The Perfect Introduction to Mexico

I have 3 questions for you:

1) Do you have a bad case of wanderlust?
2) Are you interested in improving your Spanish speaking ability?
3) Would you like to meet other lovely humans who share similar interests + goals to you?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, Iguana Abroad was made precisely with you in mind. The program is structured very thoughtfully, balancing coursework with fun weekly activities like cooking + ceramics classes - plus weekend excursions to nearby archeological sites, pueblos, and more. It's enough to keep you busy + engaged, but not so much where it feels overwhelming - there is still plenty of free time to use at your discretion, i.e., for rest or for exploring outside of the regularly scheduled activities.

For someone like me who had never spent time in Mexico before, this program was the perfect introduction to the country and the perfect way to begin reviving the Spanish that had been lying dormant in my brain for a few years :) Without much international travel under my belt, I admittedly felt a little overwhelmed at the prospect of organizing my own classes, accommodation, excursions, activities etc., so I was tremendously grateful to come across a program like Iguana Abroad that is built to take care of all those details for you. Not every immersion program is like that!

Harry Chamberlain and Harry Carmichael (whom we affectionately refer to as "The Harrys") created Iguana Abroad, and although they call themselves "Program Directors," I'm not entirely sure that title fully captures the many hats they wear as travel agents, tutors, guides, friends, interpreters, and sometimes, even chefs. From the moment I submitted my application, it could not have been clearer just how much these two care about the work they're doing. Before the program even starts, they invite you to chat with them via Zoom to get to know you and answer any questions you may have. When you arrive in Mexico, they are quick to welcome you and make a new and unfamiliar place feel like home, introducing you to the city, to the school, and even to some of their friends. And after you leave, they are thoughtful enough to check in and make sure all is well. They go above and beyond as consistent sources of support every step of the way.

I was lucky enough to build IA into a larger trip to Mexico, and it truly couldn't have been a better jumping-off point for the rest of my journey. I met so many lovely people I feel lucky to call friends, and I developed the Spanish skills and confidence that allowed me to continue exploring the beautiful and diverse country Mexico is. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm already looking forward to my next trip!