Testimonials

The school was on top of everything. Each request for excursions, from calling a taxi to setting up Acapulco, were services over and above any regular expectations. The classes were well suited, the environs were lovely and all personnel amable que sobra. I enjoyed the special conferencias and the 'small school' attention. Due to being a Spanish Instructor, my classes were more informal. It was good to just be able to stop the teacher and ask any question about what and how it was said. I stayed with Rosita and Rafael Partida....a place and people from heaven. (My first stay with them was in 1986). – Jan Kurtz, College Spanish Instructor, Brainerd, MN

I love the school and the instructors - this was a fabulous week. The instructors are excellent; they want you to learn Spanish and do all they can to make this a learning experience. – Connie Dineen, Retired Tour Manager, Arvada CO

Incredible. I would recommend it to any of my friends and/or family! The instructors are very passionate about their roles and excellent at assisting you in learning Spanish. They incorporated various activities and were very personable! They were terrific. I only wish I could have stayed longer! – Heidi Purdy, Student/Content Developer and Trainer, Brainerd, MN

(special class for Diabetes Educators) Never having participated in a similar experience, I had little idea about what to expect. It was wonderful! Great instructors. I received what I needed professionally through the course. – Anita Longan, Nutritionist/Diabetes Educator, Darlington SC

(participant in a Business Spanish program) It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Studying Mexican business was very interesting, and the business tours were great. It was also very interesting learning about the Mexican culture. My instructors, translators and guides on the excursions were great. It was a great cultural experience to see firsthand what living in Mexico would be like. I really enjoyed living with a host family. – Bethany Renard, Student Univ. Wisconsin, Green Bay WI

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was nice to learn Spanish again especially considering I haven't had a formal lesson since high school. Also, learning from a native of Cuernavaca, we learned the accents, not just the English take on words. Being surrounded by the culture and not living in hotels you learn more about the culture. I thought the classes were good. Even if you weren't fluent they encouraged you to practice and wouldn't let us use English no matter how hard we tried. Plus they were always patient with misunderstandings. My host mother was absolutely amazing. I don't think she could have done anything better to make the trip more enjoyable. – Amanda Bigalk, Student University of Wisconsin, Green Bay WI

"I knew no Spanish and wanted to experience the culture while learning the language. All expectations were met and exceeded with the unexpected addition of a cultural class for teachers. Being a teacher, the added experience of visiting local schools and learning about the educational system was wonderful.
The experience with my host family was positive- a gracious, beautiful family. All information provided prior to the trip was very detailed. I had never traveled out of the country and I was traveling alone but I don’t think there was anything else I needed to know- I was prepared and well informed. The entire trip was positive!" – Laura Webb, Teacher, Murray, Kentucky

"My family of 4 found this to be a great experience. We each gained something different, yet all of us came away with positive feelings and the desire to continue to learn. We enjoyed the opportunity to live with a family and actively participate in the culture. The excursions offered by SLI were fantastic and enriched the experience. SLI is well run, very organized and extremely responsive to student needs. I appreciated the extras -- laundry service, free use of computers and internet, onsight cafe. The administrative staff was helpful and friendly.  I found the instructors to be professional and very interested in our learning experience. I appreciated the extra effort and attention they provided my children. The information provided by Language Link was very thorough. I have passed on your services to friends and feel it is a great resource." – Juli Kauffman, Homemaker, Greenbrae, California

"It was really great. I only wish I could have stayed longer. The instructors and staff were very professional and proficient. My host family, Dora Cortes, was the highlight of the trip." – Jake Fisher, Radio Sales Management, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

"Thank you for another fantastic group trip! All reports were favorable and now that the trip is down to a science I believe planning will be even smoother next year. Thank you again for the salsa lessons, they were fun and the kids really enjoyed them." – Gisele Conn, Teacher, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
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"We had a great teacher who taught us extremely difficult Spanish very smoothly and very understandably. Veronica and Adriana were great teachers." – Liri Berglund, Student, Sherman Oaks, California

"I was there for two weeks and I loved every second of it!!!! It was an awesome experience. Everyone was so helpful and nice. The teachers were amazing and so patient. I did a home stay with a lady named Rosy Alvarez. She was such a sweet, amazing lady. I could not have asked for a better experience with her!!!" – Nicole Johnson, Tour Director, Canton, Ohio

"I just want to let you know what a wonderful trip we had in January. The school visits/people were excellent! It was a wonderful experience, and my students all hated to leave. In fact, here's a paragraph from one of the students' reflection paper. It sort of says it all!
'Since I have been back in Wisconsin, I’ve been searching for a word that means homesick for a place that is not your home. Before leaving for Mexico, I was nervous about being in a foreign country for three weeks. As the final week came to a close, I couldn’t imagine boarding an airplane and flying back ‘home.’ After three short weeks, I came to adore the city, culture, and people of Cuernavaca.' ” 
Dr. Steven Kimball, Professor, Green Bay, Wisconsin

"Ken and I found the entire experience to be outstanding.....From the first information received from Language Link to our final departure, the experience was tremendous...we were well prepared by Language Link and always kept "The book of Kay" handy in our mochilas! Instructions were excellent, highly skilled and professional..patient and encouraging, tremendous assets to the school. Our host familycould not have been more gracious or more helpful.

Marcy Recktenwald Eberl, Retired Investment Banker, New York NY

 "SLI put together an excellent program about the Mexican educational system. The instructors were all very patient and kind. Palmira was an excellent host mother. She was kind and helpful and the food was outstanding. "– Cait Berth, Graduate Student, Green Bay, Wisconsin
 
"From a group leader, - We had a wonderful experience. I continue to get positive comments from parents and students. Our schedule was a perfect balance of classes and excursions. I think the kids got a great taste of Mexico . . its history, culture and families."
Gina Alcala, Teacher, Colorado

"Overall I would rate my experience as superior. Great program, one week was definitely not enough time for me though. All instructors were great..family was wonderful."
Michele Logsdon, Registered Nurse, Rushville, Illinois

"Wonderful. I learned much about the culture and the language in just one weeks time.The instructors were extremely helpful and the classes were small to help with pronuciation and clarification. Wonderful food and much of it."  Cargill Co. Manager, Craig Diebal, Dekalb, Illinois

"I stayed for 3 weeks during our Spanish/Education program. Great overall! The conversation classes were well-organized and fun! We talked about current issues." 
Ellen Cook, Student, Green Bay, Wisconsin

 "The school is wonderful. Very organized, lots of trips available, excellent teaching, friendly, helpful staff. And of course, Cuernavaca is beautiful."
Sue and Paul Field, Teacher and Administrator, California

"Cuernavaca was perfect for our first experience. And the family could not have been better…we felt right at home. Thanks for everything – it was a wonderful experience!"
C. Lowe, Computer Professional, Delaware

(organized group trip) "The trip was great. The housing was excellent, and the kids were very comfortable. The kids really enjoyed the teachers and the classes. I had not one complaint."
Tom Fennell and Alison Brown, Department Chairs, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, California

"I went to SLI knowing only the basics. They worked with me on exactly what I needed. They taught in a teaching style perfect for my needs and were very encouraging through my entire time there. I was there for four months and felt as family. I enjoyed every bit of the experience!"
Megan Cowell, College Student, Johnston, Iowa

"My host family was wonderful. My teachers were supportive and fun – fantástico. Our excursions were interesting and informative. I could not have asked for a better experience."
Deb Buckingham, Teacher, Brighton, Iowa

"This was the second time for both my daughter and I in Cuernavaca. We had such an excellent experience last summer that we decided to return again this year. Overall, our second experience felt like we were coming home to old friends. The level of instruction was excellent. It exceeded my expectations for both of us."
Ginny Peterson Tennant, College Professor, Miami, Florida

From a group leader- "We had a wonderful experience. I continue to get positive comments from parents and students. Our schedule was a perfect balance of classes and excursions. I think the kids got a great taste of Mexico . . . its history, culture and families."
Gina Alcala, Teacher, Colorado

“I attended the Spanish Language Institute in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and still think of it as one of the best experiences of my life! Now that I am teaching English as a second language I can truly appreciate how effective my SLI teachers were."
Terri Weintraub, Teacher, Florida

“I knew very little Spanish when I arrived at the school, and the amount I learned in 9 days was incredible! My three instructors were outstanding! They were demanding, yet patient, and very knowledgeable in “reading” their students. I do plan on returning.”
Dr. Steven Kimball, Asst. Professor Education, Wisconsin

“We stayed with a wonderful host mother, and she is the best cook in the world. We had paella, chilaquiles, chiles rellenos, flan, etc.”
Herb and Laurie Evans, Attorney, Real Estate, Oregon

“I visited SLI last year and it was GREAT!! I hope to be able to return again next summer. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the language and culture.”
Robert Johnson, Nebraska

"I participated in a three-week Executive Spanish Program and so had two instructors to myself for six hours a day. This provided an accelerated learning opportunity; however my experienced instructors understood when to push me to new levels and when to give me a much needed break by lapsing into simple conversation, in Spanish, of course. Because of the intensity of the one-on-one program, the changes in their teaching rhythms were welcomed, necessary and subtle--so subtle that I barely noticed the change except that I would begin to feel relaxed after an intense burst of learning, which I believe strengthened the learning--a bit like cross-training.  An integral part of my experience was my stay with a Mexican family (a must!). The interaction with my family provided continued opportunities for practice and reinforced each day's learning. Additionally, Cuernavaca is an excellent location for language immersion as there are many nearby and interesting places for afternoon and weekend excursions. And Cuernavaca itself has great museums and sites.
Outstanding accommodations with just the right blend of togetherness and privacy."
Connie LaFlamme, Global Brand Management/Marketing Executive, Florida --Executive Program

"In two weeks I went from knowing only the present tense to having conversations in Spanish for three hours a day...amazing. Before going, I never imagined that I would be capable of doing that. Between school, my homestay family, and getting to know Cuernavaca and environs, I had a fantastic time."
Judy Coven, Teacher Educator, Vermont

"This was a wonderful, challenging experience. My instructors were compassionate and very supportive. Many thanks for providing this opportunity!"
Mary Gibbons, Registered Nurse, Illinois

"Cuernavaca itself is a wonderful city and I loved it. Called the City of Eternal Spring, the weather is wonderful year round. The school facilities are excellent and it is extremely well run. SLI is a happy place and going there was a real joy. Teachers are excellent. The families are upscale and very accustomed to housing students, and it is likely you will leave for home with new friends for life. All in all it was a terrific experience and I plan to do it again next year."
Charles Stark, Marketing Consultant, California

“The professors were excellent, and living with the family was a great experience. The school is extremely professional, and this includes all the excursions and extra activities they organized. We had the greatest two weeks. Instruction was extremely competent. As an added bonus, they were even flexible in their teaching methods, depending on the student’s response to different methods of instruction. The food (at our homestay) was great, and living with the family gives you a real insight into the close knit Latin American family. I just wish we had more time to take in even more of Mexico.”
Krishna Venugopal, Puerto Rico --Executive Program

“Instructors are 100% pros. They are excellent instructors with a good understanding of subject and student needs. They adapt very well to individual requirements. I have heard complaints about similar places having “normal” people and not true educators. My family was excellent to stay with, very friendly and accommodating. Helped the overall learning experience. Everything was set up perfectly.”
Mark Harrison, Sales/Marketing, Mexico - Executive

“The atmosphere was very comfortable and conducive to learning. Things were well organized and the added trips and classes provided fun and enrichment. Marie was a great grammar instructor. She was organized and able to find ways to help each individual learn. She also made it fun! Our host family very kind and hospitable…not to mention very patient with my limited Spanish. Esther cooked great meals and was very accommodating. They are clearly very kind and good people. The home was beautiful and very spacious. I felt like I had my own space when needed but was at ease around the house. The terrace made a great study spot too! I just wish I could have been with them longer.”
Lisa Koury, Social Worker, Pennsylvania

“The school experience was EXCELLENT! Very professional and well organized. The administrative staff was most helpful. Every effort was made to allow students to take advantage of what Cuernavaca can offer, thus expanding the overall learning experience. The class sizes were perfect and they placed me at just the right level. I would highly recommend SLI to anyone who seriously wanted to learn or improve their Spanish. My instructors were first rate! I had Arturo for grammar and Maricarmen for conversation. Both were excellent. 3 weeks of studying the subjunctive with Arturo brought my understanding and appreciation of the language up to a new level. My ability to express myself in a more fluid manner definitely increased, as well as the attention to details. Arturo’s classes were fast paced, loaded with information, yet he took the time to make sure that the lessons were clearly understood and questions were answered. He’s very professional and his love of the language is obvious. Maricarmen is equally excellent and reinforced our grammar lessons by having us use as much of the subjunctive as possible in our discussions. She also has a marvelous way of engaging us all into conversations, sharing or arguing our views over various issues. Conversations ran from controversial, to informative, to funny, to hypothetical. The real proof of the pudding was the reaction of our Mexican friends, in DF, who all commented on our greatly improved abilities to hold lengthy conversations in a fluid, literate and relaxed way. The time at SLI was very well spent. We look forward to returning.”
Allan Knuerr, Retired Chef, Santa Fe, New Mexico

“Kay—I just returned from Mexico and two weeks at SLI. Like the last time, it was a good experience. I have given your website to people and I have recommended your services. Thank you for all of your help.”
Bob Bennett, Attorney, Texas – Executive Program

“The school personnel were very helpful and always willing to rearrange things if I wasn’t completely happy. My instructors were amazing and the school grounds are beautiful. I decided to stay another 2 months in Cuernavaca to work as a volunteer in a school here. The instructors have an impressive amount of knowledge over the Spanish language and are able to communicate it in an understandable way to students. They are also really great people. My family was really great, and helpful. The house and garden was beautiful and my experience with them was enjoyable.”
Jessica Hastings, Student/Spanish and Dance Teacher, Wyoming

“Overall I would rate my experience as 5+. Instruction was superb. The best I’ve had on several trips. Really helped me reach the next level. Maricarmen Culebra—wonderful home, so friendly and delicious food. Very good location in the city too.”
Josh Solomon, Teacher, New York

"Enjoyed the 'extras'--salsa dancing, Mexican cooking, music and the trips. The experience was very rewarding and I now have a rich understanding of the beautiful culture of Mexico and its lovely people!"
Manolita Latonero, Registered Nurse, New York

"I would rate my experience as Superior. The kindness and friendliness of the staff and teachers was exceptional. The instructors first attempted to understand my goals and then worked with me to supply what was needed. I stayed with the family Cervantes. They truly made their home our home. Good food, pleasant conversation, plenty of opportunity to learn."
Eugene Ahlswede, Mission Counselor, Colorado

"Wow! What a great adventure in Cuernavaca! I really enjoyed my month studying at the Spanish Language Institute."
David Gray, US Environmental Protection Agency, Texas

"My son and I studied in Cuernavaca and it was a wonderful time for both of us. He made friends, was exposed to another culture, and my old, rusty brain was challenged."
Kent McNair, Episcopal Priest, California

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