About Cuernavaca, Mexico
With all of the countries in the world to choose from when learning abroad, why choose Mexico? Think you’ve already “been there and done that” because you’ve visited Mexico before? Well, think again! There are many reasons why Cuernavaca, Mexico is a vibrant and exciting place to choose for your international experience.Mexico is relevant to current US political issues like NAFTA and immigration. Studying in Cuernavaca will provide first-hand knowledge of these realities, along with the language and cultural skills to interact and work with Latino populations at home. Cuernavaca is also the center of activity for many vibrant and important social movements, including the feminist, LGBT, and environmental movements. Finally, the cultural heritage and beauty of Mexico is astounding. Pre-Colombian pyramids dot the landscape, indigenous communities continue to practice ancient traditions, and the colonial history of Cuernavaca gives the city a European flair.
Cuernavaca is a city known for its perennial spring weather. Located in the state of Morelos, Cuernavaca is about 1 hour south of Mexico City. Both the city and the state are important in Mexican history: the palace of the Spanish conqueror, Hernán Cortez, borders the central plaza in Cuernavaca; the state itself was named after Father José María Morelos, one of the founders of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1810; and Morelos is the birthplace of Emiliano Zapata, who led the cry “Land and Liberty” in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 in the southern half of the country. Cuernavaca is also known for its role in innovative grass-roots education, alternative health practices, Base Christian Communities (“BCCs”), and economic cooperatives. North Americans, Japanese and Europeans are attracted to Cuernavaca’s numerous Spanish language schools.
Cuernavaca is a good city in which to be based. It is not huge like Mexico City, which has a population of approximately 22 million, but it is big enough (750,000) to offer plenty to do. Markets, theaters, museums, cafés, discos, and restaurants abound. Cuernavaca also offers a flavor of rural Mexico with peasant farmers and Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people coming into the city to buy and sell in the market, as well as a growing population of migrants from rural areas.
Housing
The Center for Global Education (CGE) maintains two houses in Cuernavaca for its study programs and travel seminars. Both are located in Colonia San Antón, a 15-minute walk to the main downtown area. The house in which the office is located is known locally as “Casa CEMAL” (the Spanish acronym for Centro para la Educación Mundial). It has four bedrooms with bunk beds, six bathrooms, a dining room, living room, large patio, small library, ample garden space, and a study room equipped with a printer, four computers (two with internet access), and additional internet cables and wireless access for those who wish to bring laptop computers. Casa CEMAL also has common space for classes, study, and leisure time. All meals will be prepared and served in Casa CEMAL.
The other house that CGE maintains is called “Casa Augsburg,” (also sometimes called Casa Verde) which is across the street from Casa CEMAL. Casa Augsburg, which was recently renovated, has several bedrooms, many bathrooms, two classrooms, a kitchenette, and several spaces to study or hang out, as well as a small computer lab that includes wireless internet access, as well as additional cable access for those who wish to bring laptop computers.
The Universal language school, which has a small swimming pool and racquetball court, is conveniently located on the same street as the CGE houses. Also located on the same street are a bakery, an Internet café, and four small grocery stores.
Diversity
Mexico is an extraordinarily diverse country in ethnic and cultural terms. Cuernavaca also offers LGBT-friendly programs. To find out more about how people with a similar personal identify have experienced Mexico, please visit our diversity pages.
