Studying Spanish in the Zona Maya
Rachel Austin, a second-grade teacher from Charlotte, North Carolina, came to Carrillo in July to study Spanish with Na'atik. Many of Rachel’s students are Spanish speakers and come from Spanish-speaking families, so she wanted to study in an immersive environment and help improve her language skills for the classroom.
Here, Rachel talks about her experience of Carrillo and studying Spanish at Na’atik.
Rachel came to Carrillo to study Spanish. Here she is with her Maya host family.
What’s your experience of Carrillo been?
Carrillo has been wonderful. I have loved Carrillo. It has been very easy to get around on my bike and everyone has been very nice and friendly. I have found lots of things to do to fill my time and the school has been really helpful. I appreciated their planning of activities and was able to get out and see different things in the region. They also helped me plan if I wanted to do something on my own.
What has it been like living with a host family?
It’s been wonderful. At first, it was a little overwhelming but they have been so welcoming and kind to me, including me and making me feel at home. And it’s crazy how within just three weeks a place can begin to feel like home. I have really enjoyed getting to know them.
How has studying Spanish at Na’atik prepared you for the classroom?
The teachers have all been very knowledgeable and helpful, and I have grown tremendously. I would say that I have learned more in these three weeks than I did in four years in high school. There is still more for me to learn but I am excited to go back and keep using it. I definitely think that I have more skills to help my students in the classroom and find ways to communicate with their parents, which I am excited about.
What has been the highlight of your stay?The people have been the highlight. Especially my homestay family. I also really enjoyed doing an embroidery class at the Casa de la Cultura. There so much to do and you can really get involved with the town.
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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.