Have you ever thought about combining a vacation with a classroom experience? If so, this just may be your next vacation destination. Guatemala is one of the best places to learn Spanish. Combine a week or two of total immersion Spanish with your vacation. Vacationers/students will find many Spanish schools in Antigua and Quetzaltenango, and can choose the one that best meets their particular needs.
Guatemala’s Spanish schools are considered some of the best in the world, with an educational method that is both highly effective and fun. The method, known as “total immersion”, was developed in Guatemala. This method puts students on a fast track to learning Spanish, while providing an introduction to local lifestyles and culture. In total immersion, students study one-on-one with an experienced teacher, for four to eight hours daily.
The use of any language except Spanish is forbidden in the classroom, so beginners must frequently resort to pantomime or sketching to express themselves during the first few classes. Students are housed with a local, Spanish-speaking family, giving them a chance to practice new language skills and to learn about the local culture with their hosts.
Schools provide lots of after-hours activities including lectures, films, sports, field trips and discussion groups. The country’s Spanish schools are sought out by many international organizations and embassies, because Guatemala’s accent is considered one of the purest in the Spanish-speaking world. Plus the myriad of activities one can enjoy while in Guatemala is incredible. If in Antigua you can tour centuries old ruins, climb three nearby volcanoes, visit San Antonio Aguas Calientes, a town nearby that is known for its hand-woven textiles. If you choose to study in Quetzaltenango you can visit Zaculeu, a Maya ruin in nearby Huehuetenango and many other sites in and around Guatemala's second largest city. For more information visit www.xelapages.com. The people are warm and friendly and the culture is like going back in time.
The fees for all this personal attention are surprisingly economical, and the experience of studying a new language in one of the world’s most beautiful countries will stay with you for a lifetime. Schools to consider are Sevilla Spanish Academy, Spanish Language Center and the Guatemala Spanish Academy. All of these are located in Antigua but there are many more to choose from. You can visit www.visitguatemala.com or www.aroundantigua.com for more information on all the schools that are accredited with the Guatemala Tourist Commission.
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