Rules of the Game

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Instituto Matatena! These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of Instituto Matatena's Website, located at https://institutomatatena.com. By accessing this website, we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use Instituto Matatena if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page.

At Instituto Matatena, we believe learning is a game of skill, rhythm, and connection. To keep the game fair and fun for everyone, please read our "Rules of the Game".

I. Entering the Game (Enrollment & Payments)

• Lifetime Player License (Launch Promotion): The normal price to register for Matatena Community is $55, but for a limited time we are offering you our $35 Launch Promotion. It is necessary to start the administrative process for your booking. This license covers course placement, administrative arrangements and your forever access to the community.

• The First Turn: To secure your spot in our calendar, all class packages must be paid in full before your first session.

• Currency & Methods: All prices are in USD. We accept digital payments via Stripe.

II. Your Turn to Speak (Scheduling & Private Lessons)

• Class Expiration Rule: Classes must be completed within the Mission Timer period:

  • Modo Práctica (2 - 5 hours): 4 weeks

  • Modo Aventura (6 a 15 hours): 8 weeks

  • Modo Leyenda (16 a 20 hours): 12 weeks

  The countdown begins on the date of your first session. Stay in the game and keep your rhythm going!

• Your steps: You need to buy at least 2 hours per week in this modality.

• The 12-Hour Rule: We respect your time and our teachers' expertise. If you need to reschedule a private lesson, you must notify us at least 12 hours in advance.

  • 12+ hours notice: We reschedule your turn at no cost.

  • Less than 12 hours notice (or No-Show): The "turn" is considered played, and the class will be charged in full.

• Punctuality: The game starts on time. Late arrivals do not extend the session.

III. Playing in Teams (Group Classes)

• Commitment: Group classes move at a shared rhythm. No refunds or rescheduling for individual absences.

• The Friday Challenge (Assessment): Every Friday, we have a "Game Exam" to measure your progress. If the minimum score (60%) is not met, you have two paths to stay in the game:

  • Level Up + Recovery: Move to the next level but you must book a "Recovery Turn": 1 extra hour of class per day for at least 3 days.

  • Replay the Level: Repeat the current level, provided a new group for that level opens the following week.

IV. Matatena Quality & Materials

• Specialized Training: Beyond general Spanish, we offer personalized coaching for Business, Specific Professions, and DELE Exam Preparation.

• The Toolkit: We use cutting-edge tools including ICT, didactic games, and immersion activities. Our core manuals are Aula Internacional Plus 1 and/or Aula América.

• Eco-Friendly Library: To protect the environment, we offer a Book Rental Program.

  • Rental fee: $10 USD.

  • Security deposit: $60 USD (fully refunded when the book is returned in good condition).

  • If you prefer to buy your own copy, please request the ISBN information well in advance of your start date.

V. Fair Play & Safety

• Safe Space: Any form of harassment or discrimination will result in immediate expulsion without a refund.

• Substance Policy: The consumption of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited inside the school facilities. We maintain a healthy and professional learning environment.

• Media Release: Instituto Matatena reserves the right to use photographs or video recordings taken during lessons or activities for promotional material. If you do not wish to appear in our media, please inform the staff clearly upon your arrival.

Read our Matatena Fair Play Code (Student regulations) at this link to more information.

VI. The School Calendar (Closed Dates)

The game pauses during the following National Holidays and dates:

• Winter Break (Last week of December and the first of January).

• First Monday of February (Día de la Constitución).

• Third Monday of March (Natalicio de Benito Juárez)

• Spring Break (March 30th - April 3rd).

• May 1st (Día del Trabajo).

• May 15th (Día del Maestro)

• September 16th (Día de la Independencia).

• November 2nd (Día de Muertos).

• Third Monday of November (Revolución Mexicana).

• December 12th (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe).

Refunds or discounts are not applied for these holiday closures.

VII. Refunds & Re-scheduling (The "Rain Check" Policy)

• Start Date Changes: If you cannot start your course on the scheduled date, you may postpone your start date once. Your credit is valid for 12 months from the original date. After 12 months, the credit will be forfeited.

• Partial Refunds: Refunds are only considered in extreme cases (documented death of an immediate family member or severe medical emergency). In these cases, a partial refund will be issued.

• No Refund Rule: No refunds are issued once the course has started, nor in cases where the student is expelled for violating the "Matatena Fair Play Code".

VIII. Health & Insurance (Your Wellbeing)

• Personal Insurance: Instituto Matatena does not provide medical, accident, or travel insurance. It is the student’s sole responsibility to obtain comprehensive insurance for the duration of their stay in Mexico.

• Health Disclosure: Students must inform the school of any physical or mental health conditions that could affect their ability to participate in the program or impact the well-being of others. This information is kept strictly confidential and is used only to ensure a safe learning environment.

IX. Liability Waiver (Exención de Responsabilidad)

• Inherent Risks: The student acknowledges that participating in language courses, cultural trips, and recreational activities involves inherent risks.

• Release of Liability: By accepting these terms and completing your payment, you release Instituto Matatena, its owner, employees, and partners from any and all liability for any illness, injury, death, loss, or damage to personal property that you may suffer during your program. You play at your own risk, and we promise to provide the safest "board" possible.