History:
The Spanish Cat was originally started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, by Iliana Del Carmen Hernández León and Thomas Norwood.
In 2006 Iliana returned to Mexico to open The Spanish Cat here.
Her local knowledge of people and places makes The Spanish Cat Tepoztlan a special place where we make everyone feel like a local.
If you really want to learn another language you must lose yourself in the culture of the country that speaks that language. That way, it becomes easier and more fun to learn.
It also gives us the opportunity of acting, pretending we're someone else, living in another place, far away, running away for a while so, as we come back to reality we have an enrichment of the heart, intellect and soul.
Spanish language can take you in less that an hour to the summit of Machu-Pichu in Peru, down through the Cañon del Sumidero in Chiapas, Mexico, to eating gorditas and taking an Alebrije with you in your dreams, to finishing up with a Flamenco night in España, shivering with the potency of their song.
Spanish gives you a new way of saying I love you and allows you to change the flavour of your meals. - Iliana Hernandez Leon
My name is Tom Norwood, one of the owners of The Spanish Cat along with my beautiful Mexican wife Iliana.
I have spent the last 13 years living between Australia and Mexico, and would like to share with you the wonderful experience of being part of Mexico's rich and varied culture as well as learning to speak its beautiful language.
Although I’m from Australia, whenever I’m here I feel like I’m home, and whenever I’m not here I feel homesick for a country that isn’t even mine.
The magic of this place, of the people who welcome you like one of their own, the weather which is body temperature all year round, the food which is some of the nicest in the world, the rambling, tumbling moss covered buildings and the history they represent, the constant festivals, and the general air of relaxed excitement that pervades every corner of this country has wrapped me in its spell.
Who are our students?
Unlike the majority of language schools in Mexico, The Spanish Cat doesn't get our students directly from high schools and colleges in the US.
This means that the atmosphere at The Spanish Cat is not one of young people out to party.
Not that we don't accept young people, in fact we believe that the younger you learn a second language the better, but just that whatever your age or background, you'll feel at home in our quiet, peaceful surroundings, and will find people here you can feel comfortable with.
During school vacation periods we welcome families who would like to come with their children and learn Spanish together. We have special classes for kids, and our safe environment is perfect for them.
Our staff:
Juan Manuel Gomez
Juan Manuel studied a degree in languages at the Universidad Angloamericano and is our General Administrator as well as one of the head teachers.
Juan Manuel is a great host, and makes learning fun as well as having a broad knowledge of Mexico.
Lucia Martinez
Lucy Martinez is our Academic Coordinator. Lucy studied a degree in languages at the Universidad Angloamericano, has done the COTE course at the British Council, and the Stage d'Enseignement de francais langue 'etrangere at Université Laval.
She speaks fluent Spanish, English and French, has been a teacher and coordinator for over 12 years, and is a friendly, caring and patient person, as well as having a lovely smile!
Ema Delia Noriega Aguirre
Ema is our head housekeeper. Her warm, caring and helpful nature will assure your stay is as pleasant as it is comfortable.
Georgin "Coquis" Hernandez
Coquis is our head groundsman, taking care of our garden and swimming pool as well as maintenance of the school. His broad knowledge of both local and exotic plants keeps our garden healthy and abundant.
GRACIAS POR VISITARNOS!
Click the above link to see the great things our students are saying about us on tripadvisor.com
