Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why would a student choose Se Habla… La Paz rather than another?

a. The caliber of the instruction and methodology used by our instructors is second to none

b. The educational materials are logical, sequential and exceptional

c. Each student is evaluated before initiation of their individualized program

d. Our legal programs are Bar accredited and our general program is college accredited

e. The school is like being in an elegant and inviting home with great break snacks

f. Customer service is a value, not a job

Click to read our updated traveler information

1. Is La Paz a safe city for women travelers?

Yes, absolutely. One always must take typical and usual precautions as when traveling anywhere in a foreign country but so many of the women traveler’s comment on the polite responses from the people of La Paz . Saying that, if one wears short shorts and provocative clothing and one’s manner is less than conservative, then one must deal with the consequences. The women of Mexico are conservatively attired at all times. The young girls wear the skin-tight pants, skirts and tops with bare mid-sections and thus get the attention that they are seeking. La Paz is a conservative city and not a beach town in the sense that most people don’t wear their beachwear around town.

2. Is there internet connection in La Paz ?

Yes, there are more coffee/internet cafes than churches these days. Most hotels and this school have WiFi as well.

3. Will my cell phone work down there?

No idea. Check with your carrier and see what they say about coverage depending upon your particular plan. Many who are coming for a reasonable length of time buy a cell phone here with minutes included for around $50 USD.

4. Is the school closed for Mexican holidays?

Yes, we are closed on national holidays (see Calendar page for those holidays in 2011-2012) and for Christmas/New Year’s weeks, re-opening the first Monday in January.  In the weeks of national holidays, students may elect to have classes only 4 days a week OR add in the extra hours lost during the rest of their program, thus completing a full week.  There is a discount for partial weeks wherein there is a holiday.  We incorporate information about the holidays into the cultural lectures given every week to give the students more information on the holidays that they are experiencing and their historical or religious significance.

5. How do I get to La Paz ?

At this update, there are five carriers serving La Paz: Viva Aerobus, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Volaris, Aerolitoral. Not all carriers fly daily so checking the Internet for schedules is imperative. The prices to fly directly into La Paz are higher than flying into Los Cabos. We have complete directions for students who want to fly into Los Cabos and take a good bus to La Paz. One must add 5 hours of travel time onto their schedule from touchdown in Cabo to arrival in La Paz but the overall cost can be hundreds of dollars cheaper.

6. Are the overland buses safe?

Very safe, comfortable and very affordable. It costs about $25 for a one way ticket to La Paz from San Jose or Cabo San Lucas. The buses are air-conditioned, clean, have comfy/assigned seats, and movies! It will take between 2.5-3.5 hours depending upon the route taken to La Paz, the amount of traffic and road conditions.

7. How is the water in La Paz ?

Most people of La Paz and its visitors drink bottled water. The water from the city is highly treated and filtered and is safe but tastes like treated water. Every home and business has a storage system that is normally good as long as it is well-maintained.

Ice and water from the tap to brush teeth is normally fine. The problems result when we have had hurricanes and/or torrential rains that back up the drainage system. Additional care is taken during those times.

8. When is the hurricane season, normally?

Late August, September and early October. It’s the hottest and most humid during these times.

The hurricanes have come in on a every 2-3 year basis so since we had a good one in 2008, we should be OK for a while. No guarantees.

9. How far are the beautiful beaches? Can you swim from the beaches in the city?

One wouldn’t swim in the Bay of La Paz but rather walk 45 minutes to the first good beach or a little farther to La Concha Hotel where there is a good beach and services. Two of the most beautiful beaches are a 20-minute drive or a bus ride north of the city.

10. Do I need a car to get around?

La Paz is a very walkable city and there are city buses that run everywhere. All rental car agencies are here. Students may rent bicycles to get around.

11. How do you choose your homestay families?

Our homestay families are usually referred from existing families. We interview with the families extensively, visit the homes and seek references if we haven’t already been introduced. The families understand that being a homestay family for Se Habla students is more than renting a room. The students are part of these middle to upper-middle class families and participate as they would like. The homes are clean and the cooking is fabulous! The homestay matching is done both ways, the student to the family and the family to the student. Couples are welcome as well as singles. There are not accommodations for young children, however. The homes are not child-proofed. We match eating preferences, allergies, distance to the school, pets and older children in the home. Our track record with good matching is exceptional and our families are truly wonderfully supportive people as our students learn the language and culture.

12. What is the youngest student that you will accept into the program?

Age 14-15 seems to be the youngest that most adolescents can fit into this adult program.

13. Where are you located?

Francisco I. Madero #540 between Vicente Guerrero and República, La Paz, BCS, Mexico. Visit our map page to find a clickable and zoomable map with street view option (when you click to view the larger version).