Centro Maya de Idiomas en Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Dates (arrival and departure): June 13 - July 6, 2008
Basic Information
Where will I be going?
Quaetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala. Commonly known as Xela, it is located about 240 kilometers west of Guatemala City. It is by no means a large metropolis, boasting cobblestone streets and a population of about 150,000. Want more information on Xela? Go to: http://www.centromayaxela.org/xela.htm
What will I be doing?
You will be studying the Spanish language and Mayan culture at the Centro Maya de Idiomas. With its unique one-on-one teaching style, the program will be adapted to your own specific needs. You will take a language assessment in order to determine the language class that you will take. Advanced speakers will have language lessons that include Latin American and Spanish literature. You will receive a total of 120 Act 48 hours.
Optional culture courses include: Weaving, Natural Medicines, and Mayan Languages. If you are interested in one of these, you must notify Language in Motion of your choice when you send your deposit.
You will attend afternoon and evening lectures on topics ranging from Mayan culture to Guatemalan politics today. You will also be able to volunteer in a local school and speak with local teachers.
Along with a lecture series, you will have approximately 5 hours a day of individual language instruction from Monday to Friday.
This program is a real immersion experience, so you will have a lot of language practice outside of the classroom. Xela does not get a lot of tourists; therefore, most shopkeepers and street vendors do NOT speak English. You will need to use Spanish in order to go about all your basic daily activities.
Will I be able to see more of Guatemala?
Yes! You will participate in a variety of cultural excursions. These trips will showcase Guatemala's dynamic landscape and cultural and historical sites. At your own expense, you may arrange additional travel at the end of the program.
If you want to continue classes beyond the end of the program, you will need to pay a standard per person weekly fee of $160 plus any additional expense you incur. Notification of extension must be made to the school no later than the week before the scheduled departure.
Where Will I Stay?
You will be staying in a carefully selected home stay. These home stays include hot bathing water, sterilized drinking water, a private room, and 3 meals a day. All home stays are within walking distance of the Centro Maya.
Please do not expect "American" amenities. For example, some of these homes do not have running water.
Am I allowed to bring my family?
Yes! Many of the home-stay families specialize in keeping families. However, you also have the option of splitting apart and staying with different families in order to stay away from speaking English. Family members may also take classes at your expense. Family costs are not included in the price.