Iguana Abroad

I’d say that Iguana Abroad’s magic lies in how the course seamlessly blends language and life. Yes, the Spanish classes are excellent (small groups, passionate native teachers, a truly stunning school campus), but for me the real lessons happened outside: discussing Mexican history beside ancient Aztec ruins, cooking mole poblano with "abuelitas" (at my homestay), or haggling for the best prices in the local markets. As well as just the classroom textbooks and whiteboards, you’ll use street art, local slang, and laughter to learn—and it sticks. I’ve got so, so many great memories from this trip, and so many new friends that I share them with.

Everyone on my course (Summer ’24) said the same thing - the instructors (affectionately called “the Harrys”,) are the heart of the program, and I couldn’t agree more. I felt like they really mapped my journey personally so even on a group course, things felt tailored just for me and my goals. They even included activities completely outside of the course schedule just because of a few passions of mine I had spoken about, such as jazz music. We went to a local jazz club to see an open event there and talked about music with some of the people playing there - which was one of the best moments of the whole trip for me. Moments like this played such a huge part of improving my confidence and fluency with Spanish. Another day we visited the hidden, beautiful San Anton waterfall in Cuernavaca to help me nail some key words and phrases for hiking and exercise - another deep passion of mine, (and a few others in the group). Nothing ever felt scripted - the Harry’s felt like true masters of language immersion courses.

I’ve done language programs before, but none ever pushed me to engage so deeply. By week two, I was joking with my homestay family, navigating local transport solo, and (mostly) holding my own in everyday conversations. The confidence boost was unreal, not just for language, but travel too. Plus, the friendships—with locals and fellow learners, students on the course, etc —are the kind that long outlast Instagram posts.

Considerations to Know:
* Pace: Days can be packed! If you crave downtime and rest, don’t feel afraid to do that. It’s a really flexible course - and that’s sort of what this course is about - you, and your Spanish learning journey.
* Physicality: Some adventures (like ruins hikes) require moderate fitness. Hiking up to the Tepotzlán pyramid from the "zocalo" town center (which is optional) was a real mission.
* Homestays: My family was wonderful, but flexibility is key—the every so often cold showers and salsa-dancing toddlers come with the territory! If you want something more predictable you’d probably be better with the private accommodation option.

What I’d say is that Iguana Abroad isn’t for casual tourists—it’s for adventurers who learn by living. Yes, classrooms are a big part of the program, but they’re just the starting point. If you’re ready to move beyond textbooks and let the rhythm of Mexico guide your learning, this is the course for you… just make sure you bring an open mind and you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone—at least for me, that’s when the real learning happened.

I found Iguana Abroad online and I was attracted by the range of activities offered, as well as the emphasis on immersive learning. Communication with the Iguana Abroad staff was always good before the program started, and the support given by the program directors and teachers was excellent during the course. Learning Spanish in Mexico is so different to learning in the US – you learn so much faster when you are immersed in a Spanish-speaking country, surrounded by the language all day with so many opportunities to practice and speak to people. I was really happy with all the events offered on the program – I especially loved the cookery class and the salsa event. Learning to cook Mexican food and try salsa and cumbia dance styles was an awesome experience! The free airport collection offered by the program was also really useful because I arrived in Mexico City in the evening, so it was definitely reassuring to know that someone would be waiting for me at the airport. The price for the program was good considering everything that’s included and there were no disappointing aspects of the course that I can think of. A perfect immersion course.

I came to Iguana Abroad with no expectations, just hoping to see where this crazy journey would take me, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! Everyone on the program was so fun, kind and welcoming they really make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. I stayed in the private accommodation with Vito and Maru which was awesome and definitely something I would do again. There were always loads of fun events going on during the week and on weekends and there was always someone to hang out with and explore! I want to say a big THANK YOU to the Iguana Abroad teachers and organizers who made this awesome trip possible and I hope to see you all again in 2026!!

I would recommend Iguana Abroad to any traveller (or soon-to-be traveller!) planning a trip outside their comfort zone! The Spanish lessons are fun, creative and interesting, and really inspire you to learn much more effectively than if you were in the US. The Iguana Abroad program also has accommodation included in the course price which was really important for me when I was looking for which immersion program to choose. I chose the private accommodation option which I really recommend because the rooms were spacious and clean, and there was even a pool, garden and gym inside the accommodation. The accommodation was also just one minute walk from the Spanish school (literally across the road) which was perfect. I would highly recommend the Iguana Abroad program and would encourage anyone who has not yet done so to apply!

Iguana Abroad was a special experience for me. My sister came on the program in 2023 so I knew what it was going to be like before I signed up, but it was actually better than I expected! So many amazing people and memories it’s really hard to choose which ones to include here – I think maybe my most memorable experience was going to Las Estacas nature park and swimming through the jungle round the lazy river – it is such a beautiful location and still quite unknown outside of Mexico. I also loved the trip to Tepoztlan because of the traditional crafts and souvenirs as well as the Pyramid hike. The Spanish classes on Iguana Abroad are really useful and push you to the limit of your abilities, so that you improve quickly and learn to speak the language better even after the first week. I also loved the social aspect of the program because you really do make friends for life and share memories with unforgettable people!