Faces of Na’atik: Cesar
If you’ve come to Na’atik as a study abroad student you’ve probably met Cesar, one of our local Spanish teachers. He has a passion for languages, having studied English at university, and loves local history. When he’s not teaching Spanish classes at Na’atik he leads our walking tour around Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and plays bass in a rock band who, if you’re lucky, you may get to see play at the Domingos Culturales (Culture Sundays) in the park.
How long have you worked at Na’atik Language and Culture Institute as a Spanish teacher?
Pretty much three years to the day!
What did you do before joining the Na’atik family?
I used to be an English teacher. I taught at an elementary school and also at some universities here in Mexico.
What made you want to become a teacher, and study languages?
I wanted to travel and be able to learn about other countries and communicate. And also help people here in Mexico.
Where are you from?
I live in Carrillo, but I have lived in many places around the Peninsula, so if you need any recommendations of where to go after your visit at Na’atik just let me know!
What’s your favorite thing about Felipe Carrillo Puerto?
Probably how calm and easy going the town is and the people.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching Spanish at Na’atik?
I honestly believe that my favorite thing about working and teaching at Na’atik is sharing the culture and history from my country, and my town. And meeting new people.
When someone comes to Felipe Carrillo Puerto or to study at Na’atik what’s the one thing you would tell them they have to do before they leave?
Apart from having a Spanish lesson from me? Oh, definitely go to the museum. It’s open late and you can hang out at the parque after. Or, you need to try the tacos from Tacos Gomez. They are the best.
What’s your top tip for someone learning Spanish?
For anyone learning a language, and this can be any language not just Spanish, get to know about the people and the culture. Understand the background and origins of the words and phrases and you’ll understand the language more.
If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.