I’ve had several friends ask me about the school here and how I chose it.
First, I studied here about 17 years ago. Before that, I had done a short course in Antigua, Guatemala which is a city known for it’s Spanish schools.
In Antigua, I learned that I learned very little. First, with nearly 150 language schools at one time, the not in school, everyone spoke English in restaurants, hotels. Second, the program focused more on grammar and memorization than on practical use.
Somehow, I found this school in Xela in a zone where there were few tourist and speaking Spanish was essential!
I also liked the idea that I could learn more about Mayan spirituality through the school and that they were and are committed to helping women receive funds to provide for their college education. At this moment, they have three women completing college degrees, a feat which is not that normal in Guatemala. One woman is in medicine, another in law and the third studying engineering. My tuition helps continue that support and I feel good about that.
If that appeals to you, look at the scholarship tab on their website. And also check out the free Skype class.
When I was here before, I studied for one month. Honestly, the first week was overwhelming. That was 25 hours a week. The first weekend break, I took a bus and went back to Panajachel to buy a few things I looked at earlier but realized I might not see again.
I was shocked by how much better my Spanish was in only one week. When my month ended, I traveled to San Cristobal de las Casas. There, I met people who had studied in Oaxaca for two months. They could read the paper but had great difficulty talking. I became their translator which impressed upon me just how good the method here is.
This time around, Pedro works with people all over the world. My schedule each day integrates with his Skype schedule. So rather than four continuous hours a day, I have a break between sessions. Tomorrow I have a morning schedule and an afternoon session. I have a chance to rest or study between sessions which has been really helpful. I recommend you consider scheduling a Skype call with Pedro before you arrive. They offer a free Skype class so you can check it out.
If you speak little Spanish, working with Pedro before you arrive is a great idea. You’ll adjust better to a neighborhood that seeks only Spanish and have more confidence.
The school has moved and is smaller since the economy was bad and the larger school needed to close it’s doors. I am staying in the home of the family of Pedro, my teacher, in private accommodation with meals included. The family is very helpful in supporting me using my Spanish as is the neighborhood.
I am literally immersed in a world of speaking Spanish which is awesome! Using the busses, visiting a cafe or restaurant, buying bread or groceries, I’m speaking Spanish. And the people here are very friendly and helpful!
For years, I had the idea in the back of my head that I would like to return and study some more. Since I was here 17 years ago, transportation options improved. What might have taken more than one day now takes 8-9 hours. When I found that shuttle from San Cristobal de las Casas to Quetzaltenango/Xela, I was pumped!
A week before I arrived, a family here from Washington was here studying Spanish for three weeks before moving to Costa Rica. Children 10 & 12 were taught by Pedro’s daughter and son. Mom and dad had different schedules with Pedro.
Pedro has some people working with him two or three hours a week either to learn or maintain their Spanish.
Getting here is simple. Pedro or someone in the family can pick you up at the airport in Guatemala City so you don’t have to hassle with arranging transportation. It’s very easy and they will bring you directly here.
Xela is at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet so it can get cold here. Bring warm clothing just in case! The last time I was here is the first time I ever had laundry freeze overnight while traveling but that was in February.
It takes only a little effort to figure out the bus system in the city. Visiting the mall, central business district or even catching a bus directly to Almolonga is pretty smooth. You simply have to have some patience as there is no schedule and buses go when full.
Almolonga is home to hot baths heated by the same geothermal system that fires up the volcano. Private baths can be adjusted to your preferred temperature.
For the more adventurous, there are other places you can visit in the area including the oldest church in Central America and the market in Chichicastenango.
If I can answer any questions for you, let me know!