My Journey to Puebla, Mexico: A Spanish Immersion Experience

On Saturday, October 1, I returned home to Alameda, CA, after an enriching three-week Spanish immersion program at the Spanish Institute of Puebla in Puebla, Mexico. This trip marked my first venture into Mexico and my first experience traveling solo to a foreign country. After a long day of travel, which included a bus ride from Mexico City that took over four hours due to road issues, I finally arrived at my host mother Rosa María Peral’s apartment late on Sunday, September 11. With a placement test and other formalities to complete, I didn’t get to bed until 1 AM, setting the stage for an adventure filled with learning and cultural exploration.

My Host Family

Rosa María Peral, my host mother, is a warm and welcoming woman who lives alone with her cherished chihuahua. Her husband has passed away, and her six children have all grown up and started families of their own. During my stay, I had the pleasure of meeting two of Rosa’s daughters-in-law and three of her granddaughters, along with a few of her friends. Overall, my experience with Rosa was delightful; she was generous, kind, and an excellent cook. Her apartment was conveniently located just half a mile from the Institute, making my daily commute easy.

However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. In the first week, the entire apartment complex lost running water, forcing me to shower using a bucket until the water returned on Friday. Adjusting to the water situation was a significant change, as tap water in Mexico is unpurified, unlike in the U.S. Thankfully, Rosa and the Institute provided plenty of purified water, sparing me from any digestive issues.

Food Adventures

Adjusting to the local cuisine was another aspect of my immersion experience. I had the opportunity to try a variety of Mexican dishes, including chicharrón, nopales, and mole poblano, many of which featured rice and corn—ingredients I hadn’t included in my diet before. During the week, I shared breakfast and dinner with Rosa, often while watching Mexican telenovelas, and enjoyed lunch with fellow students at a buffet restaurant next to the Institute. On weekends, I typically had all three meals with Rosa. I particularly enjoyed the chicharrón and tacos we shared, as well as the delicious meat served at the Institute’s lunch banquet at Corazon de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse in Puebla.

The Institute Program

The Spanish Institute of Puebla is situated in a beautifully converted convent in the heart of the city. I spent my weekdays there from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. My mornings were dedicated to an intensive intermediate Spanish class from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where I learned alongside a couple of classmates. My teacher, Lili, a native of Puebla, was patient and clear, guiding us through topics like the subjunctive and preterite verb tenses—some of which were familiar from my high school and college Spanish classes.

While the morning classes were instrumental in enhancing my Spanish skills, I found the afternoon conversation sessions even more enjoyable. These sessions allowed me to practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker who guided me through local museums, markets, and other attractions in Puebla. Each week, I had a different guide, and I particularly connected with my first guide, who was excellent at providing corrections and feedback. Most program participants were middle-aged Americans, while the guides were closer to my age and native to Puebla. Additionally, the Institute offered convenient same-day laundry service, making life easier during my stay.

Exploring Puebla

Puebla is a vibrant city with a wealth of attractions to explore, especially near the Zocalo, the city center. Among the highlights of my sightseeing adventures were the Museo Amparo, which showcases modern and ancient Mexican art and pottery; Mercado el Parian, a bustling street market; and the Museo Regional de la Revolución Mexicana. I also explored the Puebla tunnels, which were historically used by soldiers during the Mexican Revolution, and marveled at the stunning Puebla Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Upon entering the cathedral for the first time, I was awestruck by its grandeur and beauty.

At Mercado el Parian, I purchased a beautiful Talavera bowl as a souvenir for my family, as Puebla is renowned for its exquisite Talavera pottery. Additionally, I learned that Puebla is the birthplace of mole poblano, a dish created by nuns in a convent that has since become a culinary staple.

Day Trips to Cholula and Teotihuacan

During my second week, I took organized trips to Cholula and Teotihuacan, both rich in history and culture. Cholula, located about 30 minutes from Puebla, is famous for having the world’s largest pyramid and boasts an impressive 365 churches. The Native Americans who inhabited the area constructed pyramids that still stand today, with a church built atop one of them. The breathtaking beauty inside the church and the stunning views of the city made the steep climb worthwhile.

A few days later, I embarked on an all-day excursion to Teotihuacan, the ancient Aztec city known for its remarkable pyramids of the sun and moon. Although climbing the pyramids was not permitted due to COVID restrictions, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the archaeological site and learning about the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Our day concluded with a visit to the Castle of Chapultepec in Mexico City, a popular tourist destination that once served as the residence of Emperor Maximilian I during his reign.

A Memorable Experience

My time in Mexico was nothing short of amazing. As my three weeks came to an end, I found myself feeling a bit melancholic, questioning whether such a short stay was truly enough to absorb all that Puebla had to offer. The program is suitable for individuals of all ages looking to improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in language and culture. Now back in the U.S., I am eager to move forward with my life, yet I hold a strong desire to return to Mexico in the near future—whether to revisit Puebla or explore other cities like Mexico City or Oaxaca.