Studying Spanish in Mexico: My CEPE Experience at UNAM

Studying Spanish in Mexico: My CEPE Experience at UNAM

Studying Spanish in Mexico was one of the best decisions I made to truly integrate into the culture. Before moving, I thought I had a decent grasp of the language—I’d taken classes in Texas and used Duolingo extensively. However, once I arrived, I quickly realized that nothing can replace living in the language. Immersion is key, and that’s what eventually led me to enroll at CEPE (Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros) at UNAM, one of Mexico’s most prestigious universities.

Why Mexico City?

I chose Mexico City for a number of reasons. First, it’s geographically close to Texas, making it easy to travel back and forth. More importantly, it’s the largest city in Mexico and the cultural hub of the country. With its rich history—being the heart of the Aztec Empire and later the epicenter of Spanish colonization—Mexico City felt like the best place to fully dive into Mexican culture. I often compare it to New York City for Latin America: vibrant, complex, and endlessly interesting.

The CEPE Program at UNAM

The UNAM Spanish program was ideal for me. CEPE is technically part of UNAM, but operates separately, catering specifically to foreigners wanting to learn Spanish. It is not the cheapest option out there, but if you have the budget, I highly recommend it. Not only do you get a formal structure to your learning, but you also have access to the wider university campus. You can experience life at a major Mexican university while still staying in a smaller, more supportive environment tailored for international students.

One of the best parts of CEPE is the mix of people. The student body is composed of younger international students—people in their twenties from places like Japan, Korea, and Germany—as well as older adults, including professionals in their 30s, 40s, or even retirees. It’s a diverse mix, which makes the environment even richer. Many of us defaulted to using English outside of class, since it was the common denominator, but the program is immersive, and the aim is always to push towards Spanish.

When I joined, I started at level four (out of eight levels). I highly recommend studying Spanish before arriving—it saves time, money, and makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. If you arrive in Mexico with no Spanish, you’ll struggle to connect with locals and might end up isolating yourself in a foreigner bubble, which limits the richness of your experience.

Classes and Choosing the Best Experience

CEPE runs Spanish classes year-round in two-month intervals, offering flexibility to join at different times throughout the year. Most people opt for morning classes, which I also recommend if you can manage it. The program also offers a supplementary cultural class in the afternoons, and there are several options: Mexican history, literature, even photography. However, my biggest piece of advice is this: choose the dance class.

I took the dance class every time I was enrolled at CEPE. It’s not just about learning steps—it’s about getting a deeper understanding of Latin culture. In Mexico, dance is a huge part of social life. Whether it’s cumbia, salsa, or bachata, people love to dance. Learning these dances made it easier for me to connect with locals, and it gave me a fun and active way to practice being part of the community. I even ended up assisting the dance instructor towards the end of my time at CEPE, helping new students get their rhythm.

The dance class wasn’t just fun—it was a social hub. I made friends, bonded with classmates, and even met my ex-girlfriend from Korea in one of those sessions. Compared to the more academic cultural classes, which can be a bit dry, dance is engaging and energizing. If you’re trying to integrate into a Latin American country, learning to dance is almost as important as learning the language.

Living in Mexico City as a Student

For anyone considering studying at CEPE, I’d recommend finding a place to stay close to the university. Mexico City is massive, and cutting down on commute time makes it much easier to enjoy your time both studying and exploring the city. The area around UNAM is also great for student life, with plenty of affordable places to eat, relax, and practice your Spanish outside the classroom.

CEPE offered me a structured yet flexible environment to grow my Spanish skills. It wasn’t just about language—it was about culture, history, and making real connections. Studying there wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. For anyone serious about integrating into Mexican culture, or any Latin culture, invest in learning the language and the dance. Those two things alone will open doors to experiences and relationships that would otherwise be out of reach.