[...]One Family’s Total Immersion Adventure in Mexico « SpanglishBaby™[...]…

Seriously, though, I do love San Miguel de Allende. There are lots of different places you could go, but we return here because it is so (relatively) easy. The city is accustomed to people coming and going, and therefore the locals (native and ex-pat’s) are extremely gracious and welcoming – which goes a long way when navigating foreign territory.

Your idea for a step-by-step guide is great, so I’m going to put one together! If you plan to come in the summer, I definitely recommend Centro Bilingue (www.centrobilingue.com), as we’ve spent two summers there ourselves. If you’d like something more specific, there are soccer camps and clinics around, and a host of art classes available for any age.

http://www.vrbo.com has been our go to spot for family vacationing – it’s far more affordable than a hotel, and allows you to live in the community as other families do. If you decide on SMA, I’d definitely recommend staying in the neighborhood known as the Centro for easy access to all things central with little ones. That being said, I have an appt with a rental agent tomorrow to scope out accommodations for the remaining months of our trip!

I hope that you will consider the trip ~ it’s something I can’t seem to get out of my system yet!

Let’s be in touch…

gracias, A

I use http://www.vrbo.com often to find a home for our family, but have found that those homes are often listed by Americans with American $$’s in mind. A local real estate or rental agency is another way to go, or even listings in the back of the local paper. I always try to book something for our arrival, but then often seek new accommodations in town depending on the duration of our trip – you can usually find a better deal when you are local.

The first summer we sent our boys to the preschool across the street from the house we were staying in – but it was too much immersion for them so quickly. We then switched to a lovely and highly recommended summer day camp, Centro Bilingue (http://www.centrobilingue.com). It seems that there are several schools like this around Mexico and I saw several I liked in different cities. From there, I’ve solicited friends advice for future schools. There are many different philosophies and price points for schools: private, montessori, waldorf, traditional, bilingual, etc., etc. So far, I’m happy where we are as it closely mimics the philosophy of our schools in Ca.

While you can spend very little in Mexico, there are tons of options for every price point – just depends on how you live and what you want your experience to be about. For me, I want us to feel comfortable so that we are enjoying ourselves and focusing on the language, culture, and socialization process but not worrying excessively over bugs or cleanliness.

Please tell me about Peru! gracias…

I would love to be in touch! I first fell in love with Spanish while studying in Salamanca and would embrace an opportunity to bring my family to Spain ~ perhaps you can point us in the right direction/city when that time comes? We talk about it for the future…

loved your blog, btw. Let’s definitely stay in touch and exchange ideas.

all the best,
Amy