The presence of the Spanish language in today's world is undeniable.  It is the predominant language of some 24 countries around the world, and the principal language of over 400 million people.  Many are surprised to find that Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, English and Hindi.  There are roughly 20 million Spanish speakers in Canada and the United States.

Try to learn a little Spanish before you come to Costalegre.  Although knowing Spanish is not a prerequisite before visiting Mexico, knowing even a few greeting words will enhance your visit and the local Mexican people will respect you for trying.  Pocket Spanish phrase books, dictionaries, and electronic translators are readily available.  Take at least one of them with you to Mexico.

Please note that Mexican Spanish is somewhat different from Castilian Spanish in Spain.  Spanish language books that are published in Europe are usually Castilian.  To avoid any confusion buy one that is published especially for North American Spanish.

If you want to be more fluent in the Spanish language before you travel to Costalegre, conversational Spanish courses are offered occasionally by local community colleges.  You could include a short Spanish course while visiting in Costalegre as part of your Mexican cultural experience.

Spanish Helper (pdf file)    Learn a few words Here
 Translate a few words Here  or Here 
Practice your Spanish: Los Superhéros  La O Flaquita

Amiga's Spanish Lessons in Paradise
Calle Michoacan No.58
Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico 48987
Instructor: Bonnie Gibson  E-Mail
Private, Semi-Private & Group Instruction.
Approx cost: $680 pesos for 10 Group Sessions.
Pre-registration recommended.  Cel: 044.315.104.1670
Located right beside the post office in Barra.

Christina's "Lets Talk" Language School
Academia de Inglés y Español
Calle Pedro Moreno No.16-B
Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico 48987
Instructor: Christine Hocker
Look for the bright blue house across from old Romeo's Restaurant.  Classes run November till April.

La Catalina Natural Language School
Calle Perula, La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mex. 48898
Owners: Victor & Julie Amezcua
Instructors: Tania, Valentín, Zuli, Lupita
1 to 4 week Spanish Immersion courses, Individual private instruction, Home stays with Mexican families.
Open year round.    E-Mail La Catalina

Spanish Classes (Clases de Español) 
Avenida Mazatlán No.61
Spanish/English instruction or translation.
Instructor: Jaime Francisco Barriente
Tel: 044.(315).100.2147  E-Mail
Located in Barra de Navidad.