Living in Mexico - True Total Immersion Spanish

Almost without exception, the private language schools and universities in Mexico use the translation method of Spanish instruction. The translation method is a philosophy of second language instruction in which there is an intense concentration of the memorization of "surface" grammar rules and vast amounts of vocabulary. You learn how to become a good "exegete" of a written text but have no skills in verbal fluency.

This is also how almost all of the American schools teach Spanish, or any language for that matter. Language is taught the identical way that Ancient Greek or Latin is taught. You come out of the course with translation skills. But, you can't say anything more than, "Where's the bathroom?" and "May I have the check, please?" If what you are looking for is spoken fluency, this method isn't going to give you what you want.

So, someone convinces you in your quest for the ability to speak the language to come to Mexico to study Spanish. It is reasoned that your problem is you are not Totally Immersed in the language. This mysterious term is misconstrued to mean coming to Mexico and having the same translation course taught to you as you had in the USA, only the instruction is all in Spanish. After you wave good-bye to the thousands of dollars that you flushed down the toilet, you are left with the same skills you came to Mexico with in the first place.

The solution is to find a school that approximates, as closely as possible, an Immersion System.

" Furthermore, immersion systems provide the individual with authentic second language, enabling the person to achieve native-like fluency in the second language." -- Harris Winitz, Ph.D. Language Development, K.C., Mo.

Such a school exists in the heart of Zacatecas, Mexico. This colonial Mexican town is host to The Fenix Language Institute.

Check out this school's philosophy of second language acquisition.

Most gringos move to Mexico based on a Concept and not a Reality. Find out the difference by clicking on the link below:

Notes From South of The Border - Survival Tips To Maximize Your Expat Success

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