Originally named Xaman-Ha (Waters of the North) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya).

Located on the beautiful Mexican Caribbean coast some 40 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the newly named, Mayan Riviera.

Playa del Carmen is a beautiful place to spend some time, blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and easy access to the magnificent Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal.

These pyramids and temples are silent testimonies to the powerful civilization that built them and designated them holy places. Xel-Ha, a National Park and ecological wonder where both fresh and seawater mingle to create a natural aquarium, contains several pre hispanic temples which are a must see.

Playa town center is situated so that you are never very far from the beach. Shopping here offers incredible variety with many quaint shops. The towns square is right on the main beach and is a great place to just relax and watch the world go by.

Beachfront restaurants and smaller hotels offer an alternative to the much busier Cancun. Playa del Carmen is growing at an incredible pace, but somehow manages to retain the small town atmosphere that has made it a long time favorite for many.

Playa del Carmen is also the home base to the ferries that cross daily to Cozumel, Mexico's largest island. This kicked back island is just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula and is a divers paradise! It has many open air bars, Mayan ruins and endless miles of deserted beaches that all play a part in the mystique that is Isla Cozumel.

Playa del Carmen is a marvelous place to spend some time, relax and learn Spanish!

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

There are direct flights from most major cities to Cancun International Airport which is just 60 km (40 miles) north of Playa del Carmen. The journey from the airport to Playa by taxi should take less than 1 hour and cost around $35. There are frequent bus services from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen. [return to top]

Small beach town with relaxed atmosphere
Many great beaches and nightlife
Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal close by
Water sports, sailing and cruising
Excursion to Cozumel island
A perfect place for a learning summer holiday
[return to top]

Our school is conveniently located in a famous pedestrian area of Playa del Carmen, surrounded by charming restaurants, cafes, boutiques and the stunning white sand beaches of the Caribbean Sea are just one block away.

Playa is small enough that 75% of the time most students walk to get around. If needed, inexpensive taxis are available for between $12 and $18 Mexican pesos per trip within Playa del Carmen. Some students rent bicycles or use bikes loaned to them by the family they are staying with. Some families provide this service; others do not.

Our small school (60 students) offers a very laid back atmosphere, with a good mix of international students and classes are held under an open palapa roof (the traditional architecture of the area), which is perfect for Playa del Carmen's climate. Our school is the perfect location for a relaxed learning location. Students have free access to the internet in addition to our Internet room, there are several Internet cafés within one block of the school.

In the afternoon pick from a range of water sports including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and more. Beach activities include volleyball and beach-soccer!
[return to top]

Standard program: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week). The maximum class size is 6 students and the minimum age to attend is 17 years old.
Intensive program: 6 Lessons daily (30 lessons per week). The maximum class size is 6 students and the minimum age to attend is 17 years old.

Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the student's language level and ensure placement in the correct class.

Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9.30 am to 13.30, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.

If you are interested in sightseeing by yourself or with other classmates, our school staff is more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.

NOTES: School is closed on all public holidays, private lessons and options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes, you will be studying with students from around the world, lessons run from Monday - Friday , you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take the placement test, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
[return to top]

Host Family: (private or shared room) with breakfast daily.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 15 - 25 minutes walk away.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Self Catering Apartments: (private or shared room) no meals
This is also a very popular option especially for those students looking for further independence. Our apartments are normally located within the same distance as the host families (many are closer and in walking distance to the school).

All apartments provide a kitchen (including cooking utensils), shared bathroom facilities and living areas. Students can request a 1 or 2-bedroom apartment for their own, exclusive use, or can request to have an apartment shared with some of our other students. In this case, you have you own bedroom but kitchen, bathroom and living space is shared. Some apartments feature cable tv, queen size bed and air conditioned.

If you have chosen to share with other students, you are expected to comply with the 'mutual' house rules. This means that common living areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times. All students have keys to the apartment and can come and go as they wish.
[return to top]

"It was an amazing time, the teachers at the school were very helpful and understanding that this was my first time with a new language. I lived with both the host family and in the apartments. I liked living with the host family however at the apartments you were closer to the other students. I don't think that living in the apartments as opposed to the host family takes away from the experience, it's just a different experience and I am glad to have had a chance to experience both."
Deidra Opheim (age 21)
"I spent 3 wonderful weeks in Playa del Carmen with an amazing family. The school was the best!"
Josee Veilleux (age 25)
[return to top]