Day of the Dead: Spanish Immersion Course in Mexico

My daughter and I had a wonderful time in Mexico on the Iguana Abroad Spanish immersion course. My daughter loves Coco and she was in paradise! Day of the Dead was the perfect time to visit Mexico. The streets were so colorful, and there were wonderful spooky decorations all over Cuernavaca. The city really came to life for the celebrations - it was spectacular. We felt that the course was perfect for our level, and the organizers really took care to make sure we both felt safe and comfortable at all times. As we don’t eat meat or fish, it was sometimes a little tricky with the food, but Cuernavaca has a lot of great options if you venture a little farther from the main plaza. The vegetarian options for lunch on the course were very much appreciated too! The course was well designed, and we both felt it was a meaningful and magical experience. If you only get one chance to visit Mexico, I would definitely recommend coming for Day of the Dead - and experiencing it with Iguana Abroad made it even more special.

As a third generation Mexican American who has sadly lost touch with my Mexican heritage this course was a dream come true. I always hoped I could one day go back to Mexico and reconnect with my grandmother's culture and the family she left behind and the Iguana Abroad Spanish course was a perfect way to do it. I had such a fantastic experience learning Spanish on the course, as well as trying the incredible food, enjoying the music and experiencing the local traditions of Cuernavaca. Mexico was more vibrant and more of a culture shock than I was imagining, but with the immersion program providing some structure to the days and weeks it became such an incredibly rewarding experience. One thing that I loved about being in Mexico during Day of the Dead was how much of a personal and intimate experience it was. We had the honor of visiting several Mexican families who were celebrating and honoring the lives of their loved ones and it was an indescribably moving and unforgettable experience. Being able to take part in those celebrations with the local people of Cuernavaca and experience the festival alongside them was something that I will hold with me forever.

I loved visiting Mexico during Day of the Dead! The course was a combination of a Spanish course and a cultural tour, with many different options to explore the city and make the most of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Cuernavaca. There were Spanish classes and cultural activities, a skull painting workshop, a trip to a cemetery and a traditional Day of the Dead parade in the city center. We also took part in excursions to Ocotepec and Tepoztlan, as well as museum visits and other activities. I loved every moment. Thank you to the organizers of Iguana Abroad for making this experience so special!

I give the Iguana Abroad Program 5-plus stars! My experience was absolutely top-notch. I’ve always dreamed of having the opportunity to spend an extended time in Mexico and truly immerse myself in the culture, music, food, people, history, language, and everything else the country offers. After extensive research on many programs, I’m so glad I chose the Iguana Abroad program.

The two leaders, whom I affectionately call “the Harrys,” made my experience unforgettable. They took the time to understand my goals and interests, ensuring the program was tailored to me. They were always quick to respond to my questions, using various methods of communication (video calls, emails, and texts), and their attention to detail made a world of difference. From the moment they picked me up at the airport to ensuring I met my host family, settled in comfortably, and got acquainted with my new neighborhood, the Harrys went above and beyond to make me feel welcome.

One of the program's highlights was the university campus where I studied Spanish. It was absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and vibrant surroundings that inspired learning every day. The teachers were incredible—patient, supportive, and creative. They not only helped me throughout the learning process but made it genuinely fun with engaging lessons and activities. The program’s design was brilliant in how it combined classroom learning with practical opportunities to practice speaking Spanish in real-life settings. From chatting with locals to participating in cultural activities, every moment helped me gain confidence and improve my skills.

Another highlight was the thoughtfully planned excursions to historical sites. I had the chance to explore iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, and museums that brought Mexico’s rich history to life. Additionally, I was able to participate in local festivities, from colorful street parades to vibrant cultural celebrations, which gave me an authentic glimpse into the traditions and joy of Mexican life. These moments created memories I’ll cherish forever.

The program also introduced me to some wonderful restaurants, and we shopped local markets to prepare chicken enchiladas from scratch. Everything was delicious. I truly appreciated how the Harrys made an effort to include activities that enriched my cultural understanding while ensuring I felt safe, supported, and fully engaged in every aspect of the program.

If you’re looking for a life-changing adventure that blends cultural immersion, education, and personalized attention, I cannot recommend the Iguana Abroad Program highly enough. It exceeded all my expectations and left me with a deeper appreciation for Mexico, its culture, and its people. Thank you to the Harrys and the Iguana Abroad team for an experience I’ll treasure forever!