WELCOME TO Study Spanish In Guatemala
The very reason we exist is to Unite Cultures. We do that by building bridges, using languages as a tool, offering a unique cultural immersion language and experiences in the heart of the Mayan World.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Not only do you get extraordinary Spanish tuition, with some of the most qualified and highly trained teachers in Guatemala, in stunning locations, there’s also something very special about what happens when you study with us.
We call it our ‘Why, How, What’ because the very reason we exist is to Unite Cultures… from all over the world and all over Guatemala.
We do that by building bridges, using language as a tool, but also offering a unique cultural immersion so that every time you improve your own opportunities in life through your new language and experiences, a local, less-privileged child gets invaluable extra education and healthy nutrition.
STYLE & METHOD
Our main objective is to teach our students to express themselves in Spanish, in any situation. With a personalized, interactive method of teaching (one teacher per student) and extracurricular activities, you are able to learn Spanish at your own pace. Our great flexibility to adapt to your needs, along with the professionalism of teachers and a atmosphere created by students from over 35 different countries, will help you in your progress.
In class there is one teacher for every student to design courses specifically for you. The first day you’ll take a ‘level-test’ exam level to be able to start the course that best suits your needs and abilities. The whole time you’re with us, your progress will be closely monitored by teachers. Before leaving your Spanish School, you’ll be awarded a Certificate of Attendance and Grade Sheet with the results of your language and communication skill.
OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs are also based in the Common European Framework, which allows us to customize the classes for your unique needs, levels and goals.
Choose from a range of programs to suit your personal or professional needs:
- General Intensive (typically 20-25 hours per week).
- Spanish for Business
- Spanish for Children
- Preparation for Certification in Spanish as a foreign language
- Spanish for Health Care Professionals
Classes are run during the following hours at all our schools:
Monday to Saturday: 8am to 6pm.
Our Prices
Registration Fee = $20.00/Student
15 Hours of Classes = $120.00/Week
20 Hours of Classes = $160.00/Week
25 Hours of Classes = $200.00/Week
30 Hours of Classes = $240.00/Week
Homestay Shared Bath = $120/Week
Homestay Private Bath = $150/Week
Homestays are only offered in San Pedro & San Juan. NO homestays in San Marcos.
TUITION FEES
We offer a number of study and payment options, depending if you are studying one-to-one , as a pair, with or without Homestay.
And remember, when you pay for your classes, you’re directly helping to provide Heath, Nutrition and Education to the children of Lake Atitlan.
TUITION PAYMENTS
All tuition prices are quoted (above) in US$ Dollars.. Payment can also be made of course in Quetzales: most students use the local ATM to withdraw GTQ for tuition payments. ATMs will dispense upto GTQ2000 per transaction. If your card allows a larger withdrawal you will need to make a second transaction. Please verify with your bank on the fees for International ATM usage. Also Guatemalan ATMs use a 4 digit PIN. If your PIN is longer than 4 digits change it before you leave home.
PLEASE READ
To reserve your space at the school each student must submit an application (APPLY NOW)and a $20.00 non-refundable Registration Fee. This is an administrative fee and not part of your tuition. Fifty percent (50%) of your registration fee goes directly to fund the school’s social project Niños del Lago. One application can be submitted with multiple students as long as each student pays the fee: $20.00 per student.
All prices are subject to change. Please check at time of booking.
Option to study in pairs is available at a reduced rate. Home Stay prices for study in pairs are per person not per couple.
Homestays are ONLY offered in San Pedro & San Juan. There are NO Homestays in San Marcos. The Host Family with shared bath includes seven days accommodation with three meals per day, except Sundays & Internet access.
The Host Family with Private bath includes seven days accommodations with three meals per day, except on Sundays, Internet access and 3 Kg (8lbs) of laundry service.
We receive students every day of the week during these hours. Please schedule your arrive during our office hours (below) to be allocated your Home Stay and teacher.
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm.
Saturday: 8am to 5pm.
Sunday: 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 7pm.
How to Enroll
Flexible Schedule Courses start every Monday, although with the flexibility to also start on other days of the week (if necessary), once we’ve made the reservation. Our program is available throughout the year.
Personalized / Customized Courses In class there is one teacher for every student to design courses specifically for you. The first day you’ll take a ‘level-test’ exam level to be able to start the course that best suits your needs and abilities. The whole time you’re with us, your progress will be closely monitored by teachers. Before leaving your chosen Spanish School, you’ll be awarded a Certificate of Attendance and Grade Sheet with the results of your language and communication skills.
Qualified Teachers We’re proud of the quality and professionalism of the whole team of people from our four Spanish Schools, and are aware that our teachers are what make the school what it is: a professional, innovative and dynamic learning-centre. To achieve this, teachers use real-life situations, following an interactive methodology that will make you feel an important part of the class.
Volunteer Program Whether as a student of San Pedro, San Marcos or San Juan Spanish School you will have the opportunity to participate in our volunteer program with the Niños del Lago project either indirectly or, if you choose the Combined Course options you can go to San Pedro and directly help or support the children and youth of our community in the areas of education, health and nutrition. You can also participate in other community projects such as agriculture, construction etc. It can be an important part of your experience in Guatemala, and to have chance to make a positive impact in the community.
Our schools support the values of dignity, prosperity and well being. By studying with us you’re directly helping to provide the children of Lake Atitlan with Heath, Nutrition and Education.
Combined Courses Don’t forget: for those of you who wish to increase your Guatemala, language and cultural experiences, you can also combine your stay in any two of our School locations, with the same quality of education; Quetzaltenango, San Pedro, San Marcos or San Juan Spanish Schools: each a different heart-beat of the Maya World. Discuss with your teacher or our administrative team who can work out the best options for you, depending on your timing and interests
Homestay Almost all our students choose to live with a local family during their first weeks of learning Spanish. The families are carefully selected. First we visit them several times, and later we get feedback from the students. Living with a family is an excellent way to practice the language and learn different aspects of Mayan culture. Besides the hospitality, you will have an opportunity to learn Spanish quickly outside of school and to discover and enjoy the secrets of typical Guatemalan food. All home stays are located near the school.
Activities and Excursions (subject to local availability)
You’ll find that participating in the activities and optional excursions are an ideal complement to the Spanish language courses. Organised by the Coordinator of Activities, you can practice what you learn in class. From Monday to Friday you can participate in:
- Conversation Club: This gives you even more chance to improve your fluency. With the guidance of a teacher you can interact with students of similar levels. You need to consult your teacher to find the right conversation club class to take part in, according to the levels of the European Common Framework for Languages, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
- Movies and documentaries: Today, it is obvious that part of learning to speak a language is to also learn how the culture of that language works in communication between its speakers.
- Conferences/Discussions: Another way to be exposed to the Spanish language is to listen to and ask questions at conferences on topics of everyday life in Guatemala, such as the history, culture and social issues of today.
- Salsa Classes: This is a great opportunity to get together with other students to enjoy a little time relaxing, having fun and learning the Latin American rhythms of salsa; its music, dance and its body movement co-ordination.
- Outdoor/Weekend Activities: During the weekend you can participate in a variety of activities organized by the school or you can take other options which we offer. Your teacher or school program co-ordinator will advise about the availability of activities like hiking a nearby volcano, visiting San Francisco and Chichicastenango markets, Thermal Baths and other tours and activities. Participating will give you chance to both understand more from your study-visit, as well as chance to put your new language skills into action!
STUDY AT ONE OF OUR SCHOOLS
Whether you´re looking for an amazing lake-side location, tranquil garden classes or something a bit more lively in a Maya city, you´re sure to find what you need with us here…
Stunning views of the lake and a pure Maya heart up in the town centre and market, with a lively and popular tourist and cafe-bar scene… for many, San Pedro has it all. Our campus is located in extensive lush gardens right on the shores of Lake Atitlan. While studying you can hear the birds singing, see hummingbirds close-up and listen to the waves of the lake surrounded by the spectacular panorama. Enroll Now!
Just 15 minutes away by boat from San Pedro, but a world of difference….our San Marcos school campus is located in a completely new and tranquil piece of land, close to, but discreetly away from the main lanes. A popular village with striking views of the volcanoes, with many excellent restaurants plus a variety of health and spiritual practitioners. Study in our unique thatched ‘palapas’ and soak up the atmosphere too! Enroll Now!
For many years San Juan has resisted the tourist development of neighbours San Pedro and San Marcos. What makes this little town a gem for your location study therefore is the totally authentic pace and rhythm, along with being a renowned centre for weaving and ceramic arts, herbal medicine and archaeology. Studying at our all new, tranquil gardens makes this a learning opportunity like no other. Enroll Now!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
You can start classes Monday through Saturday. We suggest you reserve your classes one week in advance.
We receive students every day of the week, please schedule your arrive during these hours to receive your home stay and teacher assignment. If you arrive outside of these hours you will need to find a hotel for your 1st night.
Our comprehensive table of Tuition and Homestay Prices are:
Registration Fee = $20.00/Student
15 Hours of Classes = $120.00/Week
20 Hours of Classes = $160.00/Week
25 Hours of Classes = $200.00/Week
30 Hours of Classes = $240.00/Week
Homestay Shared Bath = $120/Week
Homestay Private Bath = $150/Week
Homestays are only offered in San Pedro & San Juan. NO homestays in San Marcos.
There are four in San Pedro. One near the Panajachel dock (’embarcadero’), another at Masión del Lago Hotel and another at the Banrural up in the main town centre, near the market. There is a Banrural and connected ATM in the centre of San Juan also, but currently One ATM , and one ATM in San Marcos.
We accept dollars and quetzales when paying in person by cash.
Yes. There is online payment with a surcharge of 7%.
We can arrange shuttle service from and to San Pedro from 7am to 1pm. After hours, we can arrange for a private taxi at any time. From San Pedro, there are local transport options to San Juan or San Marcos.
The shuttle costs US$30; the private taxi, US$100
Yes, we can make a reservation for the stay in hotels near the airport and arrange transportation the next day to San Pedro (and neighbouring San Juan or San Marcos).
Only a Spanish-language dictionary and any Spanish-language books you want to read for practice. The school provides textbooks, workbooks and exercises.
Yes, there is Internet at the school and host family homes.
Yes, the host families are experienced with cooking for vegetarians and vegans.
You can live with a family starting on the day you arrive at your chosen location, any day of the week, as long as you have made a reservation.
Yes, enough to get by.
This is difficult to say, because families are assigned as students arrive. Bring some postcards, pens, shirts and so on
Yes. You can also change to experience living with another family or learning with a different teacher. We are very flexible.
WHEN YOU STUDY SPANISH AND IMPROVE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES...
...SOMETHING AMAZING ALSO HAPPENS FOR THEM
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CULTURAL IMMERSION
Whether you´re considering staying with a Host family, making Tours, Culture experiencies or supporting Niños del Lago, we have everything you need right here.
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WHEN YOU STUDY SPANISH AND GET MORE OUT OF LIFE... ....SOMETHING QUITE SPECIAL ALSO HAPPENS FOR BILHA