Cuernavaca is the leading destination for Spanish language study in the Western Hemisphere. The tradition goes back to the 1960's when  the first instructors were trained by professors from Harvard and Fordham University. The tradition continues and the schools affiliated with the Association of Spanish Language Schools in Cuernavaca (AIPEC) are committed to academic excellence. Eleven schools are in the association.  New classes start every Monday all year round.  Mexican history and culture are integrated into the programs and all of them provide a family homestay to make it a total immersion program. What better way to understand the language and the people of Mexico!

The eleven schools are:

Cemanahuac Educational Community

CETLTLIC

Cuauhnahuac

Cuernavaca Language School

Encuentros

Experiencia

Ideal Escuela de Español

IMEC

Kukulcan

Spanish Language Institute

Universal 

Looking to pick up a little (or a lot) of Spanish on your next visit?  Try the family-friendly school Instituto Chac-Mool, highly regarded for teaching second languages.  The school has two campuses and students can stay with a host family – a real intensive language submersion program! However, if you want to be with the college-age party crowd, the Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies (Centro Bilingue) might be a better choice.

** Note:  The original information for this thread came from the following forum thread:   http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-...

More details about Cuernavaca schools follows:

Cuernavaca is known for having the best Spanish immersion schools in Mexico. You will find some schools that have been in business for 25 years or longer and other new schools sprout up all the time in Cuernavaca. Use caution when booking and paying fees in advance for the brand new schools as you never know if they will be able to remain in business with all the competition by the more established schools. If you can find a school that has been in business for 5 years or so, you should be on the right track. The longest running schools aren't always the best schools, you should check first about their methodology and make sure they are keeping current with the latest advances in teaching second languages.

You should also book directly with the school, through their website or toll-free number, if they have one. There are agencies that represent different Spanish schools but booking with them may mean promises will be made that the school didn’t authorize. When dealing directly with the school you can be more confident that what you are promised will be backed up.

Typically the Cuernavaca schools require a registration fee in order to reserve a class. Find a school that offers a “life-time” registration fee in case that you want to go back for more studies. Stay away from schools or agencies that require full payment of all the school fees prior to your arrival. If you need to cancel it might be difficult to get a refund. You won’t find too many schools that accept credit cards for payments so be prepared with travelers checks for making payments while in Mexico. Plan to have travelers checks so you can purchase pesos at a casa de cambio for spending money. You will find just a few businesses that will accept credit cards and you are usually paying a premium for that convenience.

Cuernavaca has Spanish schools north, east, south and west of el centro. A school walking distance to the downtown should not be difficult to find. Most schools offer homestay families; try to find a school that places you with a family near the school so that you can walk to and from school each day. Many schools have evening activities so you want it to be easy to come and go. A homestay is an excellent way to learn about the culture of Mexico and finding a school that offers a family providing 3 daily meals shouldn't be difficult. Try to find a school where they arrange your homestay, but where you pay the host family personally for the accommodation. This means the school isn't taking a big percentage from the family, which could affect the quality of meals and your stay. If a homestay doesn't appeal to you, you can find a vacation rental, hotel or b&b, but you'll want to do this in advance of your arrival as Cuernavaca can book up on weekends and holidays.  Ask your school to assist.

Three popular schools in Cuernavaca are 1) Instituto Chac-Mool, catering to families, seniors and professionals as well as college students needing academic credit. This private school is relatively small and offers personal attention.  2)The Center for Linguistic Multicultural Studies at Universidad Internacional is a much larger school in a university setting attracting many U.S. college groups. Homestays and extra-curricular activities are part of the program. 3) Cetlalic is known as an alternative Spanish Language School offering homestays with gays and lesbians in the Cuernavaca community. They often offer special programs such as a Winter Queer Program.

Cuernavaca is easy to get to from the Mexico City airport, you can take the Pullman de Morelos airport commuter bus directly into Cuernavaca or most schools offer a private pick up service. Spanish students love all there is to do in Cuernavaca, from the spas, restaurants, sightseeing, cultural events, and nightlife to touring the surrounding towns and historical sights.