About Yelapa English Spanish Institute About Yelapa English Spanish Institute YESI is a small school, operated by the proprietor, Jean, and a collection of teaching associates and guides. She works from the patio of a small authentic palapa – a palm thatched house on the edge of the jungle with great ocean views, in a tranquil spot with the beauty of nature as your classroom. We teach only small groups – typically 2 to 4 per class. We offer five levels so we can match you with students with similar skills. We can also teach private classes, or at your home or at other locations for variety.
Other teaching associates are available based on demand, and your requirements, with excellent reviews from students: Elena Herzog - After earning 2 master's degrees at UC Berkeley, she fell in love with Yelapa and set out relentlessly to master Spanish for better communication with the locals. Now a professional interpreter and translator as well as language teacher she also has a degree in foreign language teaching from the Univ. of Guadalajara . She has lived in Yelapa and Puerto Vallarta off and on since 1983 and founded an English school in Quetzaltenango , Guatemala , where she lived for 6 years.
Recommendations: “The fact that after one short week Jean somehow managed to give me a solid base on which to further (my previously nonexistent) Spanish studies and allow me to have simple conversations and to shop amazes me and speaks to the quality of her teaching. Not only is she a great teacher, she's a wealth of local knowledge and a warm and friendly person. ” Gabriele Nolte, Gibsons “An awesome experience for someone looking to either learn or perfect Spanish. Jean is an exceptional teacher, understands how adults learn and want from a second language experience”. Angie Augier, St. Mary´s High School Calgary . “I LOVED the course … . You are not only a great and very dedicated teacher of language, but a very inspiring and entertaining person as well, nothing but wonderful memories.” Bill Gorishek, Grand Junction . |
Jean Hnytka - The principle instructor and proprietor (locally known as Juanita), although born Canadian, has spent much of the last 23 years working and traveling throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain. She's been a Yelapa regular visitor since 1989, instructed languages since 1999, and operated the Yelapa English Spanish Institute program since 2001. In addition, she's taught languages in Canada and Portugal , and worked in Canadian schools with children with learning difficulties. 
Izabel Drexel – Izabel is from Guadalajara , with years of study and work in United States , Barcelona and London . She's obtained a Masters from the University of Guadalajara . Over the last 12 years she's put her talents into massage, dance, art and cooking. She assists YESI by guiding language activities in the field and coaching intermediate and advanced conversational Spanish. 
Gilberto Torres – Gilberto is from Mexico City , and a father of two young boys. He works with Children's groups for YESI in addition to owning his own silk-screening business in nearby Boca.