Learn Spanish Abroad

Spanish Language Schools

FAQs

• TripAdvisor travelers voted Guadalajara a top destination
1. When do classes begin?
   Group classes commence each Monday throughout the year while private classes can begin on any workday, with the notable exceptions of these days.
   Since courses are taught in one-week modules students may study for as many weeks as they like. Students typically arrive the Saturday or Sunday before classes.
2. How much are the registration, tuition and accommodation costs at IMAC?
   A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of US$50. Tuition rates can be found here.
3. What is the length of your courses?
   We would like to share with you that one of the many advantages of our programs is that you may choose to study from as little as one week to as long as desired. Most of our students stay for four weeks.
4. What types of accommodations do you offer?
   Students may choose between our homestay program (living with a local Mexican family), a guesthouse, or hostel. Through the homestay program our school offers to place only one student per family, thus assuring full immersion in the use of Spanish while being at home. For students desirous of more independent living, we have a semi-private apartment (the guesthouse) and excellent discounts on nearby hotel accommodations.
5. What are the various ways students may pay for their courses?
   Advance remittance may be done with credit cards, cashiers checks, or wire transfers (please do not send money orders as they are difficult to cash in Guadalajara). We do not accept personal checks. The remaining fees (tuition, books, excursions) are payable upon arrival. If you decide to extend your program, payment can be done any time before the termination of your current course.
6. What is the maximum number of students in your classes?
   Our average number of students per class is from 4 - 6, in high season it may increase up to 8 students, which is the maximum number of students we allow per group.
7. Can I start with group courses and then change to private lessons?
   Yes, it is possible to begin with group courses, and then switch to private lessons, or vice versa. We only require that you request any changes 1 day in advance.
8. Does IMAC award college credit?
   Our institution grants six credit hours for 120 hours of group contact classroom instruction or 80 hours of private instruction. This is the equivalent of one credit hour per 20 hours of group classes for our introductory course. The intermediate and advanced group classes are taught at an accelerated rate because of the immersion environment, and students receive six credits hours for 80 hours of group contact classroom instruction or 53 hours of private instruction.We would recommend that you verify with the Academic Counselor or Language Department of your home school that credits obtained here at IMAC will be made valid. They will most probably ask for a copy of our course content structure, and proof of our credentials (we have been fully accredited by the Department of Education of Mexico since 1977), both of which we can provide upon request.
9. Do you have a schedule of excursions?
   The Chapala tour (6 hours) is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The Tequila tour (6 ½ hours) is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The Tlaquepaque tour (5 hours) is offered Monday through Saturday. You can let us know on which days you would like these trips after you arrive. Some exciting activities during the summer months are the walking and bus tours. These are open to all people, so our students join with other vacationers. The tour visits many places and sites of interests around the city. Since Guadalajara sports a wealth of beautiful architecture and historical buildings these tours are very worthwhile. Most of the sites visited are located in the downtown area, as are we. There are also tours to other parts of the city and some little known, but very important sites. The tour guide informs the participants about the significance and cultural points of the different sites. The great thing about these tours is that they are completely FREE. They are conducted on various days of the week. There are both morning and afternoon tours as well. During the summer months we update our students on the different tour options so that they can take advantage of them.
10. What additional fees can I expect?
    Other fees include: $33.00 USD to $35.00 USD charge for a book (good for four to 6 weeks; depends on level), US$30 for optional airport pickup service, and US$98 per week for optional homestay program. We can assist in arranging excursions which are offered throughout the week. The prices range from US$15-$20.00
11. Is it possible that I can have airport pickup?
    IMAC arranges this service to collect you from the airport in Guadalajara according to your exact flight information. The cost is US$30 and good upwards to three people. If for any reason your flight arrives late and you are unable to notify us on time, please call right away and we will send someone else to pick you up. If your flight arrives on time and you do not see anybody waiting for you and holding a sign with your name, please call us immediately and also specify where you are, the way you are dressing so it is easier for the driver to recognize you. Confirmed students receive a letter with all of the telephone numbers here at the school and the home phone numbers of some of our staff to call if they should run into any trouble. Notes: A. Changes in flight information or arrival date must be received by I.M.A.C. at least four (4) days before the student's arrival date in Mexico. Any changes or cancellations on the part of the student made less than four (4) days in advance may result in forfeiture of the entire airport pick-up fee; B. If the student does not appear at the time and location specified on his application form and no advance notification (see "A") has been received by I.M.A.C., the entire airport pick-up fee will be forfeited.
12. Where is your school located?
    Our school is located directly in the Historic Downtown area in Guadalajara. We are within walking distance of many places of historical interest, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall, the Cabañas Cultural Institute, etc. Please click on the following link to see our location.
13. Do students have access to the Internet?
    Yes, in addition to the classroom instruction, you have unlimited access to our Multimedia Lab (email, Internet, interactive Spanish programs), free of charge. Currently, we have over forty computers available during business hours that are fully equipped with enhanced Spanish language software, Internet capabilities and wi-fi.
14. Do you offer programs for total beginners?
    Yes. IMAC welcomes beginners to enroll in our programs. Spanish language learning here in Guadalajara, Mexico, is an opportunity to be involved in intensive Spanish instruction. Guadalajara is known throughout the entire country of Mexico as one of the most traditional of Mexican cities.
15. Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my program?
    At the end of your program you receive a certificate, stating the language you studied, your level, and the date of completion. This certificate is also signed by the school directors and can be used in obtaining college credit for your course, if and when preapproved by your home university.
16. When is the deadline for registration?
    We request we receive your completed application and registration fee at least a week before the first day of class. However, unlike other schools, we administer no late fees. The application can be submitted online through our web site using the secure form. It can also be printed and submitted via fax to the following number: (52-33) 3613-4621.
17. Do you offer courses for certain professions?
    Yes, our programs have been expanded to include courses for those that are interested in working on specific specialty areas of the Spanish language. A sampling of our Spanish specialty courses on an individual tutoring or private group instruction basis include areas of business and finance, education, household management, and healthcare, just to name a few. It is possible to customize your course to cover areas that you specifically need. Other specialty courses available to intermediate level students include, Advanced composition writing, Latin American literature, and Conversation, just to name a few. You may read through the following web page to review more about special courses offered on private tutoring basis.
18. How many course levels do you have, are they available at this time?
    We have 14 basic levels: 6 beginners, 4 intermediate and 4 advanced. All are available all year round.
19. How do you determine my level of Spanish?
    Class placement is determined by written and oral evaluations. Once we have received your application, we will send a written placement evaluation that is to be returned in the same manner, or via fax before you arrive. The oral placement evaluation will be administered on the first day of class. Please note that the placement evaluations are only required if the student has previous knowledge of the Spanish language.
20. How do you select your host families, and what is the cost of this program?
    Our host families are very carefully screened, taking the following into consideration:
    A. Location: We select families that live in safe, pleasant neighborhoods, with easy access to public transportation.
    B. Personality: We select families that are social and outgoing, and who truly enjoy receiving students from abroad. We avoid families who wish to host students solely for economic reasons.
    C. The home itself: We make sure that the home is well kept and comfortably furnished, and roomy enough so that the student will not feel cramped or crowded.
    We ask that our host families treat their guests as another member of the family, so that the student does not feel that it is just a place to stay. We encourage interaction between the student and the host family. The cost of our homestay program is $98.00 US dollars per week, which includes 3 meals daily (unlike most other schools, who offer only two meals daily).
21. Can my wife (family, friend) and I stay with the same host family?
    We can certainly place you and your wife with a host family that will have sufficient room to comfortably accommodate two persons.
22. When will I get the name of the host family and the rest of their information?
    We will send you all the information of your host family at least one week before arrival.
23. I want to speak spanish fluently. How long will that take?
    Before we can help you achieve the proficiency level to which you aspire, we first determine your current level in the language through written and oral evaluations. In the type of immersion environment that we provide, reaching proficiency level is very fast. To give you an idea, it has been our experience that within about two months you will be able to understand and be understood. Your ability in the Spanish language after, approximately, an eight-week program will be greatly significant. Specifically, we approximate eight to ten weeks to reach the intermediate-advanced level. Keep in mind, however, that progress depends also on your own effort and desire.
24. What qualifications do the teachers have?
    All are experienced teachers with a University degree and diplomas in foreign language teaching. Plus we have an ongoing training program to update our faculty with the latest linguistic methodology and technology.
25. When is payment of fees due?
    We request we receive your completed registration and deposit fee at least a week before the first day of class. Remittance may be done with credit cards, cashiers checks, or wire transfers. The remaining fees (tuition, books, airport pickup, etc.) are payable upon arrival. We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express), travelers checks, and United States currency. Please note that we do not accept personal checks and money orders. For last minute registrations we require the registration fee be paid upon arrival.
26. Does Mexico have modern Automated Teller Machines?
    Yes, you will find ATM's at the airport in Guadalajara as well as around the city in malls, plazas, inside some convenience stores and pharmacies. You will also find that all major credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico.
27. What is the weather like in Guadalajara?
    Known as the "City of Roses,” Guadalajara has one of the most pleasant climates in the world. The average year-round temperature of 80° F explains why the city is known for its eternal springtime.
28. Is there a gym near the school?
    Yes. There is a gym just a short 5 minute bus trip away from the school. The gym is very well equipped and offers excellent service. IMAC has arranged for a special short-term membership plan and fee at both franchises for those students interested in keeping fit while they attend our Spanish language school.
29. While I am in Mexico I would like to take latin dance lessons.
    Among our list of afternoon activities are free salsa lessons. You can practice the Spanish language and join in the fun every Friday at 6:15 pm and Saturdays at 2 pm. Since all skill levels run in parallel during the class, you do not have to attend consecutive lessons. For those students interested in private lessons we have made an arrangement with a local dance school. These dance lessons are conducted outside of the school with a qualified dance instructor. Students have the choice of learning traditional dances (salsa, cumbia, etc.) or learning traditional Mexican folk dancing. The classes are taught privately and are approximately US$15 per hour. Schedules vary and the arrangements can be made upon the student’s arrival. NOTE: All classes are taught by non-English speaking Spanish native speakers and you will have the opportunity to interact and practice your Spanish. While IMAC will make all of the necessary arrangements with the school, students are asked to pay all fees directly to the service provider.
30. I would like to take cultural and history classes, is this possible?
    We would like to tell you that you will certainly be able to take cultural and histrory classes by taking advantage of our cultural and exchange group by attending this activity you will have the opportunity to learn about our culture and history from our English studying students, it will also allow you to practice your new language skills with native Spanish speaking students in a relaxed, informal setting. This activity is supervised by an instructor every afternoon, and is free of charge.
31. How do students receive mail while at IMAC?
    In receiving mail we recommend that it be sent via courier to you at the school, instead of to your family. We strongly advise against snail mail because it takes between three to five weeks for any mail to arrive to Guadalajara. Our address is I.M.A.C., Donato Guerra No. 180, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico C.P. 44100. The fax is (52-33) 3613-4621 and telephone is (52-33) 3613-1080. The country code for Mexico is 52.

Contact Us
Apply Now

Worldwide: +52-33-3614-1414

USA: 1-866-306 5040
United Kingdom: 0-800-404 9844
Australia: 1-800-0611 0136
Canada: 1-877-442 0845
New Zealand: 0-800-449-282


Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST