Our mission at Na’atik is to provide classes to any local student who has the drive and passion to learn, regardless of their circumstances. For this reason, all of our English language students have access to subsidized affordable classes. Students whose families cannot afford classes have access to our Maya Youth Scholarship, where we match students with sponsors who support them through their studies. This year we have over 40 students who are able to attend Na’atik classes thanks to their generous sponsors. 

We know from experience that these scholarships make a real difference to the lives of the students who gain not only language skills, but also access to opportunities that they would not otherwise have. The vast majority (over 90 percent) go on to study university degrees, which typically require competence in English to gain admittance. Many are the first in their families to continue on to higher education. 

Even after completing their studies at Na’atik, many stay in touch through social media and come to visit us when they are in Carrillo. We are always delighted to hear about their studies and careers and to hear how the support they received from their sponsors, teachers and everyone at Na’atik has helped them achieve their goals.

This month we spoke with Seydi, a former scholarship student, about her experiences at Na’atik, and how her English skills have been such an important part of her life.

When were you a student at Na’atik and how long did you study here?

I started when I was 15 years old and studied at the school for 4 or 5 years.

Do you remember your first teacher at Na’atik?

I think my first teacher was Alex from Australia. He was very kind, and always shared many interesting things about his country and culture in our lessons.

 What did you enjoy most about studying at Na’atik?

I really enjoyed the classes and  the opportunity to learn about many things together with my classmates. I also loved the field trips to Xcaret or the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen to practice our English.

What part was most difficult?

Remembering the rules for verbs in different times. I’m still working on it.

What did you do after finishing your studies here?

After graduating from Na’atik I was able to go and study at University.

What are you doing now?

I now work full time in the tourism industry in the Riviera Maya.

How did studying at Na’atik influence your decisions about what to do after school?

It had a really big influence on me. I now work in a hotel that has mainly English speaking guests, and being able to speak with them is important.

How has speaking English helped you in your career?

It helped me to get the qualifications I needed, as English was needed to go to the University. I also would not have been able to get my job without it. Speaking English is a big advantage in the tourism industry here.

How has speaking English helped you in your life outside of work?

Mostly it has helped me help other people. I am able to translate for my friends, and even just for people I meet in places like the supermarket or restaurants. It is very helpful for meeting new and interesting people.

Do you think it is important for people in Carrillo to study English?

Speaking second and third languages is so important for finding jobs now, so I would say yes. I also think it is important to be able to speak to as many people as possible and help others. English helps us do that.

If you could give one piece of advice to current students at Na’atik, what would it be?

I would tell them not to be shy, not to worry about making mistakes or about how their pronunciations of difficult words sound. Making mistakes is part of learning, and will help you to become a better English speaker in the future.

Thank you Seydi for taking the time to talk with us about your experience. We look forward to seeing you at Na’atik soon!

To read more about our Maya Youth Scholarship Program, and about how your donations, immersion experiences and online classes help us to support local students make their own futures, visit the Impact section of our website. Thank you again to members of the Na’atik family, without whose support, none of this would be possible.