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wandrousmuse · Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 3

I arrive in Cancun on January 5, so I will have a few weeks of traveling before I arrive in San Cristobal de las Casas to begin classes February 3. When I inquired about a computer lab, administration advised I bring a laptop. I've read that San Cristo. has many internet cafes, but has anyone taken such a course (or this course at the Insituto Jovel Tesol International) and been able to get by just using internet cafes/computer labs?

When I studied abroad in Mexico City, I spent my first six weeks without a laptop and used internet cafes to write the 2 - 3 two-page papers I had to turn in each week. Would this work with a TESOL course with what I'm sure is a heavier workload?

Has anyone taken a TESOL course and wished/ been grateful they'd had a laptop?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Bring your laptop...you'll miss it if you don't. Even if you don't find a lot of wifi hotspots, you'd probably be happier bringing it into the internet cafes to do your work.

I don't know that particular course provider but I'd take their advice...you'll want the laptop. Do they offer a computer lab if needed?

I teach a similar course and I'm used to working with students on tablets or phones at this point. We have a computer lab that just about no one uses now except for posadas and young learner programs.

wandrousmuse · Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 3

Guy, thanks for the advice! Though it hasn't been that long since I was last in school, I have a nostalgia for just taking notes the old-fashioned way (pen and paper) and going to the computer lab/ library to write my papers. I also remember from my time in D. F. that the presence of my laptop caused me to shut myself off from my surroundings. But, you're right: I would miss it.