Program Reviews

Ma'alob k'iin!
I came to Carrillo to learn a little bit of Maya. I didn't expect to learn much in a week. But after an amazing time with my teacher (including a private trip to a Maya pueblito) and my host family (oh my god the tortillas! I'll never forget them) I was already picking out Maya words on the local radio station and able to ask a few questions of people I met. I have every intention of going back, and that doesn't seem too hard to do for the price. If you go for Maya though you need to know some Spanish already.
I gave 'fun' a 9 because of the way the question was worded. There isn't much of a social scene in Carrillo. (Apparently it's super expensive fpr restauranteurs to get permits because of how touristy the rest of Quintana Roo is.) If you wanna get drunk, go elsewhere. But I had a huge amount of fun, so maybe that's more criticism of the question than the program. That said, Naomi was one of my favorite tour guides. She gave this real sense of having as much fun and exploring as much as any of us, but at the same time I felt super safe and comfortable that she knew what she was doing.
The fact that the program costs go to help pay for English classes for young (and ridiculously cute) Carrillo residents certainly didn't hurt either.

After having considered other Mexico locations—like Merida, Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido—for a week’s immersion to re-launch Spanish study, I’m very glad I opted for Na’atik in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The instruction was top quality and involved a stimulating combination of grammar review and related drills, readings and discussion, and free forms conversations about life and past experience. During these discussions, the brain pressed up against its expressive frontier in Spanish; Pedro is a great teacher, and as necessary gently offered better expressive options and the grammatical reasons underlying them. Time passed quickly, and the sessions soon proved their short term value in a greater confidence in navigating the interesting and untouristed town of Carrillo. I wandered its streets on foot and bike with more confidence and sense of security than I would many neighborhoods in my hometown of Chicago. I am grateful to Catherine and Poppy for some orientation and a visit to a nearby clear and spring-fed lagoon. My home-stay host and hostess, Miguel and Dianela, were wonderful. Dianela was once a professional cocinera, and it showed. I dined well and avidly on chicken and vegetable stews, desayuno egg dishes and quesadillas, and warm fresh maize tortillas, among other things. Miguel’s commentary and a couple of Spanish language books he loaned me provided an introduction the history of this region, and the development of Mexico’s border with Central America. Although a sighting of American or European tourist is unlikely in Carrillo, the Na’atik school is a home away from home—the Mexican, American, and English staff were kind and welcoming, and “inclusive” in the natural convivial way, not the suffocating, politically correct way. On my trip home, I noticed that I missed the Na’atik folks I had gotten to know. I hope to visit Na’atik again at greater length, and I highly recommend the same experience to anyone wishing to take a deep dive into Mexico.

If you're even remotely considering going to Na'atik for an immersion experience, DO IT. I cannot say enough good things about this school, their staff, and the community. From the beginning of my search for an immersion program, the staff at Na'atik were extremely responsive, personal and accommodating to all of my questions and needs. I was lucky enough to be able to join them for two weeks. During that time I took private classes with Irene. Again, I also cannot say enough good things about Irene! My classes were adjusted to meet my specific level and needs. I was pushed and challenged in the best way. Learning a second language is an adventure but can be extremely hard at times. On the hardest days I found nothing but encouragement from Irene and the rest of the staff.

My host family was so warm and welcoming to me. Of course living in a new country can bring its own set of differences, but my best advice is to be open. Try everything. Eat everything that's put in front of you. Embrace the hammock sleeping. You won't regret it and you'll learn a lot about yourself in the process. My family took me in and showed me their community and invited me to be a part of their life while I was in Carillo and that's an experience I'll forever treasure. To this day I still talk to my family often. I can't stress enough how wonderful they are and how wonderful the home stay experience is! :)

I highly recommend Na'atik, no matter what level of Spanish you're on. I have studied Spanish for many years but being totally immersed took me to an entire new level. There's no greater way to learn something than to place yourself right in the middle of it. This school is a real gem in their community. I'm already itching to get back there! :)

Learning Spanish was a wonderful experience at Na'atik, they really look after you! Catherine the owner is very supportive, ready to assist with anything you may need and really passionate about the local area and language learning.

My teacher Pedro was very experienced and adaptable, able to tailor the lessons to my very novice level but ambitious study goals. I barely knew any Spanish when I arrived, but familiarity with another romantic language and the small class size meant that we could speed up and slow down to focus on specific areas as needed. The host family were great too, immersion is really the way to go if you want to learn a language - after two weeks at Na'atik I had enough Spanish to survive another three months solo travelling through Central and South America.

The host family was lovely, I still salivate a little when I think of the food they cooked for me! The room had both a bed and a hammock, which I ended up sleeping in the whole time because it was so comfortable.

The little town of Carrillo, with its rich culture and welcoming people, was such a delight. It makes for a great base to further explore the area, Tulum is an easy combi ride away and there are plenty of other ruins and cenotes around to explore in your free time.

This program was exactly what I as looking for. As short as it was, I feel I've added much to my life.
My family was simply lovely and I will be leaving my heart with them. I was seeking an authentic experience and this feels as real as it gets. On top of the absolutely amazing food, to be so graciously welcomed into their home was a gift.
The warmth and friendliness of the other teachers was also special. The invitation to socialize on their own personal time is another gift that I do not underestimate. The attitude of the teachers, the students,a and the family combine to make Na'atik an admirable, warm and beautiful community.
I am a brand new beginner in Spanish and came knowing extremely little. Edwin was very patient and provided me with just the right amount of content and presented it very clearly. I truly appreciated how he listened to me and worked to answer my questions. The most powerful learning, I feel, was outside the classroom with Edwin. The drive to the lagoon, the walk through town, and the personal time with Edwin and his family allowed me to use and understand the content in a meaningful, practical, and thoroughly enjoyable way. These were more than lessons in Spanish language. They were intimate cultural experiences that made my time at Na'atik very rich.

I would recommend this program if you have a desire to learn Spanish/Mayan and explore Mexico, the family I stayed with was very accommodating and invited me to do things with them, the staff was flexible as too what I wanted to learn (Mayan Legends, Poems, and Latin American History.) I was also able to visit many different points, via the bus and communicating with people around. I had a great time.

I am so happy I found Na'atik! Catherine, the school's owner, is so thoughtful and takes care of every detail. I have studied Spanish at 4 different schools (2 in guatemala; 1 in Honduras) and this is by far the best.

Why? The amount of attention given to your academic needs as well as the details for the homestay and outside of school activities. The families actually care to get to know you (that is above and beyond most homestay family setups which typically are more "business like").

The teachers at the school are great and the town is a really lovely place to stay as well as an easy place to explore the region. I have never gone back to a school twice but I would go back here!

So much to say about the beautiful people and culture of Carrillo and Na'atik! I am a 29 year old North Carolina native living in Brooklyn, NY. After much research on where to immerse, I picked Na'atik based on location, amazing reviews, and the overall, caring vibe I received from the staff there. Although I have done my fair share of world traveling, I had never ventured alone for such a length of time, making me feel nervous and excited about this trip to Mexico.

Arriving in Carrillo, I was met by Catherine, Na'atik's owner who picked me up at the bus station, as well as the amazing family I had the privilege of living with for three weeks. Any nerves were almost immediately calmed by such gracious and warm greetings. My host family could not have been more welcoming and wonderful in making me feel comfortable and at home. They took me to a local laguna, I attended the son's graduation, and would just hang out and get to know them as they tended their family run store. And the food! Oh my, the food! Three meals daily and so delicious, I still dream about it. She even accommodated my vegetarian diet which was such an incredible perk. The home stay was the aspect of the trip I was most nervous about. My new Mexican family ended up truly being the highlight.

As far as the Na'atik and the classes went, this place is truly special. From the beginning, every single person I encountered was kind and encouraging. Before and during my stay, Molly was a gem to have as an resource and friend. She eased so many of my concerns coming in, and while I was in Carrillo was always there for any questions or needs I may have had. Her and Catherine are truly a dream team.

I was fortunate enough to have one-on-one classroom instruction with Pedro, Catherine's husband. I couldn't believe how fast the four hour daily classes would fly by - challenging and fun. It was a perfect mix of technical language study with chatting and getting to know each other - all in Spanish! I was grateful for the times Pedro wouldn't let me cop out with a little "Spanglish". And to have classes outdoors in the palapas was such an incredible treat.

My biggest piece of advice to someone thinking of coming to Na'atik is to stay as long as you can! I remember thinking after my first and second weeks how fast it had gone by and that I couldn't imagine leaving so soon.

Na'atik exceeded my expectations and I look forward to studying in Carrillo again soon!

I chose Na'atik for my first Spanish immersion experience after a lot of internet research, and it fulfilled all that I hoped for. Felipe Carillo Puerto is off the beaten track, no tourists, very low key, and a wonderful little city to wander and explore in. I felt very safe and every one I encountered was friendly and helpful. Na’atik has a special place in this community, since it teaches English to many of the local citizens, from little children to adults. The school is always filled with the energy of learning! Catherine - the school’s founder, Pedro - my teacher, and Molly - who helps in countless ways, were extremely welcoming, encouraging and fun to be with. The four hours of intensive Spanish class daily kept me working hard and focused -- exactly as I wanted. Especially helpful were the days that my classes were complemented by tours of the city and the Maya museum with a teacher who helped me apply Spanish in a real world context. I loved learning about the history of Quintana Roo and the Maya people - through my teachers, the school staff, and my host family. The experience of living with a family in Felipe Carillo Puerto was incredible! They were so generous, and the most amazing and fun teachers. They encouraged me to speak, and corrected me in gentle ways that kept the communication going and built my confidence. My host mother was a phenomenal cook! Delicious dinners every day. They truly welcomed them into their family, and made this experience unforgettable.

I chose Na'atik for three reasons. First, it was in the Yucatan, which meant it was close to the Mayan ruins. Second, the school was really cool about accepting and arranging to have my entire family at the school (two adults, two children, ages 12 and 10). And third, Na'atik is in a tiny town you have never heard of, which means you will learn TONS of Spanish. Despite my husband's protestations, all four of us did a homestay with a modern Mayan family. This seemed crazy, but turned out to be a highlight. Our boys slept in hammocks and we had all our meals with a family. We met neighbors, and lived like locals, and we loved our family. They probably taught us the most we learned in the week.

Catherine Gray, the founder of the school, and Molly, who corresponds with anyone interested, answered all my endless questions before my arrival, and when we got there we got incedible personal attention. When my son hurt his finger, Catherine took us to the hospital and translated for us. Catherine arranged for my sons to run with a local track team every afternoon. And our two boys, and the two of us, were in classes of two each. We not only learned Spanish, but also learned about local history, and the Mayan resistance. If we had special vocabulary, or certain things we wanted to focus on, that could be arranged. Our teacher was fun and thorough. And the woman who taught my boys (beginners) was creative and fun, teaching them songs, games and making them go shopping in town for fruit--both talking, and tasting.

We were there for one week. I think two weeks would have been perfect.

If you want a unique experience, and to learn Spanish in a town where no one speaks English, this is the program for you!