The Ultimate Guide to Spanish Language Schools in Mexico City

In this post: Find the best Spanish language schools in Mexico City for your interest, budget, and learning style with a Spanish teacher who knows the city.

Mexico City: once a location I hesitated to recommend for Spanish language learning has since blossomed into a vibrant metropolis teeming with high-quality language schools.

Back in 2016, when I was living in Mexico City, I was disappointedly underwhelmed by the Spanish language school options. The caliber of teaching and rigor just didn’t seem to compare with immersion experiences I had had in places like Barcelona and Madrid.

Back then, I would regularly guide students away from Spanish-immersion programs in Mexico City and instruct them to look to places like Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and San Miguel de Allende for more serious language immersion opportunities.

Now, over 7 years later, I’m happy to report that, with the influx of extranjeros that have come to live in CDMX recently, several incredible language schools have popped up and have really put the city on the map as a go-to destination for Spanish language learners.

With its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and remarkable artistic, culinary, and entertainment scenes, Mexico City has become one of Time Magazine’s greatest places in the world to visit.

Doing a study-abroad program in Mexico City can help you move the needle with your Spanish by combining intensive Spanish study with travel and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique and enticing culture.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through the most well-known Spanish language schools Mexico City has to offer, along with some newer and cutting-edge immersion programs that have popped up in recent years.

You’ll find something for every budget, and learning style, from adventurous and immersive to luxurious and budget-friendly.

As you read on, you will notice that many of the language schools in this guide are located in some of the most charming parts of Mexico City:

Roma Norte, known as the "barrio mágico" (the magical neighborhood), has an inviting, European ambiance and features neoclassical mansions turned museums, boutique hotels, chic restaurants, and inspiring street art.

Condesa offers a dynamic blend of hip eateries, trendy art galleries, shaded green spaces, and artisan boutiques, creating a neighborhood for strolling and exploring.

As you dive in and get to know these different learning institutions, remember that I created this guide based on my own experience of the schools and neighborhoods, the experiences of students I know, reviews, and the most up-to-date research possible.

But keep in mind that things change, so don’t hesitate to do your own research using the links I provide, look at their most recent student reviews, and contact the school for enrollment information before you travel.

School #1: Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE)

When I first attended CEPE, the intimate language-learning institution within UNAM (the National Autonomous University of Mexico), back in 2017, I instantly fell in love with the “campus feel” and the international community of students.

The intensive Spanish courses offered here provide a structured curriculum and comprehensive textbooks published by the center. The programs also immerse you in the culture through the range of extracurricular activities they offer — I recommend the cooking and dance classes.

UNAM has a prestigious reputation for rigor and academic excellence, and you’ll find that many Spanish language instructors in Mexico City’s best language schools have trained here.

At CEPE, you’ll discover 6-week intensive Spanish language courses that cover nine proficiency levels, from basic to superior. At the end of each course, you'll receive a formal certificate — a great way to celebrate your work and progress.

School #2: Universidad La Salle

El Centro Internacional de Educación La Salle (CIEL) allows for a unique balance between discovery and dynamic learning. You’ll also find that it’s right up there with CEPE in terms of rigor and academic excellence, as the center is also part of the prestigious Universidad La Salle.

At CIEL, the intensive, 45-hour month-long Spanish courses run at almost any time of the year. Their interactive learning materials and small class sizes help push you through any of the levels they offer: from A1 to C1 proficiency levels of the European Common Framework.

The school is located in La Condesa, one of Mexico City's liveliest neighborhoods. After class, you can stroll through one of the neighborhood’s world-class parks or admire the art deco buildings as you take the one-mile walk along Avenida Amsterdam.

The self-paced course series for adults looking for a refresher of foundational Spanish to feel confident communicating in everyday situations.

School #3: International House Mexico

International House (IH) offers a Spanish-learning experience with a touch of luxury.

Their small group courses are held in a picturesque colonial house in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood. There is a stunning roof terrace where you can unwind with other students during downtime between classes.

IH aligns its curriculum with the European Framework (A1-C1 levels) and is one of the few places in the city offering FPELE (Formación de Profesores de Español como Lengua Extranjera) for aspiring teachers of Spanish as a foreign language.

It also offers the prestigious DELE Exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera).

In addition to their regular intensive courses, you can opt for extra sessions designed to immerse you in Spanish while introducing you to Mexican art, culture, history, economics, and diversity.

IH's courses definitely come with a higher price range, but the experience is worth considering for those seeking a premium Spanish language school in Mexico City.

School #4: Walk Spanish Mexico City Language School.

Walk Spanish offers a unique approach that takes you out of the classroom and into the heart of the city. With meeting points in eclectic, stimulating, and safe areas, this unique Spanish learning approach is designed to spark your interest with authentic learning experiences.

Here’s how it works: You’ll meet your teacher and group at a pre-determined spot in the fun, safe and trendy neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Condesa. You’ll explore parks, museums, local markets, art galleries, and even Aztec ruins — all while learning grammar, conversation, reading, and writing.

Walk Spanish offers shared accommodation, arranged homestay, and even tips for travelers who want to reserve an Airbnb near the class meeting points, as well as options for families with children!

If you learn best by “doing,” sightseeing, and moving, or are traveling with kiddos, then this is the school for you.

School #5: Learn Spanish in Mexico City

Learn Spanish in Mexico City gives you a total immersion teaching approach where you’ll learn Spanish through real-life situations. Through high-end, tailored private lessons, you can see the city sights and absorb the language during "City Trips" guided by teachers.

Here’s how it works: You’ll select the number of hours you want to practice Spanish, from a few hours a week to “total immersion packages” that span weeks. The focus is on experiential education, communication, and speaking, although the school offers a textbook with more extended packages.

Their group conversation courses are unique in that they include not just other Spanish learners — but also locals who don’t speak English — for an authentic experience that will push you to understand native speakers — including expressions, idioms, and slang.

Student reviews for this school are impressive, although it definitely comes with a price tag.

School #6: Speak Like a Mexican

Speak Like a Mexican Spanish School in the popular Roma Norte neighborhood balances structured Spanish language instruction with building the communication skills and confidence you’ll need to get around Mexico City. The school offers both private lessons and Spanish immersion experiences.

Within their immersion program, in addition to intensive morning classes that push you through the levels, they offer daily outings, cooking classes, and conversation classes that help you feel more at home in Spanish, all while having fun.

Student reviews of this school emphasize the instructors' kindness and “down to earth” qualities and their ability to guide and explain so that learning Spanish is fun and effective.

Discover what to learn, how to learn it, and in what order with this FREE Spanish starter kit for beginners.

School #7: Lengua y Cultura

Located on the edge of the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, Lengua y Cultura is a highly respected school that has been around for over a decade. Although their classrooms feel a bit disjointed between the two buildings, their structured curriculum and knowledgeable teachers make up for the disconnect.

Lengua y Cultura places students based on their placement exams. You take them online before joining a course. In addition to their regular group and private offerings, you can also take private lessons to prepare for exams like DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera).

In recent years they have added regular weekly evening activities. For example, you can stop by the lively Roma neighborhood for a Thursday night conversation Meetup and local beer tasting. Or you can join one of their Spanish-language walking tours on Friday nights for insights from a local into nightlife, dining, shopping, and art galleries.

School #8: Spanish in the City Language School

If you need a stimulating learning environment, the chance to move around during the day, and novelty, this might be a school to consider.

Spanish in the City teaches students entirely in local venues--never in the classroom. Each morning begins with structured grammar courses in local restaurants, bookshops, and cafes.

The class location changes each day. (A weekly schedule with locations comes out every Monday for students). After the grammar session, you’ll walk to a new location--a park, museum, or historical site where you can apply what you’ve learned through conversation.

The teachers create all course materials, and the maximum class size is limited to 5 students. There are options for group and private lessons.

Remember to take your learning style into account when considering this school.

For some learners, learning Spanish in a social setting can be a distraction. If you need a quiet learning setting or feel uncomfortable finding and showing up to a new location daily, you might prefer to explore other options.

School #9: Spanish Mode

Spanish Mode school offers private lessons on a flexible schedule in the tree-lined Condesa and Roma neighborhoods.

Two qualified teachers teach all the classes, so you know who is teaching your class beforehand. This lets you ask questions about who is the right Spanish teacher for you. You can schedule your in-person classes at cafés or bookstores like Péndulo.

Reviews by students speak to the high quality of instruction, the skill of both teachers at making key Spanish concepts simple to understand, and the tailor lessons to the level, interests, and goals of the learners.

The small team size means you’ll also want to reach out ahead of time to make sure you can book a Spanish lesson when you are in Condesa.

School #10: ABC Spanish

Located in the exciting Roma Norte neighborhood, ABC Spanish School selects and trains its teachers in its signature student-centered approach. Their teaching methodology combines a carefully structured grammatical progression and applies that knowledge in student-led conversations.

According to student reviews, the result is a strong foundation, the ability to structure your ideas, be flexible and find confidence in communication.

ABC Spanish has options for private and group courses, courses for couples, intensive summer study programs, and solutions for professionals.

Some student reviews mentioned that their private lessons took place in a cafe in Condesa, so be sure to check in with the team for details about where the program you’re interested in will take place.

School #11: Frida Language School

Frida Language School is an option for laid-back students who want a simple, budget-friendly, youth-hostel-like learning experience in Mexico City. This school definitely favors a younger crowd and offers opportunities to meet with other students from around the world.

Group courses are on the larger end-- limited to 12 students maximum, and there is a mandatory initial level test to place you at the right level when you join. If you stay on, you’ll take a new evaluation every two weeks that will help determine your placement in subsequent classes.

For some, the process of ‘passing into the next level’ can seem daunting, for example, if others progress while you stay ‘behind.’

Your key takeaways for finding a Spanish Language School in Mexico City

The beauty of an intensive language program lies in its capacity to increase your Spanish proficiency at a rapid speed. Spending a few weeks in Mexico City working on your Spanish in the right school can leave you with newfound confidence and speaking ability.

Just make sure the school you choose reflects your learning style and offers extracurricular activities you'll like. If you're passionate about what you're learning, you'll feel more motivated, and it'll feel less like work.

Along with your language studies, take the time to soak up Mexico City's cultural richness. This city has historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods hidden around every corner, each with its own charm. These aren't just sightseeing spots – they're real-life classrooms where you can practice your Spanish and deepen your cultural understanding.
Finally, while planning is a must, don't lose sight of spontaneity at community events. These experiences can enhance your understanding of Spanish in a way textbooks can't. You'll find that the city doesn’t just teach you Spanish – it provides experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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