Na’atik is a school in Felipe Carillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico that offers children of all ages the chance to learn English. Learning English is a considered an asset in this community because it opens doors to job opportunities in tourist areas, university options, and to being multilingual. In addition, Na’atik is the school CUNY John Jay has collaborated with to introduce students and people from around the world to the Mayan culture and language. The program we were a part of taught us through assisting Na’atik English classes, taking Maya Language classes, and living with homestays.

The time spent working with Na’atik this Winter has been amazing. On the first day of class, we were introduced to three past students of the school (some of whom were around since the school’s first class). We got to hear their stories of how they got introduced to the program and the benefits learning English has had to their lives now. I really appreciated hearing from the students since I could relate to their experiences. All of the women on the study abroad trip, with an exception of 3 (including myself), already knew how to speak both Spanish and English fluently. Though I have a very basic understanding of the Spanish language, I could still see the similarities between how Spanish was taught to me and how the students learned English. It helped me feel more comfortable expanding my knowledge of Spanish as a way to bridge the communication gap.

Na’atik also allowed us to help one of their English teachers with their class. I was able to help teach students from ages 3-5 years of age. Though the class that day was for arts and crafts, I still got the understand that the process to learn a new language is a combination of singing, drawing, watching movies, etc. Learning doesn’t only take place in a well-organized classroom, but in all works of life. I truly appreciate that Na’atik embraces that concept on all levels, including the study abroad program. Lastly, Na’atik provided us with Maya classes with our teacher, Linda. We learned common words and phrases that we could use to describe our time spent in Mexico. Similar to learning Spanish, learning Maya was filled with conjugations, formal and informal rules, as well as colloquial Mayanol (Maya + Spanish, similar to Spanglish). My favorite part of learning a new language is understanding how the words and expressions they use help shape their understanding of the world and their role in it. For example, lo siento in Spanish is equivalent to saying I’m sorry, however, the literal meaning is along the lines of “I feel for you.” (or de nada—you’re welcome vs. of nothing). In Maya, the pronouns for “I” and “we” are interchangeable when referring to “we.” It shows a beautiful understanding of the world that “I” and “we” are one in the same.

On our study abroad experience, Na’atik was responsible for connecting us with our homestay families. Staying in a Mexican-Maya home was an insightful experience. We got the chance to live, eat, sleep, and talk with the family every day. My homestay family had an abuela, an abuelo, a daughter and 2 grandkids ages 8 and 10. Though the housing plan was very different than what I am used to in America, their living style (and neighborhood design) reminds me very much of the Caribbean where my parents grew up. Apart from the differing language, I didn’t really experience any culture shock since it is so similar. Another main difference that we really enjoyed is that every part of the house has at least one hammock. They use hammocks in place of beds and couches. It is a smart, multipurpose, inexpensive, and comfortable way to furnish a home. Though it was a little difficult to adjust at first, our homestays gave us some great tips on how to shape and use our hammocks. Living with a native family for two weeks was a humbling and eye-opening experience that truly added to my appreciation of the Maya culture.

My time in Mexico was inspiring and has helped me grow and develop as a person. Learning about the Maya people has shown me how the different histories of a people can also yield similar outcomes. This program has hopefully been a benefit to both me and the Maya community by exposing the value in the rich culture they have. Tourism and the glorification of Western and European ideals in Mexico is often harmful to the community in more ways than one. I hope to return to Felipe Carrillo Puerto in the near future and possibly work with Na’atik as well!

This blog is part of a series from the John Jay students who visited Na’atik in January of 2018. They came for two weeks to learn about Maya history and modern Maya culture in Mexico. Be sure to look at the other blogs in the series where they share reflections on their time spent in and around Felipe Carrillo Puerto. You can also find some great pictures of their trip over at our Facebook page.

If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

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.