What are the classes like?

Our classes are taught by experienced and qualified teachers and are designed to match your level. We will send you an evaluation beforehand to ensure we place you with the best teacher and in the most appropriate class for your level. Group classes are capped at five students. Your teacher will discuss your goals with you at the beginning of your first class and, where possible, tailor the content covered to match.

What will my homestay be like?

Our vibrant community of trusted homestay families has been carefully selected to ensure the best possible experience for immersion students. Most have been associated with the school for many years, often by sending their own children to study English with us. Our homestay families are welcoming and offer comfortable rooms and excellent regional food.

What if I don't speak any Spanish?

Many of our students are taking the first steps in their Spanish language journeys and our teachers are happy to work with students of any level. However, to help you settle in with your homestay family and make the most of your Carrillo experience, we do recommend taking a few online classes with us before you arrive.

How long can I come for?

We offer packages of one week or more, typically with classes beginning on a Monday following a Sunday arrival. We recommend that to gain the most value from your learning experience, you consider studying with us for at least two weeks. We have no upper limit on length of study.

How do my classes support the local community

Na'atik is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring all program fees stay in our local community. Our immersion program funds subsidized education programs for local and Indigenous Maya students, enabling them to access higher education and career opportunities. During your time at Na'atik, you will be able to see the impact of your visit firsthand and even have the chance to get involved with local students.

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Na'atik Language and Culture Institute

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute

9.72 (50)Verified3 Programs

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Why choose Na'atik Language and Culture Institute?

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute is a nonprofit, intercultural hub which aims to help local and international students acquire the skills and confidence to become global citizens through high-quality immersion language programs in Spanish, Maya, and English. Our international visitors experience the real Zona Maya through intercultural activities with our local students and by living with our welcoming homestay families. Our name comes from the Maya expression "To'on Na'atik," which means "we are understanding each other." We believe that cross-cultural exchange is the path to true understanding. It is only once we understand each other that we can see what is really possible. We are located in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a hidden gem in the Yucatan Peninsula that is rich in Maya h...

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.72

Total Reviews

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Great Spanish Immersion

December 13, 2025by: Kasey House - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language Immersion

I had an amazing time being in Mexico. There were so many opportunities to experience the culture and go on cultural experiences in the area. I learned so much about Día de los Muertos and the local holidays. I got to go to the Mayan ruins and cenotes. The host family was so nice and the food was delicious. I was nervous to travel to Mexico but it felt very safe and the food was delicious.

Excellent Immersion Experience

November 25, 2025by: Drew Bunker - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language Immersion

You will not have a better Spanish Immersion experience than in Felipe Carillo Puerto. The school community is very attentive, welcoming and professional. The host families include you in everything and make you feel like you are family.

high school spanish teacher looking to use grant money for the summer to better her craft

November 14, 2025by: Rigile Ortega - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language Immersion

Hello, I am looking to make arrangements for a cultural trip for me this coming summer in either June or July of 2026. I am currently a High School Spanish teacher and I have been given a grant to purse professional development that will further my effectiveness as a teacher. This could also potentially roll into a school trip abroad in the future. Lastly, I would have to bring my family of 4 with me to this summer trip so I am hoping you can recommend somewhere nearby with that kind of room. Thanks for your help!

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute responded to this reviewNovember 25, 2025

Thanks for reaching out, we’d love to help you plan a meaningful cultural immersion experience for Summer 2026. We’ve tried contacting you different times at [email protected], so please check your spam or promotions folder. Once we reconnect by email, we’ll send options and next steps. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Theresa Anderton

Participated in 2018

Alumni

Theresa is from Seattle, Washingon, USA, where she has lived for the last 10 years. She is originally from a smaller city in the Eastern part of the s...

Theresa Anderton

Participated in 2018

Alumni

It has been a bucket list item of mine to learn Spanish, and I also love to travel, so I decided the best way to learn Spanish was to go to a Spanish-speaking part of the world to learn the language.

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Wendy Osorio

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

Wendy Osorio studied English for five years at UQROO (Universidad de Quintana Roo) and now has Licenciatura en Lengua Inglesa. She graduated from coll...

Wendy Osorio

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

The opportunity to meet people from different countries and share my Spanish knowledge with them.

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Brittany Simmons

Participated in 2018

Alumni

Brittany Simmons is a singer/actress that is based in New York City. She had wanted to learn Spanish for some time. Brittany believes that communicati...

Brittany Simmons

Participated in 2018

Alumni

I have wanted to learn Spanish for some time and thought traveling abroad would help me by engulfing me in the language and culture. Na'atik showed up on an internet search and I fell in love and knew that I had to go.

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