At Common Ground International, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our new friends: Spanish and Go—a dynamic, passionate couple (now a family of three!) helping Spanish learners experience the language through deep cultural immersion in Mexico.
In a recent conversation between Rory from Common Ground and Jim, co-founder of Spanish and Go, we explored their story, their mission, and the incredible immersion retreats they lead across Mexico. Whether you’re dreaming of Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, or the colorful alleyways of Guanajuato, Spanish and Go offers truly unique, transformative experiences.
Listen to Rory and Jim’s chat in the following video and get a behind-the-scenes look into their journey and what makes their immersion programs special.
From Pen Pals to Spanish Educators: The Story Behind Spanish and Go
Spanish and Go began long before the first retreat ever took place. Back in 2010, Jim and May met through the language-exchange platform iTalki, back when it offered a “pen pal-style” messaging feature.
Six months of exchanging messages led to an invitation:
May asked Jim to visit Mexico.
Jim took the leap… and the rest is history.
May, a certified Spanish teacher, helped Jim navigate real-life Spanish—grammar, slang, cultural nuance—and that life-changing experience shaped Spanish and Go’s mission today:
To help learners explore the Spanish-speaking world through meaningful, immersive experiences.
What started as a podcast later grew into a thriving YouTube channel, and now a series of Spanish immersion retreats throughout Mexico.
Why Mexico? Culture, Warmth, and the Best Food in the World
For Jim, originally from Minnesota, Mexico quickly became home.
He shared a few of his favorite aspects:
1. The warmth of Mexican people
Friendly, inviting, and always willing to help—Mexican hospitality is unmatched.
2. The humor
Mexican humor is playful and witty (less sarcastic than typical U.S. humor), but a joy to learn and share.
3. The food
Jim says it proudly:
Mexico has the best food in the world.
Enchiladas, chilaquiles, moles, salsas, regional dishes—it’s endless.
Immersion Destinations: Explore Mexico Like a Local
Spanish and Go currently offers immersive retreats in:
Guanajuato City🇲🇽
- Birthplace of Mexico’s fight for independence
- Colorful alleyways, incredible mining history
- Famous enchiladas mineras
- Even a natural mummy museum (yes, really!)
Mexico City🇲🇽
- One of the largest, most vibrant cities in the world
- Aztec history, world-class cuisine, markets, museums, ruins
- Everything from street tacos to high-end dining
Oaxaca🇲🇽
- Considered the food capital of Mexico
- Home of mole, mezcal, coffee, and chocolate
- Ancient ruins like Monte Albán
- Rich Indigenous heritage and traditions
Mérida (Yucatán) 🇲🇽
- Colonial architecture, rich Maya history
- Close to beaches
- Considered one of the safest cities in North America
- Signature dish: cochinita pibil
Each location offers something totally unique—history, climate, cuisine, and cultural flavors.
Is Mexico Safe? Honest Answers from 15 Years of Experience
Safety is one of the top questions Spanish and Go receives.
Jim shared this perspective:
- He has lived in Mexico on and off for 15 years
- Spanish and Go has brought 300+ students on retreats
- They’ve had zero safety incidents
- Violence in Mexico tends to be targeted—and tourists are not the target
They choose cities they know deeply, stay with the group throughout the trip, and ensure all lodging, restaurants, and experiences are vetted.
This isn’t “wing it and hope”—it’s structured, supported, and deeply guided.
What Makes Their Immersion Retreats Unique?
These aren’t typical Spanish programs. They’re truly curated, guided experiences designed to help learners build confidence in real-world Spanish.
✨ High teacher-to-student ratio
Often 1:3 — meaning tons of personalized support.
✨ Classes every morning
- Beginner/Intermediate weeks
- Intermediate/Advanced weeks
- Morning classes + small-group practice
✨ Group meals + cultural activities
Food & history tours, museum visits, mezcal tastings, street food nights, and more.
✨ Optional evening experiences
Or chances to explore independently.
✨ 1:1 mini-classes available
For grammar, pronunciation, or personal questions learners may not want to ask in a group.
✨ Detailed logistics
Spanish and Go handles:
- Airport pickup
- Lodging
- Local transportation
- Activities
- Restaurant selections
- Safety guidance
- Cultural coaching
You’re never “left alone” unless you want to wander.
Their Podcast & YouTube Channel: Perfect Prep for Your Trip
Learn Spanish and Go (the podcast)
- 100% in Spanish
- 20–30 minute weekly episodes
- Cultural topics, travel tips, slang, phrases
- “Breakdown” section in English to review vocab and usage
- ~300 episodes (almost 600 total audio tracks with breakdowns)
The YouTube Channel
Geared toward beginner/intermediate learners with practical videos on:
- Real-life Spanish
- Grammar
- Slang
- Cultural questions (e.g., “Is gringo offensive?”)
Join a Retreat in Mexico
If you’re looking for:
- A safe, guided immersion experience
- Beautiful cities rich in culture and food
- Friendly teachers
- Daily Spanish practice
- Support from locals who deeply understand both cultures
…then Spanish and Go offers an incredible way to grow your confidence and fluency.
Here are their 2027 retreat lineup dates:
Guanajuato, March:
- March 1–8: Beginner–Intermediate
- March 11–18: Intermediate–Advanced
Mexico City, April/May:
- April 18–25: Beginner–Intermediate
- April 29–May 6: Intermediate–Advanced
Guanajuato, June:
- June 11–18: Beginner–Intermediate
- June 21–28: Intermediate–Advanced
Oaxaca, November:
- November 5–12: Beginner–Intermediate
- November 16–23: Intermediate–Advanced
And remember that by being a part of our community you can use the code COMMONGROUND100 for US$100 off your retreat deposit! Learn more directly on their website: https://spanishandgo.com/immersion-retreats/
Explore More Immersion Opportunities with Common Ground
If you’ve been dreaming of expanding your Spanish through immersive travel—not just in Mexico but across Latin America—Common Ground offers transformational programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile.
Each destination provides unforgettable cultural experiences, expert teachers, community interactions, and the chance to use Spanish every day in meaningful ways.
