Ep 3. Getting Schooled in Tulum

In this episode of Mexico Life season 3, we are taken to the beautiful beach town of Tulum, known for its ancient ruins and stunning turquoise waters. But for the families featured in this episode, it is also a destination for education.

The first family we meet are the Mendozas. They are originally from San Diego and are relocating to Tulum with their four children in order to start a new chapter in their lives. Their main goal is to immerse their children in the local Mexican culture and language. To achieve this, they have decided to enroll their children in a local bilingual school in Tulum. The school is unique in that it has a focus on environmental education, which aligns with the Mendozas' values. We follow the family as they search for the perfect home close to the school and navigate their way through the enrollment process.

Next, we are introduced to Ana and Antonio. They are a Mexican couple who were living in the United States but decided to move back to Mexico, specifically to Tulum, for the sake of their six-year-old daughter, Manuela. Ana and Antonio are entrepreneurs and have started a business selling handmade Mexican products to tourists. They hope to integrate Manuela into their business and expose her to the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in the town. To do this, they are enrolling her in a local Montessori school, which has a similar philosophy to their own business. The school allows for creativity, independence, and the freedom to learn at one's own pace. We follow the family as they search for a home that is close to both the school and their business.

Lastly, we meet Craig and Christy, a couple originally from Seattle who have visited Tulum many times and have now decided to make it their permanent home. They have a teenage daughter named Isla who needs a more specialized education due to learning challenges. They are able to find a school that caters to her needs and is run by a Canadian couple who have also relocated to Tulum. The school provides one-on-one attention and individualized learning plans for each student. We follow the family as they search for a home that is within their budget and also accommodates their daughter's needs.

Throughout the episode, we see the challenges and rewards of moving to a new country and enrolling children in local schools. We also get a glimpse into the unique educational opportunities available in the town of Tulum and why families are drawn to it. The episode showcases the beauty and diversity of the town and the importance of education and cultural immersion for families.