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Guatemala Spanish Language School
All participants who would like to develop their Spanish skills are recommended to take classes at one of our Spanish schools, located in the towns of Antigua and Jocotenango. Having a good basic grasp of the language will allow you to communicate with the people you meet and immensely increase your enjoyment of your time in Latin America. You can choose which of the two schools you study at; both are located about 45 minutes away from the country’s capital, Guatemala City. Our Spanish schools are institutions created to offer personalized instruction in the learning of Spanish as a second language.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Language School
Our school is a small and friendly place close to the centre of town. Students get to know each other very quickly and there is a good community spirit, both with students, staff and the locals in the town. Classes run for 4 hours per day and are held from 8am to 12pm or in the afternoon from 2pm to 6pm and you can choose which classes you’d prefer when you arrive. You will be taught one on one with a native Guatemalan trained to a high standard to teach Spanish as a second language.
The School has a small courtyard where students can learn outside in the invariably good weather. There is a library with computers and Internet access and a small common room where students can relax.
Vilma is our onsite coordinator in Jocotenango and will be available throughout your stay at the language school should you have any questions or need any advice about any aspect of your plans in Guatemala.
Each week there are a variety of recreational and cultural activities that are organized by the school, these include salsa and meringue classes (Guatemala’s most popular pastime), Guatemalan cooking classes, fiestas, happy hours, local craft making sessions, Latin American films and trips to local areas of interest including active volcanoes, indigenous villages and some stunning views of the country. Activities on offer change from week to week and while most are included in the programme price, some longer trips may require a small donation for transport and entrance fees.
Project Orientation
On arrival you will be given a brief orientation of the school and its facilities.
Accommodation
Your lodging will be with one of our typical Guatemalan families. Our staff personally knows all the families and their homes must meet a good standard to be eligible for the project. They will speak Spanish with you most of the time, (to help you get the most from your time in Guatemala) although there will always be at least one person that can speak English.
Our families are all very warm sociable people and are very keen to accommodate international students. You will instantly be made to feel at home and will be included in all day-to-day social activities (shopping, parties, barbecues etc) throughout your stay - a fantastic insight into life in this unique and diverse country.
Your family will provide you with three meals a day (except on Sundays) throughout your stay; a great opportunity to chat and get to know your host family in an informal way! All families are more than happy to cook any dishes that you’d like (within reason!) and can accommodate special dietary requirements for vegetarians and vegans.
Families belong to Guatemala’s middle class, although students should note that living standards in the country are generally lower than Europe or North America. Homes are usually located no more than 4 blocks from our language school. You will be given a key and be able to come and go as you please. All families have hot water and flushing western style toilets and showers. You will have you own private room and generally share a bathroom with other volunteers.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email us at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk
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