Program Reviews

Na'atik and Carrillo Puerto offer an experience of the real Mexico. It's a sleepy town filled with pleasant and friendly people that pokes out of the jungle. Mayan and Spanish are equally spoken around town, the food is delicious, lagoons/mayan ruins/pools offer adventures in the weekends/afternoons. The language instruction is tailored to your needs and desires; Catherine and Pedro are very attentive and so nice! They placed me with a welcoming host family that invited me to join them in festivals and dancing. For me, it was a wonderful experience. I think I really improved my Spanish and returned home with stories to boot! I would love to return in the future for a tranquil getaway/improve my Spanish more. It is a way to study Spanish off the beaten path, outside of strictly-structured classrooms, and to feel embraced within the community.

PROGRAM
I chose this program on a whim based on one positive review I found online, and I couldn't be more pleased with this decision. Prior to coming to Na'atik, I was only able to speak few words and phrases of Spanish. I spent 3 weeks learning Spanish from Pedro. Classes were 4 hours a day Monday to Thursday, 2 hours on Fridays, one on one for the first 2 weeks, and the third week another student joined my class, which worked seamlessly. Because the class was one on one for the most part, Pedro tailored the curriculum to suit my needs and level. I'm a nurse and take care of Spanish speaking patients often so he integrated a lot of related vocab, which was very helpful. 4 hours might seem long, but in reality, classes went by very fast. Pedro was a great teacher, patient, and passionate about the school and their mission. The team at Na'atik truly felt like family, always checking in with me and so welcoming. They even organized a couple outings, a taco dinner and a trip to a nearby ceynote.

When I first arrived to Mexico (before Na'atik), I was not able to communicate at all with the shuttle driver due to my (very) limited Spanish, and then AFTER, I was able get around town, talk to shopkeepers, buy bus tickets, order food in restaurants, talk to my host family, etc. I'm far from fluent, but now I feel comfortable getting around on my own and making my needs known. Pedro admitted that he was shocked with my quick progress and was super supportive and encouraging the whole time.

HOST FAMILY
I strongly suggest staying with a host family when doing this program because this is what helped most with my learning, not only the language but also the culture. My family was so generous and patient. They speak very little English but always talked to me and encouraged me to practice my Spanish. They welcomed me as a part of their family by taking me to see the beautiful towns of Valladolid and Mahahual, as well as to their son's college graduation ceremony. I even went to Zumba most mornings with my host sister.

The bugs took some getting used to but, for the most part, I felt comfortable in my home. I had my own room with a bed, hammock, and fan in it. I also had Wifi (what a luxury!), so I was able to communicate with my family daily via whatsapp and facetime. Slept most nights in the hammock because it surpringly was more comfortable. Meals were delicious and never had any GI problems.

TOWN OF CARRILLO
Na'atik provided a bike so I was able to get around town easily. The people are very friendly and I always felt safe. Because it is so small, I was able to navigate without difficulty. Na'atik also provided a town map and a walking tour. Because there are no tourist attractions in Carrillo, you get the unique opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Spanish and their Mayan culture. It is also very easy (and cheap) to get to other towns via combi because it is off that main highway.

**I highly recommend this program for anyone who is open minded and seeking a unique, off the beaten path experience.

BEFORE

One thing that made me decide on choosing Na’atik for my study abroad experience was because I consistently read positive online reviews on this and other sites. So once I started reaching out to the staff and asking more questions, I became convinced that this was the right program for me. The staff was incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions. Another thing that convinced me to attend Na’atik was the fact that it was off the beaten tourist path but still located in a safe and secure area. My grandparents are originally from Mexico and I was looking for a Spanish immersion program that not only helped with the language aspect of the culture but also immersed you in the way of life and traditions of Mexican culture. Na’atik covered all of that…and more!

DURING

I stayed with a host family that provided a private room with a cozy bed (and a hammock which was so comfortable). Additionally, my host family provided my meals and it was delicious…my host mom made the best chicken mole I’ve ever had….I still have dreams about that mole!

During your stay, you are given an itinerary of activities that Na’atik provides (Spanish instruction, taco night, trip to lagoon, tour of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and more). In addition, I spent a lot of time doing things with my host family—for example, I had the opportunity to attend a college graduation ceremony for the oldest son, Luis. And another day I had the opportunity to visit a pueblo with my host mom to visit her mother and other relatives which was truly a unique and wonderful experience as you see how alive and thriving the Mayan culture is in Felipe and surrounding areas. You do have some free time during your stay and I used my free time to ride my bike around town and take trips to surrounding areas. One day I took a trip to Tulum (which is about an hour away by a collective taxi) and was able to return in time for my afternoon Spanish classes. I highly recommend taking advantage of this time in order to try and take a trip to a surrounding city/town!

The Spanish instruction that is provided by Na’atik is top notch regardless of your level. My own level is advanced and I needed help with the grammar of the language and Pedro was able to tailor the lessons to really help improve my understanding and comprehension.

AFTER

Spending a week in Carrillo really helped to improve my Spanish (both conversationally and grammatically). Beyond that, I was able to connect with my roots and learn more about my Mexican heritage. The people and city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto are beautiful and I plan on returning one day.

I really enjoyed my time and would highly recommend anyone to attend Na’atik if you are looking for a sense of adventure and an authentic taste of Mexico! If you have any reservations about the program, reach out to the staff and they will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have!

My husband and I have been traveling throughout Mexico for over twenty years. Mexico has a very special place in our hearts. Yet, I wasn't fully prepared for what it meant to live with a Mayan-Mexican family in Felipe Carillo Puerto. My family showered me with love and friendship. My room, bathroom (and the entire home) were clean and comfortable. The meals were absolutely great! I was even part of a family visit to a traditional Mayan pueblo, where I had bananas from the tree and fresh, delicious good. I felt safe, very well cared for and cherished. In only one week we developed fun routines and a friendship I hope will continue.

As for the staff of the school? Wow! My teacher, Pedro, was superb. He made sure that the class was specifically created with my level of Spanish and my interests in mind. On my final day, he took me to the historic places so that I could grasp the importance of the Mayan culture to the people of this area. Catherine, the administrator and founder of the school and Molly, who does anything and everything made my stay a total pleasure. Molly brought me kayaking, Catherine brought me to a pool, and we had a celebratory taco dinner one evening with all the teachers. The children of the town and school are just wonderful. This program has certainly enriched the town.

I very much enjoyed my experience at the Na'atik school. The teachers were very fun and enthusiastic about teaching. The lagoon visit was a beautiful little break from learning Mayan. Overall I would definitely recommend this course.

I decided to travel from Australia to Carrillo to take some classes in the Maya language at Na’atik to complement my studies in archaeology and anthropology. I find the Maya culture particularly fascinating and felt I could learn a lot from this part of Mexico and its people by experiencing life as a local. My expectations were more than exceeded!
I chose Na’atik as it had some great reviews, inspiring, up to date photos of their activities, and was in touch with, and involved in, supporting the local community.
My Maya teacher Linda was above and beyond just a language teacher. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the Maya culture was contagious. And my home stay was as authentic as it gets, being invited to take part in this wonderful family’s daily life was an enriching experience like no other.
The staff at Na’atik were (and continue to be!) so supportive and encouraging. They were flexible in providing me with a personalized program of study to suit my needs, and always available for a chat or to give advice.
For me this course was a great balance of language theory and culture. Some people may prefer a stronger focus on just language, but I know that the staff at Na’atik will happily tailor courses to suit the needs of individuals.
It has been a wonderful experience I will truly treasure and benefit from for years to come, definitely recommended!

My overall experience at Naatik was wonderful. Each day I had one on one training with my teacher; two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. All of the teachers were so friendly and in between classes we would speak in both English and Spanish about where we were from and how we liked Carillo. My host family was really nice and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. I wasn't used to taking cold showers, but the host most made sure I had hot water each morning to bath. I really felt like a part of the family. I was able to meet and have lunch with their friends. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting life in America and life in Mexico each evening. I definitely would like to return and bring my son.

Studying at Na'atik was a fantastic experience. You are in the presence of something special when you come to this school-- a community of people who care for each other. The school community was warm, welcoming, and eager to help language learners. The people of Carrillo were incredibly helpful and happy to engage in conversation, give advice, and curious about the teachers and students at the school. I stayed for a week and made day trips out to a few of the nearby "attractions"-- Laguna Bacalar is an especially wonderful place to visit.

Na'atik is a great school in a great location. I really enjoyed my Spanish course and I really felt welcomed by everyone in the town. I spent a lot of time exploring Carrillo by bike and loved trying the local food and fruit juices. The location was perfect for me as I traveled every weekend to places like Laguna Bacalar, Tulum, Merida and small local villages. I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming host family and I can't wait to see them again!

After three weeks in Carrillo Puerto with Na'atik I did not want to leave. My Spanish teacher was amazing, adapting the curriculum to fit exactly my level and the types of Spanish I wanted to learn (including bringing in guest speakers). My host family was truly amazing, welcoming me in like a new member of the family and being infinitely patient with my sometimes halting Spanish. And Carrillo Puerto was the perfect place to learn Spanish with very few people who spoke English and incredibly friendly locals who were open to having long and detailed conversations about anything from their families, to the history of the Mayan people, to Mexican politics. People were so friendly that I had several great conversations that were started by nothing more than saying "hello" to a stranger on the street - this gave me tons of chances to practice my Spanish!
I seriously can't recommend Na'atik highly enough. I think I learned more Spanish in three weeks there than in two years of classes in the US - not to mention it was a lot more fun! The teachers at the school were always happy to show me around the local sites and cenotes or to have me along on their trips around the region on the weekends.