+1-646 503 18 10
Favorites heart icon
Favorites heart icon
X
❮ All Spanish schools in Playa del Carmen
00:0000:00
 

International House - Riviera MayaPlaya del Carmen, Mexico

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

71 students - overall rating
Calle 14 between 10th and 5th Avenue - 77710 Playa del Carmen - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Own residence within 5 minutes of the school
  • Centrally located, close to the beach
  • Private tropical garden with bar area where students can relax and socialise after class.
  • Small class sizes
What we dislike about the school
  • Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
  • Do not offer favorable cancellation terms in the case of a student getting a visa rejected.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 1%
18-24 years 23%
25-34 years 40%
35-50 years 20%
>50 years 16%

Location: International House - Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) is a Spanish language school located in the beautiful and diverse town of Playa del Carmen, on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Riviera Maya. The area is abundant with white-sanded beaches, ancient ruins, eateries, restaurants, shopping malls and much more, with the school being well-placed for students to enjoy the town to its fullest. IH Riviera Maya is within a moment's walk of many attractions and services, ensuring students don't have to go far to get what they want.

Course selection: IH - Riviera Maya offers an impressive range of courses, with something suitable for students of all levels and various interests. In addition to General Spanish group tuition, taught over several schedules and intensities, the school also provides combination courses of Spanish group tuition and activities such as Latin Dancing, Scuba Diving, Mexican Cooking, Business Spanish and DELE Exam Preparation. One-to-one and two-to-one tuition is also available in conjunction with or independently from any other course. Specific programmes for families are available at various times throughout the year.

This school is a DELE Exam examination centre.

Social and cultural: Attractions within walking distance of the school include the 3D Museum of Wonders, the Playa del Carmen, the Frida Khalo Museum, the Playacan Mayan ruins, the Xaman - Ha Aviario bird-watching area and much more.

Spanish Courses

Show details of all courses
Typical content of a language course
General Language
Intensive CoursePopular Spanish course
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
245US$233US$
Course Details
Intensive + One-to-One Business Spanish
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
585US$556US$
Course Details
Intensive + Discover Mexico
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course tends to sell out quickly!
Offer!from
425US$404US$
Course Details
Private
Private Lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
Offer!from
340US$323US$
Course Details
Private Lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
Offer!from
480US$456US$
Course Details
Private Lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
Offer!from
600US$570US$
Course Details
Private Lessons 5
5 lessons per week
|
1 student (max)
Offer!from
180US$171US$
Course Details
Work & Study
Intensive + Voluntary Work
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
245US$233US$
Course Details
Business
Intensive + One-to-One Medical Spanish
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
585US$556US$
Course Details
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress
Intensive + One-to-One DELE Exam PreparationRecommended Spanish course
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course tends to sell out quickly!
Offer!from
585US$556US$
Course Details
Language Plus Activity
Intensive + Latin Dancing
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
425US$404US$
Course Details
Intensive + Mexican Cooking
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Offer!from
425US$404US$
Course Details

Our prices for International House - Riviera Maya include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week

Videos & Photos

  • School building
    School building 1/50
  • School premises
    School premises 2/50
  • Working together
    Working together3/50
  • 4/50
  • Students in class
    Students in class5/50
  • Group lesson
    Group lesson6/50
  • Teacher and students
    Teacher and students7/50
  • Local cuisine
    Local cuisine8/50
  • Dance lessons
    Dance lessons9/50
  • Eating together
    Eating together10/50
  • Historical site
    Historical site11/50
  • International House outdoor area
    International House outdoor area12/50
  • Bedroom in Playa del Carmen
    Bedroom in Playa del Carmen13/50
  • Lesson in progress
    Lesson in progress14/50
  • International House Riviera Maya accommdation
    International House Riviera Maya accommdation15/50
  • Cooking lesson
    Cooking lesson16/50
  • Meal time
    Meal time17/50
  • Reception
    Reception18/50
  • Front desk
    Front desk19/50
  • Front desk staff
    Front desk staff20/50
  • Learning to cook
    Learning to cook21/50
  • Learning to dance
    Learning to dance22/50
  • Computer
    Computer23/50
  • International House Riviera Maya classroom
    International House Riviera Maya classroom24/50
  • Shared room
    Shared room25/50
  • Making food
    Making food26/50
  • Dessert
    Dessert27/50
  • Shared kitchen in accommodation
    Shared kitchen in accommodation28/50
  • Walking tour of Playa del Carmen
    Walking tour of Playa del Carmen29/50
  • Exploring the city
    Exploring the city30/50
  • Interior
    Interior31/50
  • Trees
    Trees32/50
  • Welcoming new students to International House
    Welcoming new students to International House33/50
  • Breakfast buffet
    Breakfast buffet34/50
  • One-to-one lesson
    One-to-one lesson35/50
  • Working together at International House
    Working together at International House36/50
  • Building
    Building 37/50
  • Enjoying a meal
    Enjoying a meal 38/50
  • lesson
    lesson39/50
  • good food
    good food40/50
  • Food
    Food 41/50
  • Breakfast
    Breakfast42/50
  • Canteen
    Canteen43/50
  • Bathroom
    Bathroom44/50
  • Chatting
    Chatting45/50
  • Single room in Playa del Carmen
    Single room in Playa del Carmen46/50
  • Accommodation bathroom
    Accommodation bathroom47/50
  • International House Riviera Maya staff
    International House Riviera Maya staff48/50
  • Desk
    Desk49/50
  • Happy students
    Happy students 50/50

Student opinions about International House - Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Overall school rating of
International House - Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
71 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Facilities
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Value for money
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
3.8 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (0 ratings)
0.0 

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (11 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 31-49 years (26 ratings)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 50+ years (32 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
59 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“I very much appreciated my language stay at the International House - Riviera Maya both for the quality of the teaching and for the welcome and the general atmosphere. The Friday drink is the perfect opportunity to get closer to other students and create ties. I recommend it.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 22. Mar. 2022 by Jean-Francois Pepin
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
51 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Because the school building is closed, classes were held in empty rooms at the student residence. The rooms had fans and air conditioning which was great! My teacher, Natalia, facilitated many lively discussions which allowed us to practice our fluency.”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: My main goal was to practice fluency and that is exactly what I was able to do!
Course: Intensive  - 1 week
Review date: 16. Aug. 2021 by Robynn Hollis
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
27 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“I felt very comfortable at International House and would recommend it to anyone. In the afternoons, there is an additional voluntary programme (free of charge). Many classmates often do activities together after class. IH has been very familiar.”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: My course was very small (3 participants), which was of course great, as the teachers could pay more attention to the participants individually.
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 17. Apr. 2023 by Lyn Bültemann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
43 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“I had a lot of fun learning Spanish, very dedicated and friendly teachers and very dedicated and friendly staff, cafeteria in the school building, only 5 minutes to the beach. Residence: only 5 minutes to the beach and 5 minutes to the school.”
Insider tip: “The activities of the school are great and in the residence you can quickly meet other students.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 20. Jan. 2012 by Berthold Gabler
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Really good school, super nice teachers and beautiful premises. Possibility of different activities offered by the school :) Thank you for the great experience! I will definitely come back again :)”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Review date: 6. Jun. 2023 by Kristína Mončeková
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
32 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Very familiar. Good relationship between the students and between students and teacher. Young and enthusiastic teachers. Exchange with students from other Mexican universities and high schools.”
Insider tip: “Coco Bongo and swimming with whale sharks.”
Review details
Other comments The student residence is recommendable because it is located close to the centre and to the beach.
Course: Intensive Group Course + Mexican Cooking Classes - 2 weeks
Review date: 6. Jun. 2016 by Richard Strohmeier
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
55 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The instructor, Lucy. Also, the school's willingness to help with issues outside of the norm--doctors, housing, anything. The staff in Playa del Carmen is truly amazing.”
Insider tip: “I entered as an Elementary Level student and stayed for 4 weeks. I really feel I needed at least two months but couldn't do that, due to family, other obligations. Would recommend staying longer if you are able. If not, plan to return within a year. I am continuing my studies at home, with Duolingo application as well as Rosetta Stone and CDs.”
Review details
Other comments The air conditioning system could use some improvement. I realize this is a tropical environment, but it made it tedious to study at times.
Course: Intensive course - 4 weeks
Review date: 4. Jan. 2014 by Jane Rimer
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
51 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Great staff! I really enjoyed my classes with Marian. She was a wonderful and friendly teacher who explained things very well. Great value and great location.”
Disliked
“The recorded audio-conversations were too fast and worked sporadically. The teacher did not have the option to modify the speed.”
Review details
Course: Intensive  - 1 week
Review date: 17. Aug. 2021 by Sharon Angotti
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
55 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“Well located. Cool. Small group of students, about 5. Air conditioning in the room. Place for discussions. Availability of the employees. Courtesy.”
Insider tip: “Visit Mayan sites, beaches, Cozumel, Quinta, cenotes”
Review details
Other comments Late hours: 9:30 to 13:30 Would have liked to start earlier. Cafeteria disappointing, 1 choice but not expensive. The social activities are uninteresting and are the same from one week to the next. Some activities could be offered to stimulate students to speak Spanish more.
Course: Intensive [Espagnol] - 2 weeks
Review date: 6. Mar. 2018 by Clement Asselin
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
58 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The almost familial atmosphere, the functional, clean and well-located residence, the school cafeteria where one can eat good meals at cheap prices”
Insider tip: “Tulum - Chichentza - Coba - swim in a cenote - Ahcacao's chocolate! - playa and sea”
Review details
Other comments Good-quality lessons overall. For the last 2 weeks, as there was no other student with the same level, I followed private courses which allowed me to greatly improve
Course: Intensive Group Course - 6 weeks
Review date: 5. Mar. 2012 by Lucie Dionne
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
25 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The teachers were all super nice. Have answered all questions. Conny was our teacher. She is nice and prepared. I can recommend the school.”
Disliked
“Important to know. You pay for the textbook on site.”
Review details
Course: Two-to-One Semi-Private Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 18. Oct. 2021 by Kimberly Nitzsche
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
59 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The locations of the school and the student apartment are excellent. After-class activities are well organized almost every day.”
Insider tip: “I highly recommend this school because the teachers, school staff, and dormitory staff are friendly.”
Review details
Other comments Rooms in the dormitories are cleaned daily and kept in good condition. The water pressure in the showers is sufficient. There is a kitchen in the cafeteria and cooking utensils can be used freely. Rooms are equipped with a small refrigerator and freezer.
Course: Intensive Course - 4 weeks
Review date: 1. Aug. 2023 by Takahito Yoshino
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
56 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“How well organized the teacher and the office staff were. They met the students' every need. Also, how fun they made learning.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course - 1 week
Review date: 14. Aug. 2014 by Crystal Hentzen
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
37 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Approach of teachers during the lessons and after lessons, friendly atmosphere in the school and in the residential area”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course + Mexican Cooking Classes - 2 weeks
Review date: 17. Jul. 2012 by Joanna Senator
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
53 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Friendly, helpful and always supportive staff, great teacher (Viri), good lunch thanks to Yvonne and nice atmosphere.”
Insider tip: “I recommend a homestay to get to know the life in Mexico.”
Review details
Other comments Highly recommended school which attends to the needs of the individual and makes them feel welcome.
Course: Intensive Group Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 21. Oct. 2012 by Gabriele Vogel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
57 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Structure of the language learning. Very effective and efficient, and the instructor Alex was very good.”
Insider tip: “Explore some of the really good restaurants. Get to know your fellow students from all over the world. ”
Review details
Other comments Everyone was helpful and made me feel welcome. I will be continuing the course in future months.
Course: Intensive Group Course - 1 week
Review date: 13. Aug. 2013 by Dean Prigelmeier
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
69 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Free additional activities such as cooking classes, dance classes, city tours, and more are available.”
Disliked
“As with all Spanish schools in Playa del Carmen, there are not many students, so the difficulty is that the level of the classes is uneven.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 4 weeks
Review date: 27. Feb. 2023 by Kyoichi Iwamoto
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
57 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Friendly staff, clean accommodations, great air-conditioning, patient teachers (I was a beginner).”
Insider tip: “The front door to the residence is across from the church. We has a bit of a difficult time finding the front door when we arrived. You also might want to direct students to ask for the bus station close to the school. We walked with our suitcases from the one on Calle 4. ”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 21. Apr. 2015 by Ann Martell
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
61 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“They understood where I was having problems and addressed them to help me understand better.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 19 weeks
Review date: 30. Aug. 2023 by Gordon Dahl
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
42 years
Overall rating
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Liked
“Connecting with other students afterward. That is where I was able to practice and learn.”
Insider tip: “Staying at the residence looked much better for the price, versus homestay. Also, probably a better way to practice speaking with others.”
Review details
Other comments The teacher was very old school type who just asked us to answer worksheets. Not much interaction. Not much practice for learning the language. My 4 hours of private classes were MUCH better, as it was interactive and we practiced, not just filling in conjugations. I heard from 3 other students that a high level class was similar (worksheet based). Because it was such a small community (meeting in the same place for breaks, etc.) I felt I couldn't complain. It was a very weird experience. There were lots of negatives that I will write in a long letter to the school, so they are aware.
Course: Intensive Group Course - 1 week
Review date: 8. Aug. 2017 by Jessica Cardenas
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
72 years
Overall rating
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Liked
“Excellent setting and potentially great school. The social activities were excellent.”
Insider tip: “Nonstop bus from airport arrives less than one block from residence. No need to pay more. I paid $75 for transport from the airport, an unnecessary expense. The residence is almost ideal. It is close to the school and situated near restaurants and services. The rooms are basic but comfortable.”
Review details
Other comments The school has serious, but correctable problems. I came to improve my speaking, but did not receive a sufficient chance to do so, because of 7 students in my class. 7 is too many. Most of the 7 students spoke better than me. As a result, they dominated the discussions. Also, when my ability was initially evaluated, they determined my speaking ability was only intermediate level one, but they made no effort to determine my grammar level. As a result, I did not learn anything new in grammar. And sadly, I did not get enough chance to improve my speaking. The student residence is excellent, but the food needs improvement. It would not take much effort. Also, at the residence, students should be encouraged to speak only Spanish. Again, this would not take much effort. Because I did not learn much Spanish and because I spent money on transport, scuba diving and salsa which was not well organized, I have given the school a low rating. The problems can be corrected.
Course: Intensive Group Course + Latin Dancing - 1 week
Review date: 20. May. 2013 by Daniel Rosenfelt
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
58 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The school is really well organized and teachers are well trained and enthusiastic.”
Disliked
“I enjoyed everything. ”
Insider tip: “Join the WhatsApp ”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: I did an intermediate course and it was well structured.
Other comments Great staff. Welcoming and helpful.
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Review date: 21. Jun. 2023 by Maxine Sweeney
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
39 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“They really put an effort trying to fit your level. Nice teachers. Good cooks!”
Insider tip: “Buy organized trips via school - it”
Review details
Other comments The accommodation is very good. Breakfast is excellent!
Course: Intensive Group Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 12. Feb. 2012 by Kees Alders
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
36 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Learning in small groups, a lot of communication and fun in the classroom”
Review details
Course: Intensive  - 2 weeks
Review date: 17. Dec. 2018 by Veronika Kreuzwieser
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
53 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Nice atmosphere, committed teachers and fun activities besides lessons.”
Disliked
“During one of the weeks I was there, there were no classes on two days. This was not clear in advance.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 5. Apr. 2024 by Jeroen Van Hasselt
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
34 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The level of teaching and the warmness, it seems to be a small family”
Insider tip: “Keep an open mind, because firstly you are in a different country and should be respected the traditions and culture, and secondly, you will meet people from all over the world. Follow the lessons and especially practice the language without searching or forming groups of the same nationality. Mingle yourself with the knowledge of the people and language.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course - 5 weeks
Review date: 9. Sep. 2013 by Gina Schopfer Merlotto
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
56 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The welcome, the well-structured courses and the overall atmosphere.”
Disliked
“None”
Insider tip: “Frida Khalo Museum”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Excellent courses
Other comments I have very fond memories of it.
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 4. Jul. 2023 by Julie Charland
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
63 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“Nice atmosphere, good welcoming, teachers listening to the needs.”
Insider tip: “Touristic sites around.”
Review details
Other comments Inadequate course structure. The school does not give any info on course content: difficult to assess in which group one should be classified.
Course: Intensive Group Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 16. Feb. 2014 by André Poulin
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
60 years
Overall rating
2.0

Rating: 2/5.0

Liked
“Location was great. Marion the cooking instructor was awesome.”
Disliked
“Teacher focused overwhelming majority of her attention and her eye contact during instruction almost entirely on the only male student in the class. Was like the female students were only observers and not participants. She exhibited little or no patience, was terse and it felt as if she was annoyed and inconvenienced. ”
Insider tip: “Try different school in PDC or Ih in a different location.”
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: This private one on one teacher was good. Would not call this a “Business Spanish” course but enjoyed the grammar instruction nonetheless.
Other comments Very disappointed. Has a lot of potential but they squandered it on having a below par teacher. Just because a person speaks Spanish and has experience teaching grade school children doesn’t mean they are qualified to teach adults in a private professional school or university. A completely different skill set and training is required.
Course: Intensive + One-to-One Business Spanish - 2 weeks
Review date: 15. Aug. 2023 by Vivian Harrison
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
37 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The Location, the structure, the teachers and the staff.”
Insider tip: “There are so many activities allowing you to make new friends and to practice the language.”
Review details
Course: Intensive Group Course - 1 week
Review date: 8. Sep. 2010 by Marco Colombo
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
See all reviews of IH Playa del Carmen

Ratings of International House - Riviera Maya compared to ratings of all schools in Mexico

 International House - Riviera Maya Playa del CarmenAverage of all other schools in Mexico
Overall school rating4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

3.5

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Organisation4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Quality of teaching4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Value for money4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Homestay4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Shared flat4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

International House - Riviera Maya (IH)

““Combina idioma, arena y sol y aprenderás en Playa español, pero hazlo en International House que de las escuelas es la mejor.””
Lucia Flores
– 
Lucia Flores
, 
Director of International House - Riviera Maya
Accreditations and Quality seals
IALCSistema de Acreditación de Centros Instituto Cervantes (SACIC)IH World Organisation
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:30
Student gender mix
50% male / 50% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at International House - Riviera Maya and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoAmerican Express - logoMaestro - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
2004
Legal name/parent company
International House Barcelona, S.L. | Tax registration ID: RFC:SLR0906306R3
The school is an official exam center
The following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:

General school facilities

  • Cafeteria

  • Snack vending machine

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Free after-class access to language learning software

  • Lounge

  • Garden

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

  • Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)

  • Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in some classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 10
    • Number of public PC workstations: 4

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to cafeteria

Additional comment about facilities of school
- Cafeteria - Garden

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 40
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 20
Junior courses - In summer: 40
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 20
Minimum age of students
16 years
2 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 10
Adult courses Throughout the year: 10
Junior courses In summer: 10
Junior courses Throughout the year: 10
Average age of students
In summer: 27 years
Throughout the year: 27 years
Read our recommendations for students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 22%
Germany 17%
Switzerland 15%
Korea 6%
France 5%
England 3%
Sweden 3%
Brazil 2%
Japan 2%
Italy 2%
China 1%
Netherlands 1%
Turkey 1%
Other nationalities 20%

Information for all courses offered by International House - Riviera Maya

Lesson duration
55 minutes
Course material
Generally course material has to be purchased by the student. The costs of course material will be approximately 60 US$ per course level.
Comments about courses

What is included in the Intensive course price:

  • Registration.
  • Level test.
  • Personal interview.
  • Welcome breakfast.
  • First day walking tour.
  • 6 + hours/week of Spanish immersion with a social programme.
  • Closing ceremony.
  • Certificate at the end of the course.

    In case there is only one student at a given level in a given week, that student will take 10 private hours instead of the original 20 with no extra cost.

    The week starting April 3th includes two public holidays and therefore it will have a special price of USD 145.

    The school has two buldings; the school and the residence. The school is where the lessons take place, whilst the residence is where the welcome breakfast on the first day is held.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 30 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 04 Feb 2024, 05 Feb 2024, 18 Mar 2024, 01 May 2024, 15 May 2024, 16 Sep 2024, 18 Nov 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 03 Feb 2025, 17 Mar 2025, 17 Apr 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 16 Sep 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Cancun International Airport:
135 US$ one way
270 US$ return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Cancun.
More details about airports near Playa del Carmen and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Playa del Carmen page. For flight comparisons to Playa del Carmen, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Cooking1 km
Dancing-
Diving3 km
Golf3 km
Horse riding-3 km
Mountainbiking-3 km
Music-
Sailing-
Squash-
Swimming-
Tennis-
Volleyball-
Windsurfing-
Yoga2 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

The school organises special activities for students every weekday afternoon:
Mondays: city tour which includes a little walk around downtown Playa visiting some of the highlights
 Tuesdays: cooking lessons, with a different Mexican recipe every week
Wednesdays: Latin dance lessons
 Thursdays: playing games on the beach or having a movie or casino night (with board games) at the school
* Fridays: a party at the residence with free cocktails for all our students

Adults - Paid activities

The school organises excursions to some of the region's most interesting locations such as:
The ancient Mayan cities of Tulum and Chichen Itza
 The island of Cozumel, famous for its coral reefs and marine life
* Regional nature reserves

These excursions outside Playa del Carmen are optional and are therefore not included in the course fee.

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Tip: Type of accommodation. What is best for you?
Student Residence Most Popular Accommodation
Single room, Breakfast
In high demand!
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0
32 ratings
from
280 US$
Homestay
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0
11 ratings
from
340 US$
Homestay
Single room, Breakfast
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0
11 ratings
from
295 US$
Private Apartment
Single room, No meals
3.0

Rating: 3.0/5.0
1 rating
from
450 US$
Private Apartment
Triple room (only for 3 people travelling together), No meals
3.0

Rating: 3.0/5.0
1 rating
from
600 US$
Student Residence
Single room, No meals
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0
32 ratings
from
236 US$
Student Residence
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0
32 ratings
from
386 US$
Student Residence
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0
32 ratings
from
465 US$

Student Testimonial Videos

Note: The video testimonials of students from International House - Riviera Maya have been provided by the school and schools do not usually publish negative testimonials. For uncensored reviews read what our students report about their stay at International House - Riviera Maya.

Map  

Loading map content
Other language schools in Playa del Carmen offering Spanish courses: 

Questions and answers about International House - Riviera Maya

  • “Yes, there are 3 gyms near to our school and residence.”
    Isabel Reyes, from IH Riviera Maya - Feb 28, 2022
  • “Check-in is after 12pm, but reception is open 24 hours. You can arrive anytime.”
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 12, 2022
  • “Yes, this is possible! Depending on availability.”
    Isabel, Administration from International House - Riviera Maya - Mar 10, 2023
  • “Our classrooms have AC, and it is necessary due weather conditions.

    ”
    Isabel, from International House - Riviera Maya - Aug 08, 2023
  • “The clothes hangers are available in the apartment but the iron has to be requested at the reception and must be returned after use.”
    Isabel Reyes, Marketing Manager from International House - Jan 02, 2024
  • “The reception is open 24 hours, so it's no problem if you arrive late on a Sunday evening.”
    Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 22, 2024

FAQ about International House - Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

  • “Yes, International House Riviera Maya offers cultural activities such as a tour around Playa del Carmen, a cocktail party, salsa lessons, cooking lessons. Daily trips to the most beautiful and important sites in the region are available on-site at additional costs.
    International House is centrally located, close to the beach, and has a private tropical garden with a bar area where students can relax and socialize after class.     ”
    Ana Carolina, Area Manager from LanguageCourse.net - Dec 01, 2021
  • “In Playa del Carmen, International House Riviera Maya does not offer a specific group for Senior Students (50+ students). The average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools, and the teachers have plenty of experience in having students of all ages, adapting the content and rhythm of the class to students regardless of their age.”
    Ana Carolina, Area Manager from LanguageCourse.net - Dec 07, 2021
  • “Yes, single rooms with a private bathroom and AC are available, and you can include breakfast and one meal if you want. The distance from the residence to the school is 3 minutes walking.”
    Ana Carolina, Area Manager from LanguageCourse.net - Jul 15, 2022
  • “Here is what is included in the residences:
    TV, telephone, daily cleaning, towels, bed linen, WIFI access in the building (free WIFI), Air conditioning, private bathroom.

    Microwaves do not seem to be included.    ”
    Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jan 16, 2023
  • “Ashfield train station is a 5-minute walk from Advance English Sydney.
    ”
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Sep 16, 2024
  • 100% of teachers at International House - Riviera Maya hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at International House - Riviera Maya comes from USA with a 22% representation, followed by students from Germany (17%) and Switzerland (15%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • International House - Riviera Maya offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 27 during the summer and 27 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of International House - Riviera Maya

General brochure
General brochure
Price list 2025
Price list 2025
Calculator | Reservation
At LanguageCourse.Net you always pay less! Guaranteed.
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date