I am going to Mexico/Central America for about 6 weeks this summer before I start my MBA and was looking for some input. My main goals are to learn Spanish and just enjoy some time before my grind at school.

I have looked at Guadalajara, Mexico among other places and am leaning towards there. Does anyone have any advice on Guadalajara or even recommendations for other places they think would be good for what I am trying to do? I am a little lost at this point and figured I'd ask for some help. Thanks guys.

For that I would go to vrbo and rent a place in Costa Rica... I would not do mexico unless it is a resort.. If Costa Rica is an option, I can point you to a great home depending on time of the year he usually rents it between 800-1000 a week

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For that I would go to vrbo and rent a place in Costa Rica... I would not do mexico unless it is a resort.. If Costa Rica is an option, I can point you to a great home depending on time of the year he usually rents it between 800-1000 a week

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So many things...where to even start... I completely disagree with all of this. Have you been to GDL? It's awesome. Have you been to Mexico? It's awesome. There are so many incredible places throughout Mexico. A person does not need to stay at a resort when in Mexico...especially if said person is trying to learn Spanish and even the slightest bit interested in getting to know the culture, places, people, sights, etc. I guess it depends on what kind of trip you're really wanting, but if you want authentic, a resort isn't going to give you that. Are there "dangerous" places in Mexico? Sure. Are there "sketchy" areas in Mexico? Of course. But you'll find that anywhere. Do your research, use a lot of common sense and you'll be fine.

Lots of great places in Central America - research them all! Costa Rica is nice, but it has become super touristy and expensive. I can tell you all about CR because I've been several times for long stays and I'll be back again this summer (work & travel). The last thing I'd recommend to someone that wants to go and travel and learn Spanish is to rent a house on VRBO. But a lot of people do that and think they're getting a "great experience in a developing country" all while paying American prices, enjoying amenities that they're used to in the states, not speaking a lot of Spanish AND they miss out on so much by not traveling around and seeing different parts of the country. I have no idea what kind of traveler you are, so maybe you're the stay in a rent house the entire time kind of person. I personally like a more authentic experience. I love to travel around, use public transportation, stay in inexpensive hostels/cabinas, explore different places, meet locals and practice a lot of Spanish. Many ticos like to speak and practice their English so it can be easy to fall into that depending on where you are, especially if in a super touristy area...or around lots of expats. Which brings me back around to - - research more than just CR in Central America. I'll be there (in CA) 6.5 weeks this summer...can't wait!

I go to Mexico 3 times a year, I have been all over mexico. I also have been to every country in Central America except panama. It was just my thoughts on if I was going to do something like this that's what I would do,

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For that I would go to vrbo and rent a place in Costa Rica... I would not do mexico unless it is a resort.. If Costa Rica is an option, I can point you to a great home depending on time of the year he usually rents it between 800-1000 a week

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So many things...where to even start... I completely disagree with all of this. Have you been to GDL? It's awesome. Have you been to Mexico? It's awesome. There are so many incredible places throughout Mexico. A person does not need to stay at a resort when in Mexico...especially if said person is trying to learn Spanish and even the slightest bit interested in getting to know the culture, places, people, sights, etc. I guess it depends on what kind of trip you're really wanting, but if you want authentic, a resort isn't going to give you that. Are there "dangerous" places in Mexico? Sure. Are there "sketchy" areas in Mexico? Of course. But you'll find that anywhere. Do your research, use a lot of common sense and you'll be fine.

Lots of great places in Central America - research them all! Costa Rica is nice, but it has become super touristy and expensive. I can tell you all about CR because I've been several times for long stays and I'll be back again this summer (work & travel). The last thing I'd recommend to someone that wants to go and travel and learn Spanish is to rent a house on VRBO. But a lot of people do that and think they're getting a "great experience in a developing country" all while paying American prices, enjoying amenities that they're used to in the states, not speaking a lot of Spanish AND they miss out on so much by not traveling around and seeing different parts of the country. I have no idea what kind of traveler you are, so maybe you're the stay in a rent house the entire time kind of person. I personally like a more authentic experience. I love to travel around, use public transportation, stay in inexpensive hostels/cabinas, explore different places, meet locals and practice a lot of Spanish. Many ticos like to speak and practice their English so it can be easy to fall into that depending on where you are, especially if in a super touristy area...or around lots of expats. Which brings me back around to - - research more than just CR in Central America. I'll be there (in CA) 6.5 weeks this summer...can't wait!

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I liked your post at the start but then you went into fullblown condescension. Wife and I don't do resorts because we like to do local stuff. You don't have to stay at a hostel to do that. We have been to Huatulco seven times without any safety fears. I would also advise OP to look into Nicaragua also. Loved our week there.

My have gotten condescending but was correct for what OP asked for

Spent some time in the State of Guanajuato couple summers back. Hitting up Leon and Irapuato, but ultimately there for some engineering exchange with the school in Salamanca. I made some friends I still keep in touch with. I am sure some have spread out but I can try to see if they have any info on Guadalajara.

Totally agree with your decision... you won't regret it!

You may look into Antigua, Guatemala and Granada, Nicaragua as they are both very popular spots for Spanish classes. Both are pretty inexpensive and safe.

Years back I spent seven weeks in Guadalajara and studied Spanish at a school that had some connection with the University of Washington. They offered credit but there were a handful of folks like myself who just wanted the classes.

Guadalajara is one of those cities that if you go and spend time, you may never consider a resort town again. The culture, people, vibrancy and food will blow you away. You're fairly centrally located so you can go to the coast, Lake Chapala (or what's left of it), DF, San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato, etc) on cheap first class buses. The town has so much European flair tied in that it is both cosmopolitan and relaxed at the same time.

There's a rotary club in Westlake/Trophy Club/Roanoke (DFW) that is connected wtiht eh rotary club in Zapopan and they set me up with a place to stay which was three blocks behind the governor's mansion in a nice, safe neighborhood. The school I attended also hooked people up with housing but it was generally very poor conditions (though very cheap).

I can't speak to the safety of the city now but when I was there we were more afraid of the police than anybody else. The only dangerous event I recall was a friend from A&M was in a cab that was shot at as they left a club and one guy was injured. But that happens here.

Edited to add:

I studied at CEPE which is on Calle Tomas Y Gomez. CEPE is an acronym for the program and I think they are related to the University of Guadalajara.

Great stuff guys. I appreciate the comments/insight. I plan on making a decision in the next week and I will post that and maybe chronicle my trip on here. Any other info anyone cares to share would also be very much appreciated. Again, thanks for the input everyone.