John Jay Chapters: Gaby's trip

My experience at Na’atik was welcoming from the moment I step foot in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The overall staff is open to anything and willing to help you in anything. Including providing you with sufficient information to get around the neighborhood. What I also loved about doing study abroad in Na’atik was that the staff will go out their way just so that those who do not understand Spanish and Maya have the same experience as everyone else.

I am very grateful that Ichoose to come to Mexico, even though I have been in Mexico City before, but it doesn’t compare. Felipe Carrillo Puerto is a town where people are more humble and open doors to those who are outsiders. It was definitely a different experience as to what I am used to but it was a good outcome.

It was interesting learning Maya. And it was a bit difficult, but with la maestra Linda nothing is impossible. My homestay family was awesome and accommodating to my Mom and my own needs. It sure did not feel awkward, we had late night coffee and stayed up until 2:00 a.m. just getting to know each other. We all learned from one another. I feel a gratitude with everything, I could not ask for a better experience than this.

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The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.