THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.
Jualia Pettersen.
Evanston, IL.
I genuinely had the best summer of my life!
Sept 6, 2018
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"My name is Julia, I'm a 21 year old college student from Chicago who recently went on this amazing excursion. I genuinely had no idea what to expect before getting to Guanajuato, but what I experience surpassed anything I could have hoped for. I genuinely had the best summer of my life because of this program. The program director, Fabiola, is one of the greatest people i've ever met. She is extremely committed to making sure that everyone is safe and has an enjoyable experience. We went on weekend excursions to Mexico City, Dolores Hidalgo, and San Miguel de Allende. I laughed SO much during this program, and learned a great deal of Spanish in only one month. The language school itself has wonderful teachers who are very passionate about teaching you Spanish and making sure that you understand the culture. I am very glad I did this program... (read more)"
"Our 17-year-old son returned home motivated to further his studies in Spanish. Prior to the visit he was uninterested. His experience at CLA was beyond what we had hoped for him.
Fabiola was supportive and inspiring. Our son was on his own for the first time, and she provided the most nurturing and enriching experience. She is worldly and so gifted at community building, and was a reliable correspondent prior to and during his stay in Guanajuato. Her passion is contagious.
Our son felt a connection to his house mom, who was reported to be an amazing cook (which is remarkable, as he is vegetarian). The host family’s beautiful home was convenient to the university and allowed for safe exploration in the city.
The entire experience was life changing – at the exact right time – for our son, and therefore perfect for us. He wants to return to Mexico, and we highly recommend the CLA program to parents of other mature teens."
Diana G., Parent.
Los Angeles. CA
Lydia K., Student.
Chicago, IL
Love this program - do not want to leave!!!
Feb 27, 2018
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"I am absolutely loving my experience with CLA. I am a junior at Goshen College, and would definitely recommend this program to college students. While Mexico is close to the United States, it is a completely different world and culture. This program is so special because the director, Fabiola, was actually born and raised in Guanajuato, GTO (the city you will be living in), and she graduated from the University of Guanajuato (the university you will be attending). So you are learning from a local citizen and a native Spanish speaker. I'm the kind of person that likes to go all in and get a really authentic cultural experience -- to me, it doesn't get any more authentic than this...(read more)"
Crazy about Guanajuato and CLA Program!!!
Jul 25, 2017
"CLA offers such a cool experience that can be tailored to so many different types of students. My name is Esther and I arrived in Guanajuato in January and I have loved my CLA experience so far! Since my arrival I have had a great time, made a bunch of friends from Mexico and all over the world, and have gotten to travel a bunch!
When I first arrived, I was promptly picked up at the airport by Fabiola CLA’s amazing program director and now, my friend. I am staying with a host family which has been great for my Spanish and for eating great meals three times a day. My host family has been so kind and taken me on vacations, and even to extended family celebrations. I have lots of freedom but always have lots of people to turn to for help if I need it.... (read more)"
Esther V., Student.
Lancaster, PA
Matthew S, Student.
Houston, TX
Summer Fun!
Aug 8, 2018
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"If you are looking for an amazing culture filled experience, look no further!! I have recently returned from Mexico and had a great time. I was able to meet a lot of great friends from Mexico as well as from many other countries around the world. When I arrived in Guanajuato my Spanish was very basic, I knew some words and phrases but that was about it. After a month in the program, I was speaking fluently on a conversational level and able to interact and engage in many facets of Mexican society and culture. Guanajuato is a really special place, it is big enough to always have something to do and explore, but small enough to maintain some of its old world charm. Think cobblestone streets, old beautiful cathedrals, and narrow alleyways filled with museums and cafes. I was able to travel to a few other cities in Mexico before I returned to the US, and Guanajuato remains my favorite... (read more)"
My Summer in Guanajuato
Aug 3, 2018
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I was incredibly impressed with my trip with CLA to Guanajuato. I went to improve my proficiency in Spanish and learn about my heritage and I ended up gaining so much more. By the end of the month I was completely thinking in Spanish without having to translate everything into English first and even slept talked in Spanish which tells you it was deep in my subconscious. The classes that you will take at the University of Guanajuato are very well rounded so that you learn grammar, culture, literature, history, and dance with teachers who really care. The entire trip is completely immersive which is the most effective way to learn a language when paired with language classes. My host mom was amazing and made me feel at home from the very first day. It was also way easier to make friends than I expected. Fabiola, the director, made herself incredibly available to any need we had and planned so many fun and cultural activities to make the most out of our month in Guanajuato. I left Guanajuato in LOVE with Mexico and plan on returning more long term in the future. This program is the ultimate to experience Mexico as a one time trip or a tester before a more long term move.
Monica L., Student.
Roseville, CA