep 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Great teachers, but the school structure was a little challanging"

Kelsie Louise Graham, student from Mexico

The teachers were amazing. Although my "beginner" course wasnt so beginner due to other students being more advanced ( even though they were only there for the first week, they recieved preference, which left me extremely lost and confused). I also found the classes in cafe setting with mostly dialog a little challanging as i am a visual learning. Paulina my teeacher was extremly helpful and fun.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
6 weeks
Date of study
16 Jul 2018 - 31 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"My experience far exceeded my expectations."

Sharon Tibbits, student from USA

First of all my teacher Maria was the most patient, kindest, professional with a sense of humor that I have ever encountered. She was extremely well organized and our sessions clipped along at a consistent steady pace doing various leaning activities. I had some personal concerns about being in a 4 hour class but the time just flew by and before I knew it I was getting my homework assignment and class was over.

I did appreciate the homework factor. Another student I talked with on the last day who had another teacher told me she didn't have homework to do after her classes. For me the homework really helped build my vocabulary and decipher all the options for verbs, and nouns and to put sentences together. At first the homework was basic but by the end of the week it was substantial, but that is why I signed up for the class. To learn as much Spanish as I could in a short amount of time.

I also had the gift of being the only student in class that week with the exception of the first day where there were two more students finishing up their week of classes. Subsequently, I basically had one on one private lessons with Maria for the rest of the week. Maria gave me a lot of instruction on how to keep learning and practicing Spanish when I returned to the states. One of those things was to start reading children's story books in Spanish which I have found to be really helpful in learning how to speak, put logical sentences together and to build vocabulary.

We met in cafe's and on the last day we met at Walmart and went grocery shopping. Maria had a list of foods I had to find and pick out and it was a great way to learn. After class we went to another teacher's home and joined her and another student and and we made sopes from scratch and sauteed cactus, which I had never eaten before, and other vegetables to put on the sopes. Then we grilled up some meats at the outside pavilion grill, where we all sat down and enjoyed a delicious meal together. It was a fun way to end the week and to spend some down time with Maria and get to know her not as just my teacher but as a person with a life outside of teaching. It also helped me be in a social setting and where I could practice conversational Spanish in a group without feeling intimidated.

I stayed in a boutique hotel on the north end of town and could easily walk to all the class destinations.

Honestly, I do not have anything to report that was negative or that I did not like. And i am already planning a trip back to take class with Maria again.

I would highly recommend the Spanish Institute to anyone interested in learning the language. It is affordable, the syllabus is well organized and you are not stuck inside a classroom setting, Sweet Maria was awesome and very passionate about teaching non Spanish speakers.

It was an all around awesome experience!

Shay Tibbits

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
7 May 2018 - 11 May 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I enjoyed my class and teacher"

Florian Tröp

I liked the idea of having the class in different places because I got to know the top local spots in town. My teacher was very professional and lessons were very dynamic in my opinion. Overall I really enjoy Playa and the school and can fully recommend it to anyone.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
20 Nov 2017 - 1 Dec 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Excellent!! The best school language experience!!!"

Maria Juve

Excellent!! The best school language experience ever!!
It was fun and fast learning experience! The best professors ever!!
Thank you so much for all the help with the housing!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
8 weeks
Date of study
2 Oct 2017 - 1 Dec 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Nice claas teachers and method"

Jeromê Cassa

I enjoyed the class because it allowed me both to learn Spanish and discover locations where locals go in Playa del Carmen like cafes, art galleries. I took the intermediate class in the 20 hour per week course I can't remember the name but learned a lot and enjoyed my time. I didn't book housing but aulirbns are quite convenient as an option.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
20 Nov 2017 - 2 Dec 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Very good"

Matteo colombo

Very positive experience, the teacher was prepared, I followed lectures with interest and I met many interesting people, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a new language by making new acquaintances.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
10 Jul 2017 - 24 Jul 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
housing

Housing

Playa del Carmen Spanish offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast

211 €
weekly
Age range: 15 - 55 years old
Location: In the city center of Playa del Carmen
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 10 - 15 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 12:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
211 €
Host family accommodation with a single room and breakfast included. This option is for students who want to practice Spanish with a local family and live near the school and the beach. All options are in downtown.
student-residence

Student residence - Single-person room - No meals

181 €
weekly
Age range: 15 - 55 years old
Location: In the city center of Playa del Carmen
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, air conditioning, 24/7 supervision, and other
Distance to school: 10 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
181 €
Single room in a big house in downtown, you have free wifi, a very nice room and its walking distance from the school and the beach.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.

Flights and airport transfer

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 Playa del Carmen Spanish Institute staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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