When do classes begin?
Group classes commence each Monday throughout the year while private classes can begin on any workday, with the notable exceptions of holidays.
Since courses are taught in one-week modules students may study for as many weeks as they like. Students typically arrive the Saturday or Sunday before classes. 

What is the length of your courses?
You may choose to study from as little as one week to as long as desired. Most of our students stay for four weeks.

What types of accommodations do you offer?
Students may choose between our homestay program (living with a local Mexican family), a guesthouse, or a hotel. Through the homestay program the school offers to place only one student per family, thus assuring full immersion in the use of Spanish while being at home. For students desirous of more independent living, there are semi-private apartment s(the guesthouse) and excellent discounts on nearby hotel accommodations.

What are the various ways students may pay for their courses?
Your study is assured through your deposit with Language Link. To pay your balance due (or if you prefer to pay all in advance), this may be done with credit cards, cashiers checks, or wire transfers. The school does not accept personal checks. The remaining fees are payable upon arrival. If you decide to extend your program, payment can be done any time before the termination of your current course.

What is the maximum number of students in your classes?
The maximum number of students per class is 6.

Can I start with group courses and then change to private lessons?
Yes, it is possible to begin with group courses, and then switch to private lessons, or vice versa. We only require that you request any changes 1 day in advance.

Does IMAC award college credit?
IMAC grants six credit hours for 120 hours of group contact classroom instruction or 80 hours of private instruction. This is the equivalent of one credit hour per 20 hours of group classes for our introductory course. The intermediate and advanced group classes are taught at an accelerated rate because of the immersion environment, and students receive six credits hours for 80 hours of group contact classroom instruction or 53 hours of private instruction.We would recommend that you verify with the Academic Counselor or Language Department of your home school that credits obtained here at IMAC will be made valid. They will most probably ask for a copy of our course content structure, and proof of our credentials (we have been fully accredited by the Department of Education of Mexico since 1977), both of which we can provide upon request

Is there a schedule of excursions?
The Chapala tour (6 hours) is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The Tequila tour (6 ½ hours) is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The Tlaquepaque tour (5 hours) is offered Monday through Saturday. You can let the school know on which days you would like these trips after you arrive. Some exciting activities during the summer months are the walking and bus tours. These are open to all people, so our students join with other vacationers. The tour visits many places and sites of interests around the city. Since Guadalajara sports a wealth of beautiful architecture and historical buildings these tours are very worthwhile. Most of the sites visited are located in the downtown area. There are also tours to other parts of the city and some little known, but very important sites. The tour guide informs the participants about the significance and cultural points of the different sites. The great thing about these tours is that they are completely FREE. They are conducted on various days of the week. There are both morning and afternoon tours as well. During the summer months students are updated on the different tour options so that they can take advantage of them.

What additional fees can I expect?
Other fees include: US$ 28 for a book (good for four to eight weeks;), US$30 for optional airport pickup service, and US$98 per week for optional homestay program. We can assist in arranging excursions which are offered throughout the week. The prices range from US$15-$20.00
Is it possible that I can have airport pickup?
IMAC arranges this service to collect you from the airport in Guadalajara according to your exact flight information. The cost is US$30 and good upwards to three people. You will be emailed a voucher for the service. If for any reason your flight arrives late and you are unable to notify us on time, please call right away and we will send someone else to pick you up. Confirmed students receive a letter with all of the telephone numbers here at the school and the home phone numbers of some of our staff to call if they should run into any trouble. Changes in flight information or arrival date must be received by I.M.A.C. at least four (4) days before the student's arrival date in Mexico. Any changes or cancellations on the part of the student made less than four (4) days in advance may result in forfeiture of the entire airport pick-up fee; There is no need to notify the school if your flight is delayed, but if you are arriving on a completely different day, you must notify the school.

Where is the school located?
The school is located directly in the Historic Downtown area in Guadalajara, within walking distance of many places of historical interest, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall, the Cabañas Cultural Institute, etc.
Do students have access to the Internet?
Yes, in addition to the classroom instruction, you have unlimited access to our Multimedia Lab (email, Internet, interactive Spanish programs), free of charge. Currently, there are over forty computers available during business hours that are fully equipped with enhanced Spanish language software and Internet capabilities.

Do you offer programs for total beginners?
Yes. IMAC welcomes beginners to enroll in our programs. Spanish language learning here in Guadalajara, Mexico, is an opportunity to be involved in intensive Spanish instruction. \

Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my program?
At the end of your program you receive a certificate, stating the language you studied, your level, and the date of completion. This certificate is also signed by the school directors and can be used in obtaining credit for your course, if and when preapproved by your employer or school.

When is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline for registration, but it is helpful for Language Link to have at least two weeks notice. This is especially true if you desire accommodation with a host family.

Do you offer courses for certain professions?
Yes, the programs have been expanded to include courses for those that are interested in working on specific specialty areas of the Spanish language. A sampling of our Spanish specialty courses on an individual tutoring or private group instruction basis include areas of business and finance, education, and healthcare, just to name a few. It is possible to customize your course to cover areas that you specifically need. Other specialty courses available to intermediate level students include, Advanced composition writing, Latin American Literature, and Conversation, just to name a few.

How many course levels do you have, are they available at this time?
There are 14 basic levels: 6 beginners, 4 intermediate and 4 advanced. All are available all year round.

How do you determine my level of Spanish?
Class placement is determined by written and oral evaluations. Once Language Link has received your registration, the school will email a written placement evaluation that is to be returned in the same manner before you arrive. The oral placement evaluation will be administered on the first day of class. Please note that the placement evaluations are only required if the student has previous knowledge of the Spanish language.

How do you select your host families?
Our host families are very carefully screened, taking the following into consideration:
A. Location: We select families that live in safe, pleasant neighborhoods, with easy access to public transportation.
B. Personality: We select families that are social and outgoing, and who truly enjoy receiving students from abroad. We avoid families who wish to host students solely for economic reasons.
C. The home itself: We make sure that the home is well kept and comfortably furnished, and roomy enough so that the student will not feel cramped or crowded.
We ask that our host families treat their guests as another member of the family, so that the student does not feel that it is just a place to stay. We encourage interaction between the student and the host family.

Can my wife (family, friend) and I stay with the same host family?
We can certainly place you and your wife with a host family that will have sufficient room to comfortably accommodate two persons.

When will I get the name of the host family and the rest of their information?
We will send you all the information of your host family at least one week before arrival.

What documentation is required to enter Mexico?
You must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Certain countries of origin require a special visa, but U.S. Canadian and most European citizens are issue a tourist visa for 90 days upon arrival in Mexico.

I want to speak Spanish fluently. How long will that take?
Before we can help you achieve the proficiency level to which you aspire, we first determine your current level in the language through written and oral evaluations. In the type of immersion environment that we provide, reaching proficiency level is very fast. To give you an idea, it has been our experience that within about two months you will be able to understand and be understood. Your ability in the Spanish language after, approximately, an eight-week program will be greatly significant. Specifically, we approximate eight to ten weeks to reach the intermediate-advanced level. Keep in mind, however, that progress depends also on your own effort and desire.

What qualifications do the teachers have?
All are experienced teachers with a University degree and diplomas in foreign language teaching. Plus there is an ongoing training program to update our faculty with the latest linguistic methodology and technology.

When is payment of fees due?
Your fee balance can be paid on the first day of class in Guadalajara. No personal checks accepted, but the school will accept U.S. cash, credit cards, traveler’s checks, or a cashier’s check.

Does Mexico have modern Automated Teller Machines?
Yes, you will find ATM's at the airport in Guadalajara as well as around the city in malls, plazas, inside some convenience stores and pharmacies. You will also find that all major credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico.

What is the weather like in Guadalajara?
Known as the "City of Roses,” Guadalajara has one of the most pleasant climates in the world. The average year-round temperature of 80° F explains why the city is known for its eternal springtime.

Is there a gym near the school?
Yes. One Gold’s Gym franchise is a short 5 minute bus trip away from the school while the other is located on the west side of the city. Both are very well equipped and offer excellent services. IMAC has arranged for a special short-term membership plan and fee at both franchises for those students interested in keeping fit while they attend our Spanish language school. While we will provide assistance in making membership arrangements, our students will be responsible for paying all fees directly to the Gold´s Gym of their choice.

While I am in Mexico I would like to take Latin dance lessons.
Among afternoon activities are free salsa lessons. You can practice the Spanish language and join in the fun every Friday at 6:15 pm and Saturday at 2 pm. Since all skill levels run in parallel during the class, you do not have to attend consecutive lessons. For those students interested in private lessons we have made an arrangement with a local dance school. These dance lessons are conducted outside of the school with a qualified dance instructor. Students have the choice of learning traditional dances (salsa, cumbia, etc.) or learning traditional Mexican folk dancing. The classes are taught privately and are approximately US$15 per hour. Schedules vary and the arrangements can be made upon the student’s arrival. NOTE: All classes are taught by non-English speaking Spanish native speakers and you will have the opportunity to interact and practice your Spanish. While IMAC will make all of the necessary arrangements with the school, students are asked to pay all fees directly to the service provider.

I would like to take cultural and history classes, is this possible?
You will certainly be able to take cultural and histrory classes by taking advantage of our cultural and exchange group. By attending this activity you will have the opportunity to learn about our culture and history. It will also allow you to practice your new language skills with native Spanish speaking students in a relaxed, informal setting. This activity is supervised by an instructor every afternoon, and is free of charge.

follow us on twitter , youtube or facebook