Live the Mexican culture in "The City of Roses"
- Guadalajara, Mexico -
Guadalajara's friendly people, its rich colonial history, wonderfully mild year-round climate, bountiful parks, and
fountains are a wonderful background of urban beauty in which to learn Spanish and the Mexican culture.
Guadalajara, while retaining its provincial Mexican enchantment, offers the visitor all the modern conveniences
that will ensure he or she will have many, cultural, sporting, and entertainment events to explore such as the
Mariachi, soccer matches and learning about the entire tequila making process.
These are a few of the reasons that many are lured from other countries to make Guadalajara their home or,
for those pursuing educational goals their center of learning.
Throughout the year Guadalajara comes alive with many events. During the fall and winter months, many festivities are
celebrated all over the city. In October, you have the ¨Fiestas de Octubre¨, where you will come across
amusement park events, evening concerts, and artisan fairs. What is especially convenient about Guadalajara is how
affordable everything is. This area of Mexico is not so commercialized or geared toward the tourist therefore the
prices of everything are lower than other more touristy areas. Delicious homemade traditional delicacies of a
Mexican kitchen are found on every corner. You will be able to utilize your skills of learning Spanish,
to communicate while you have fun and experience our culture at any number of places or events.
In November the customary ¨Day of the Dead¨, is when people come out to celebrate, honor and
remember the dead. A popular tradition during this time is baking and eating 'El Pan de Muertos', a
delicious dessert that you can enjoy with 'atole'. At this time, book lovers will enjoy a visit to the International
Book Fair which is the largest in all of Latin America.
In December traditional neighborhood feasts occur which are called 'posadas' throughout the city. The streets are
decorated in rich colors. People from the smaller towns are busy shopping and selling for the Christmas holidays.
This would certainly be a good time to take advantage of using what language skills you have acquired speaking among
the townspeople. What will happen during this special time as well is a more lively sense of goodwill and understanding
which comes with the holiday season; besides that the temperatures in December are always quite pleasant and mild.
In the spring, the city is the host of the annual 'Tlaquepaque Arte', an exposition of Latin American arts and
crafts. This event is quite interesting and worthy of some conversation because it is such a unique locally
recognized cultural affair. These captivating places are definitely opportunities for language practice as well as
opportunities for some truly worthwhile cultural exposure. The rainy season greets the city with rain in the early
mornings or late evenings, creating a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
You are encouraged to compliment your studies by participating in one of the free walking tours available.
Day or weekend excursions are plentiful because of the centrally convenient location of Guadalajara. There are many
places within close proximity outside the city; Puerto Vallarta is just 4 ½ hours away by bus and many
surrounding small villages are very easy to access. Tlaquepaque, Tonala, and the market at San Juan de Dios are all part
of Guadalajara and all will be spots you won't want to miss for shopping. Lake Chapala and Ajijic are only
one hour drive away for you to take advantage of some relaxation in one of many natural thermal hot springs. The town
of Tequila is accessible by train on a day tour where you enjoy outstanding traditional Mexican meals, learn about
the romantic Mariachi bands, and of course, drink complimentary Tequila. Not only will you drink tequila
but you will also learn about the whole process of making it.
Overall, while you learn to speak Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, you will not only receive knowledge
of language, you will receive close contact with the culture and the hospitality of our city. In terms
of importance of experience; a keen cultural awareness is certainly highly valued especially in the realm of
international business. This immersion experience will certainly carry you a long way.
NOTE:
This web site was built only for basic information purposes. We invite you to learn more about our Spanish Program and
how to Learn Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico. Please go to our main web site:
Learn to Speak Spanish with us!
IMAC - Spanish Language School in Mexico
Or if you have any questions about the course, fees, dates, please contact us, we will be glad to provide you with
any information.
Spanish-Imac@Imac-ac.edu.mx
Guadalajara
