
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute
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 ou...
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
Total Reviews
Amazing Program!
April 12, 2025by: David L - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionMy experience with Na'atik was incredible. I stayed in Carrillo for two weeks and enjoyed every minute. The classes were very helpful and covered a wide array of topics. Coming in I had little practical Spanish experience, but now I feel much more confidence. Not only were the classes amazing, I also had an very positive experience with my host family. They were welcoming and supportive and made an effort to include me despite my limited Spanish. They also provided me with an amazing place to stay and three delicious meals per day. The Na'atik excursions were also a highlight. During my stay I enjoyed a bike ride in the jungle, a tortilla making class, a trip to Chancchoben and Bacalar, and a cenote swim. Additionally, I was also able to explore Carrillo thanks the the bike provided by Na'atik. I highlight recommend this program. Everyone at Na'atik is amazing!


An amazing time at Na’atik!
March 29, 2025by: Brody Smith - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionI had a wonderful time studying at Na’atik. This is my second time here and it was been amazing. My homestay family was awesome, the food tasted great, and you have frequent and easy opportunities to immerse yourself into the local communities. Additionally, my Spanish improved so much and is significantly better than it was before. The classes have definitely taught me more than those that I take at home. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend.
Immersive immersion experience!
March 29, 2025by: Jasmine J - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionI enjoyed my time at Na’atik! I think it was great experience for me and great way to immerse myself in the culture. I woke up and spoke Spanish with my host family and ate food from the Spanish cuisine. I got to walk around Felipe Carrillo, which is a very safe, beautiful, town and try lots of different foods and just explore another part of the world. I think staying for longer than a week is definitely helpful, but that was the only time I had. If you want to be immersed in the language then I would try this program because not only do you get that you get it in a real environment without a tourist influences. Loved my teacher and time here!
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute Programs
Browse programs you might like

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute offers Spanish and Maya language immersion courses in the heart of the stunning Yucatan Peninsula in Mexic...
Learn Spanish online at your speed with our professional teachers based in southern Mexico. We want you to meet your language goals through inter...

Experience Janal Pixan, the Maya Day of the Dead, with Na'atik. Enjoy a week-long program of authentic cultural events and activities in the smal...
Media Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Zachary Lindsey
Participated in 2018
Zachary Lindsey is a former journalist and teacher who is interested in Mesoamerica. He is currently studying a Masters in Anthropology with a focus o...

Zachary Lindsey
Participated in 2018
I've visited Mexico and the Maya region a few times, and I love it so much that I just wanted to get to know it in a more in-depth way. No longer just the facades; no longer just the pyramids; I wanted to know the people.

Brittany Simmons
Participated in 2018
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
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.

Wendy Osorio
Interviewed in 2019
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
What inspired you to travel abroad?
The opportunity to meet people from different countries and share my Spanish knowledge with them.
Ready to Learn More?
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

Na'atik Language and Culture Institute
Ready to Learn More?
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...
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Na'atik Language and Culture Institute has received







