Na'atik Language and Culture Institute
Why choose Na'atik Language and Culture Institute?
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute is a nonprofit, intercultural hub which aims to help local and international students acquire the skills and confidence to become global citizens through high-quality immersion language programs in Spanish, Maya, and English. Our international visitors experience the real Zona Maya through intercultural activities with our local students and by living with ou...
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute is a nonprofit, intercultural hub which aims to help local and international students acquire the skills and confidence to become global citizens through high-quality immersion language programs in Spanish, Maya, and English. Our international visitors experience the real Zona Maya through intercultural activities with our local students and by living with our welcoming homestay families. Our name comes from the Maya expression "To'on Na'atik," which means "we are understanding each other." We believe that cross-cultural exchange is the path to true understanding. It is only once we understand each other that we can see what is really possible. We are located in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a hidden gem in the Yucatan Peninsula that is rich in Maya h...
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Mother/Daughter trip of a lifetime
by: Aubrey Thornton - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionI attended Na’atik Language Immersion program with my mother and friend! We loved every minute. The class was personalized to our learning goals and the family we stayed with was incredibly nice! I would definitely go back if I have the opportunity. If you are sensitive to warm weather consider the time of year. We would have benefitted by picking a different time of year to travel so that it would have been cooler for us.
Amazing Experience!
by: Michael Bagley - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionMy visit to Na’atik was one of the best experiences of my life. The school is truly an amazing place. The Spanish language learning was outstanding, and I left with more knowledge and much more confidence than when I arrived. The entire staff is kind, caring, and supportive. And they make learning joyful! Equally incredible was the family stay. I was blessed to stay with a very special couple who welcomed me into their home like I was part of their family. The accommodations were very comfortabl...
Truly life-changing
by: April Steele - United StatesProgram: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language ImmersionNa’atik offered a truly authentic cultural experience that I think is very rare for people to experience, or schools to offer. Their relationships with local community members and commitment to honoring and preserving Mayan culture and traditions is what really sets them apart. It is clear that they are a beloved asset in their town, and I loved knowing that the costs of my classes helped provide language learning for local students. It got to see and experience so many incredible things in my s...
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute Programs
Browse programs you might like
Na'atik Language and Culture Institute offers Spanish and Maya language immersion courses in the heart of the stunning Yucatan Peninsula in Mexic...
Learn Spanish online at your speed with our professional teachers based in southern Mexico. We want you to meet your language goals through inter...
Experience Janal Pixan, the Maya Day of the Dead, with Na'atik. Enjoy a week-long program of authentic cultural events and activities in the smal...
Media Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Zachary Lindsey
Participated in 2018
Zachary Lindsey is a former journalist and teacher who is interested in Mesoamerica. He is currently studying a Masters in Anthropology with a focus o...
Zachary Lindsey
Participated in 2018
I've visited Mexico and the Maya region a few times, and I love it so much that I just wanted to get to know it in a more in-depth way. No longer just the facades; no longer just the pyramids; I wanted to know the people.
Brittany Simmons
Participated in 2018
Brittany Simmons is a singer/actress that is based in New York City. She had wanted to learn Spanish for some time. Brittany believes that communicati...
Brittany Simmons
Participated in 2018
I have wanted to learn Spanish for some time and thought traveling abroad would help me by engulfing me in the language and culture. Na'atik showed up on an internet search and I fell in love and knew that I had to go.
Wendy Osorio
Interviewed in 2019
Wendy Osorio studied English for five years at UQROO (Universidad de Quintana Roo) and now has Licenciatura en Lengua Inglesa. She graduated from coll...
Wendy Osorio
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
The opportunity to meet people from different countries and share my Spanish knowledge with them.
Recognitions
Check out awards and recognitions Na'atik Language and Culture Institute has received