Authentic Spanish or Maya Immersion with Na'atik in Mexico!

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!

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.