This year, 2025, marks our 50th anniversary, and we are incredibly proud of our journey teaching Spanish to international students here in Cuernavaca.

Our roots, however, go back even further. Our director, Hermilo, started his career in 1961, when he trained as a Spanish teacher at the legendary CIDOC, founded by Iván Illich. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching Spanish in Cuernavaca. In 1975, together with Edmundo, he founded IDEAL (Instituto de Estudios de América Latina, for its initials). The name reflected the vision of a continent united by language and culture, recognizing the deep and powerful connection that Spanish creates across most of Latin America.

On this special occasion, we want to thank everyone who has been a part of this beautiful project, both directly and indirectly. A special shout-out to our amazing teachers and our wonderful host families.

The Heart of IDEAL: Our Teachers

Our teachers are the very essence of IDEAL. They are the faces our students see every day, guiding them in their journey to learn Spanish and Mexican culture. They often become invaluable allies in this adventure, and it’s not uncommon for lifelong friendships and even romances to blossom in these classrooms.

A Vital Pillar: Our Host Families

Our host families are another vital pillar. By opening their homes, they don’t just provide lodging and food; they offer an authentic cultural immersion. They become a trusted guide for exploring Cuernavaca, offering unconditional support, and most importantly, providing that human warmth and genuine conversation that a hotel could never offer. In our community, we say that our families are our “safety net,” ensuring a secure and welcoming stay for everyone.

Friends for Life

Over these past 50 years, we have forged lasting friendships with students, promoters, and group leaders. It’s impossible to name you all, as each of you has been so important to us—you know who you are! Your help in promoting the school and your enthusiasm when you talk about IDEAL makes us feel so deeply grateful. But above all, it’s your friendship that we hold in our hearts.

The Engine of Our Work: Our Students

Finally, we can’t forget the most important part of IDEAL: our students. Over five decades, so many of you have come to learn Spanish with us. Seeing the school full of your faces fills our hearts with joy and enthusiasm. You are the reason for our work and what motivates us to keep going. Another time, we will share more of the wonderful experiences and countless stories we’ve lived together.

We hope to continue this beautiful mission that, we are sure, will continue to bring so much satisfaction to all of us who are lucky enough to be a part of it.

Thank you for 50 years of history!