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Antigüeña Spanish Academy
1a Calle Poniente # 10
Antigua, Guatemala
(+502)-5735-4638, 4470-3956
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| Rank |
97% |
| Prices |
180 USD for 20
hours per week including host family
115 USD for 20 hours per week without host family
Study one hour daily more or less: add or subtract about USD 25 per week.
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| School Size |
20 - 40 students |
| Openings |
If you plan to study here, it is best if you make your reservations in advance, as the school is small and it tends to fill up quickly. |
| Summary |
Located near La Merced church, this school receives students from all over the world. The director Julio Garcia, also gives classes. Teachers are very experienced (minimum 10 years) and motivated. Tuition is to the point, cubicles are neat and you get an excellent value for your money. However, do not expect cushy chairs, plant decorations and/or fancy books.
The school now has official AMSCO I, II and III, textbooks for sale at retail prices to students wishing to reinforce their Spanish while traveling.
The director limits enrollments to forty students (twenty in the mornings and twenty during afternoons) in order to avoid hiring "emergency teachers". Stick to the recommended teachers! WI-FI and free Internet service from 8 am to 4 pm.
"Antigueña" has the most recommended home stays of any school. Home stays with a private bathroom + $25 per week. If you come in your own car or motorcycle, there is parking available.
The school was founded in 1985.
Total immersion: You get very near to it with this school, but you are in touristy Antigua. |
| Registration |
Spanish Academy Antigüeña ranks top in our list and for this reason, it fills up frequently.
During the end of the year, March, April and the summer months it is recommended that you enroll at least one month in advance, in order to secure your space in the school. |
With a timely registration, the school can assign you the best teacher from its list. (Contact us for group discounts). |
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| Teachers |
There are 20 excellent teachers with an average of 10+ years of experience teaching the Spanish language to foreigners and earn a good $55 per week. Students reports praise teachers of this school.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The teachers are supplied with work nearly always, and thus are very loyal to the school. A high teaching standard is achieved: teachers have an average of 10+ years of experience. They received a formal teaching for training adults in Spanish language.
Recommended teachers: María Josefa Molina VII, Julio IV, Sheny Flores VI, Mayra IV, Silvia Carolina Flores III, Liliana García X, Marta Godoy, Julia II, Diego Paredes II, Lety, Chiqui II, Iliana López, Marvin, Silvia Gonzales, Ana II, Lucia, Esperanza, Nidia, Lily, Mary II, Rosa Linda, Waleska Santos III, Leti II, Iliana Echevaria Lopez, Rosario, Karla, Janett, Sorayda Morales, Paula, Jenny.
(Roman numbers refer to the numbers of recommendations.)
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General Information:
Spanish language teachers in Guatemala are mostly young people like University students who do this job for very little salary (US$30-$60 per week) and are trying to continue their education. Teachers in our recommended schools have undergone a formal training and know how to make students enjoy learning. By enrolling in advance, you are likely to get a better teacher. This holds especially true during high season.
If you are not happy with your assigned teacher, don’t hesitate to ask the director for another teacher. How to get a good teacher.
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| Methods |
One on one teaching. The curriculum is the same as in most schools.
Now, you can choose to study Spanish while traveling around Antigua and other touristy places!
See details!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Antigueña now has a program where you go traveling with your teacher (be it on the weekend or during the week). You can visit Tikal, Livingstone, Rio Dulce, the Lake Atitlán, Cobán and other areas, your teacher being your full day guide and teacher. You have to pay for both you and your teacher´s travel costs, which does not result too expensive, since the teachers know good value places. A very worthwhile program!
Grammar teaching, vocabulary and homework. Although very structured, the school adapts to the need of students with great flexibility. You can change teachers every week. Upon request you can undergo weekly exams.
Lectures: Every month there is a conference by an interesting Guatemalan professional (policeman, lawyer, etc). Lectures are not given with translation; you have to be at the brink of attention.
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General Information:
Spanish Schools in Guatemala promote the most effective 'one student one teacher' method. You spend your time talking and listening with your own personal teacher. This is why Guatemalan schools are probably unmatched in the world. Go to a good school, and get the grammar right, too.
A typical school day:
8:00 to 10:00 Grammar and exercises
10:00 –30 -minute break for coffee, tea, and socializing with teachers and other students
10:30 to 12:00 - Conversation, pronunciation, reading comprehension
After 12:00 - lunch with your host family
Afternoons: previously scheduled activities and homework
(See your curriculum of learning Spanish)
Most schools offer a diploma stating the amount of time studied and the level of Spanish attained (minimum of two weeks).
See more information about diplomas and university credits.
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| Materials |
Director and teachers have personal libraries and they give each student very useful copied handouts to help them in their learning. There are also official AMSCO textbooks for sale at the students requests.
There are blackboards. Video library: a variety of movies and documentaries. Free Internet and WI-FI.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Instructors provide each student with a copy of their home made instruction materials which many students find very helpful and well done.
They have also now, the famous AMSCO text books for sale as well, at retail prices. Volumes I, II and III.
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General Information:
At most Spanish schools in Guatemala, teachers write examples and grammar on paper; at others, blackboards are used. And at some, students receive a notebook for their own use. Teachers generally have to supply their own teaching materials. The most widespread book is AMSCO “Spanish Three Years” (Nassi, Levy), a very helpful grammar and exercise book in three levels, written in Spanish and English. A few schools have good libraries, video collections, and many have board games like Scrabble and others, to make teaching more entertaining.
If you are not an English speaker, you may want to bring grammar- and exercise books in your language. In any case a good and small dictionary is very helpful for homework.
(See recommendations on good Spanish Textbooks.)
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| Special Programs |
There are programs with instruction focused in different professional fields like, medicine, lawyers, literature and special instruction for children 5 to 12 years (the cost is the same as for adults).
Also, if you are interested in learning a Mayan language, you can do so, on Saturdays. You can study the Mayan languages of Kakchikel and Tzutujil!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The instruction on different fields mainly focuses on vocabulary in the related profession.
The children program is tailored for small children which uses drawings and paintings, games and outings. Since all students have separate cubicles, children will feel at ease. |
General Information:
Special Programs are available for medical students and nurses, lawyers, missionaries and business people. You study Spanish as any other student, but with emphasis on the vocabulary of your profession or interest. Schools also get you in contact with Guatemalan professionals of your field and organize practical courses upon request.
A few schools have good programs for children. Guatemala365.com recommends schools in safe places and with a garden or ample cubicles. This way the children feel free to play while learning.
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| Location |
The school is located about 1 1/2 blocks from La Merced Church. Every student teacher team has their own neat cubicle. There is no garden, but rooftop/terrace with a view of volcanoes and Antigua. There is a small kitchen.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school is situated near the Merced church in the north of Antigua. Though the building is nothing special, it is clean and well ventilated and has separate cubicles for teacher student teams. You can also study on the roof, from where you have a great view on Antigua and the volcanoes. In high season the second floor becomes a bit crowded and loud and students can opt to study in a nearby café. |
General Information:
Many schools have big halls or patios in a pleasant environment, with tables that seat two. You can often hear teacher-student conversations from nearby tables. Some schools have separate cubicles for each teacher – student team. Most schools have small patios or gardens to relax and get to know each other at break time. Some schools also have a cafeteria or even kitchens where students and teachers meet to cook local or food from their home countries.
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| Activities |
There are daily afternoon activities per week, the school pays most of the expenses. Dancing: Salsa and Merengue courses. Weekend trips are also organized with the students paying most expenses.
Antigueña now has a program where you go traveling with your teacher (be it on the weekend or during the week) and learn Spanish.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
Activities include preparing local food, bike tours, visits to social projects, visits to coffee and macadamia farms, Salsa and Merengue dancing classes and videos. Every month there is a conference by an interesting Guatemalan professional (policeman, lawyer, etc). Julio has a degree in local folklore and history and gives lectures on certain festivals etc.
Since most students at this school take teaching and homework very serious, they often do not participate in many activities.
Antigueña now has a program where you go traveling with your teacher (be it on the weekend or during the week). You can visit Tikal, Livingstone, Rio Dulce, the Lake, Cobán and other areas, your teacher being your full day guide and teacher. You have to pay for you and your teacher travel costs, which does not result too expensive, since the teachers know good value places. A very worthwhile program..
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General Information:
During afternoons, a school staff member takes you to the most beautiful places, interesting projects and Maya traditions of the
area, where you have the opportunity to practice your newly learned Spanish and get to know teachers and other students. These activities make your stay a real holiday. Some activities like weekend trips have an additional cost.
Note: small schools have fewer activities during low season.
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| Host Families |
Host families that work with this school have received praise in students reports. Tasty and sufficient food. Generally the families earn $80 per week. There is also the option of choosing a host family with a private bathroom for an additional cost of $25 per week. Students praise host families, although during high season most of the families give the students somewhat of a boarding house type of treatment, providing mainly food and the room and offer little actual normal family-like interaction to the students. Living standards are simple. If you come in your own car or motorcycle, there is parking available.
See details for recommended families!
There is also the option to live with a Mayan family in a nearby villages. It costs the same, living conditions are very basic, but you have the big advantage to share life and culture of a real Spanish speaking Maya family.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The family will provide you with your own private room and shared bath facilities. You will receive 3 meals a day (except sundays). There is a maximum of 3 students (during busy periods) per family which is excellent for Antigua and is achieved because school and families are situated on the Northern part of Antigua and have not to be shared with so many other schools.
There are few families that provide room and private bath for an additional $25 per week.
Recommended host families: Familia Eva and Cesar Sactic IIII, Familia Rodriguez Gil III, Guzman, Olga and Armando III, Silvia Gonzales Pellecer IIII, Dr.Otto and Maria Mazariegos, Lydia and Rodolfo IV, Ana Maria IV, Cornelia & Irma, Sylvia Ramirez II, Johana Hernandez II, Rebecca, Chajon family.
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General Information:
Generally host families provide each student with their own private little room and three meals a day/six days a week. On Sundays, most families provide no meals. There is nearly always hot water and electricity. It is recommended that you bring your own towels, soap, shampoo and other personal care from your country or you can buy it here. Your host parents help you with any problems and encourage you to talk Spanish. It is pretty interesting to see how people live in Guatemala.
A word on food:
By looking at what families earn at different schools you can assess the quantity of food given. The range is from US$30 to $85 per week. If you are in a $35 host family, please do not complain about beans every day. Just eat out now and then.
If you do not want to stay in a host family, we recommend you to visit www.guatemalastory.com for a list of good hotels in Guatemala City, Antigua, Atitlan, etc.
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| Volunteering |
The School has many contacts for will be, volunteers and usually refers them to a social project of their interest. You can also contact Proyecto Mosaico Guatemala at, www.promosaico.org, to get information about volunteer opportunities in Guatemala.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school recommends non profit organizations like "Obras sociales del hermano pedro", "Nuestros ahijados" and others or you can be referred to PMG where they will find a spot on your volunteer preferences. Julio also helps you to find volunteer jobs in hospitals, travel agencies, libraries, public schools and courts of justice. |
General Information:
Most schools have only loose contact to volunteer social projects or have only poor projects on their own.
If you want to volunteer, it is best to rely on PMG (Antigua, Rio Dulce and Cobán), or Entremundos (Quetzaltenango) or other non profit organizations in order to find an organization that suits students' interests.
More information on volunteering and jobs in Guatemala.
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| Airport Pick-Up Service |
The school offers safe and reliable private airport pick up transportation for $40 per person for one-way trip. Discounts for more than two persons.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
The school will send a staff member in a private shuttle and he will wait for you at the exit of the airport holding a sign with your name on it!
Price is per person, but if there are more than 2 persons a discount is given. |
General Information:
If you don?t want to worry about closed banks on the airport, late night hotel search or unsafe zones of Guatemala City, take advantage of the airport pickup service of your school.
For hotels in Guatemala City please see www.guatemalastory.com.
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How to get there 
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Send yourself an e-mail with information on how to get to Antigüeña Spanish Academy.
From the bus terminal you walk to the "Calzada Santa Lucía" up north until the end, turn right and walk one and a half blocks, you will find the school on your left.
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Anonymous
aliwasarollingstone@gmail.com
03 / 2013 |
My teacher Paula was absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend her to anyone trying to learn spanish with a fun professional. I felt like I was making a new best friend while simultaneously learning a new language. She was well educated with lots of experience and patience. She did in fact understand quite a bit of english which while not necessary, was also helpful and comforting. Regardless of this, communication was clear, pleasant and the conversations were always interesting. In addition to learning the language, I also learned a great deal about Guatemalan culture from her. I highly recommend Paula! (quick insert of hello and I miss you here). The free activities arranged by the Antiguena Spanish School were also pleasant and a great way to meet other people. They are worth doing even if they don´t interest you right off the bat.
My home stay was near the school and also very accommodating. I stayed with Ana Maria but lived in a separate building that was not actually her house. I would come in to sit for meals, we would exchange polite words about the day a bit, but ultimately it felt more like a hotel than a homestay. I was not allowed into the kitchen or the rest of the house for any reason and so it was a bit awkward coming to sit and be fed. Nonetheless, the place was clean and pleasant. I really can´t complain. She did also mention quite a bit about gifts that previous students had given her which was a bit excessive and inapropriately suggestive. When you agree to pay for an exchange of services, I don´t think gifts should be expected but rather a genuine act of kindness. Overall, my experience with the school and its services were pleasant and productive.
My check in, was very smooth and easy. Julio was very accommodating and helpful, though did try to get me to pay double for my pickup from the airport. I missed my connecting flight and called well in advance, and even though the driver admitted he lived right in Guatemala City where he pícked me up, Julio was insistant that I had to pay the full price for him supposedly driving two hours to and from antigua which just wasn´t true. He was sneaky on the phone when trying to negotiate and tried to make it seem like he was doing me a favor but surely he was just trying to pocket more money. In all other regards though, he and the school were very accomodating and pleasant. |
Anonymous
03 / 2013 |
We loved Guatemala. The family we stayed with was perfect for us... they spoke Spanish the whole time and were patient with us in our attempts. The entire experience was wonderful at Antiguena Spanish school too.
Antigua is a Beautiful city. We want to return. |
Lon Haskew
lhaskew@msn.com
03 / 2013 |
I enjoyed my time very much at Antiguena Spanish Academy. The owner runs the business well, and as I understand it, this is not the case with all the owners of the other schools in Antigua. My instructor, Waleska, was a young woman with lots of energy, lots of personality and she was most knowledgeable on both Spanish and English. There is no doubt that if I return to Antigua to study, I will request Waleska.
I chose to stay in a nearby hotel, Posada La Merced, and I was quite pleased with my accommodations. The owner was a good businessman, and the manager, Jorge, was great!
I enjoyed Antigua, but I was there before and during semana santa and all the processions became a bit much. Also, I am more suited to big cities, and Antigua is rather small. |
Donald Samson
nosmasnod@aol.com
02 / 2013 |
I could not imagine an easier way to have taken an immersion program. The Antiguena Spanish Academy is well organized, the lessons clear and built up in a way to insure the best learning, and my teacher was outstanding.
Staying in Antigua was like living in a fairy tale (with traffic). I would recommend this school, their program, their teachers and Antigua to anyone who wishes to combine vacation with Spanish immersion. We are already planning our next trip to study Spanish in Antigua at the Antiguena Spanish Academy.
Everything connected with the school went smoothly and the staff and my host families were always helpful. |
Desiree Singleton
02 / 2013 |
My time at Antiguena Spanish Academy was above and beyond my expectations. My host family was fabulous- Lydia and Rodolfo were wonderful host parents and their home is lovely. My maestra was Sorayda and she was extraordinary by customizing my lessons to exactly what I needed. I learned a ton during my 2 weeks and the combination of excellent teaching and spanish speaking environment at my home made for such a great experience.
I enjoyed the afternoon activities, hike to the cross, city tour, hot springs, parties at the school. |
Cheryl Huffman
shatacat@gmail.com
01 / 2013 |
I found my time at Antigueña Spanish Academy most satisfying. The teachers were willing to work with me in the way that worked best for me to learn. I am NOT the kind of person that can sit at a table day after day and study grammar. I learn best when walking with my teacher and talking as we explored Antigua. I enjoyed the activities they offered. I especially enjoyed a trip to a Mayan village where I had the opportunity to try weaving and making tortillas.
I would definitely return to the school again if I wanted to study more Spanish. My Spanish definitely did improve over the time I was there. My goal was to improve my use of the past tense and I definitely accomplished that. It also helped that the school had free WiFi for the students. I was able to keep in contact with my friends and family very easily that way.
I felt that the extracurricular activities were part of making the whole learning experience amazing. |
Anonymous
12 / 2012 |
We had an amazing experience at, Antigueña Spanish Academy! My husband and two teen aged sons stayed with a wonderful host family for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years. Our host family was very kind, sat and talked with us at every meal, and were particularly kind to my sons. The host family was a highlight. Our teachers were also very good. My older son did not really click with his first teacher, so we switched teachers the second week. That was very easy to do. The school accommodated our request. I was a little disappointed that the school did not organize more free activities in the afternoon. Other than that, we really loved every minute of it.
Check-in to the school was smooth and helpful. |
Bud Rogers
budroger@gmail.com
12 / 2012 |
I am a 65 year old american, with very little travel experience. I found Antigua, Guatemala to be a wonderful place to take Spanish lessons. It is very interesting and exciting. I found Antigueña Spanish Academy to be the perfect school for me. I was treated incredibly well by the owner Julio and the teachers. My teacher Waleska was very patient, encouraging and innovative in her teaching methods. I studied outside in a beautiful garden and learned a lot of Spanish. If you have any questions about my experiences with this school or Antigua please feel free to contact me at: budroger@gmail.com
Antigua, Guatemala is Excellent! |
Eric Holdijk
12 / 2012 |
Absolutely loved my time at, Antiguena Spanish Academy. In fact, I am missing it right now. But it´s okay, I will be returning for Semana Santa in March. Anyways not much more can be said except that every faucet was fantastic. All the teachers were friendly. A enjoyed my time with my main teacher Rosario immensely. Perfect mix of fun and serious. Every day I took four hours with her. My secondary teacher, who I took for an extra two hours everyday, was Claudia. She was a fun, fun, fun, and was perfect for these extra hours because the goal was solely to converse and not worry too much about learning new grammar or vocabulary. Finally I´d reccomend the rather serious maestra Ana Isabel, but only when it´s important to be serious. At all other times she was a great laugh. As for my homestay, can´t say enough great things about Rodolfo and Lydia, good food, good company, very supportive of speaking spanish. They also live right beside the school. One big step, or two small ones, and your inside. Loved my time there. The school also has great afternoon activities, a friendly manager, Julio! (and is ideally located away from the center, but not too far) near the Merced Church. The only con is there are tons of other students in the school and tourists in the city, but then again if you want to learn spanish full on just don´t talk english with other people. Anyways cheers! |
Anonymous
11 / 2012 |
I elected to rent a beautiful one Bedroom apartment, through Century 21, two blocks from the school! My dining room and garden made a perfect quiet classroom. The lessons were excellent and I recommend a teacher fluent in English especially the first few days when you are overwhelmed! If you do two hours of homework every day you will learn tons! If you chat with all the locals you will learn tons! I highly recommend Antigüeña Spanish Academy.
Joanne, a Celtic Fiddler from Canada
My correspondence with the school was excellent. |
Jowita Szczygielska
jszczygielska@yahoo.com
08 / 2012 |
The experience at Antiguena Spanish Academy was great. The teacher was great making sure I learn but also flexible. The host familly made me feel as part of their familly. The meals were prepared timely and were tasty. They also made sure to give us conversation time during meals so we could practice spanish. I also met other host families besides mine (Silvia Ramirez): Silvia Gonzalez and Hojana Hernandez, great people highly recommended.
The check in to school was very good, thank you Iliana Echevaria Lopez! |
Stephanie Winslow
07 / 2012 |
My daughter and I attended Antiguena Spanish Academy in Antigua, Guatemala this summer for 3 weeks. They matched us very well with good teachers. We hope to return to Guatemala in a future summer to study again and we would definitely attend this school on a repeat visit. Our teachers really were fantastic and the garden we studied in was such a treat. You must check out this school. |
Michele Compton
07 / 2012 |
I had only one week vacation available this year but it was amazing! I studied at, Antigueña Spanish Academy and took 6 hours of classes a day, all with Lily, and she geared the lessons exactly to what I needed. The school was very flexible about scheduling and I liked the informal atmosphere. My host family was lovely, food was great, room was simple but comfortable and I was only in there to do my homework anyway. The best was that I arrived able to read and understand some Spanish but with no verbal skills and left with the ability to carry on a simple conversation - all in one week.
Correspondence with the school was all fine. |
Anonymous
06 / 2012 |
Great host family & students. Teachers varied. My first was excellent; the second was okay, but I was motivated to study a lot on my own. Interesting & enjoyable activities in the afternoon, but could offer more variety so that they could fill 3 weeks without repeating. I liked Antigueña Spanish Academy as a whole and the town of Antigua. It was easy to go there as a woman traveling alone.
Antigua is wonderful! Easy to navigate, volcanoes, small earthquakes, interesting sights nearby, ample travel agencies (!). I had a great time and revived my Spanish. |
Anonymous
06 / 2012 |
Great host family & students. Teachers varied. My first was excellent; the second was okay, but I was motivated to study a lot on my own. Interesting & enjoyable activities in the afternoon, but could offer more variety so that they could fill 3 weeks without repeating. I liked Antigueña Spanish Academy as a whole and the town of Antigua. It was easy to go there as a woman traveling alone.
Antigua is wonderful! Easy to navigate, volcanoes, small earthquakes, interesting sights nearby, ample travel agencies (!). I had a great time and revived my Spanish. |
Bob Beams
06 / 2012 |
I enjoyed my experience at Antigueña Spanish Academy. I never felt like any time was wasted in any way. It was all very helpful. My teacher was very knowledgable and made every effort to help me learn at my level and to fill in the gaps in my prior education. I felt the cost was very reasonable and the school was flexible with my schedule when I needed to make some changes. I did not stay with a host family. I stayed in a Hotel.
Check in to the school was smooth and helpful. |
Anonymous
05 / 2012 |
Antiguena Spanish Academy was great! my teacher was Leti (the older one). She was very helpful, especially since I was coming with very little spanish. She really challenged me to get better, and her practices helped me get to an intermediate level by the end of the month.
I also spent 4wks at a spanish school in Honduras, and I can say that Antiguena was far better! the afternoon activities were also a great part of the school. Visiting the mayan village of San Antonio is still one of the highlights of my time in Guatemala.
Academia de Espanol Antiguena era increible. Mi profesora era Leti (la mayor). Ella me daba mucha ayuda, especialmente aunque vine a Antigua con solo un poco espanol. Ella me desafiaba mucho, para que podia ser mucho mejor, y sus tecnicas me ayudaron a alcanzar un nivel de intermedio por el fin del mes.
Pase 4 semanas en una escuela del espanol en Honduras y puedo decirles que Antiguena estaba mucho mejor! Las actividades de la tarde también eran una gran parte de la escuela. Visitando el pueblo de las mayas (se llama San Antonio), ya es un de los reflejos mas bonito de mi viaje a Guatemala!
Physical conditions of the school were perfect! |
Anonymous
04 / 2012 |
I studied with Claudia and Diego at Antigueña Spanish Academy. Both teachers were great with different backgrounds, and I learned about several different topics with them. The school was excellent, with rotating locations and a variety of activities in the afternoon. The school is very flexible with teacher assignments and locations, as well as with the lesson plans. All you have to do is let them know your preferences and Julio will make it happen for you.
The host family that I lived with was the family of Eva and Cesar Sactic. My experience there was unbelievable. The family really makes you feel a sense of belonging. You get the chance to practice your Spanish as much or as little as you would like. There are several other students whom you would also get to know in their house, as they typically host a total of 4-6 during any given time. Eva´s cooking is beyond par.
I look forward to returning to this school to study again for as long as 2-3 months next year! |
Anonymous
03 / 2012 |
I loved studying Spanish at Antigüeña Spanish Academy. Julio Junior was really helpful, addressing all my needs and requests almost immediately. The teachers are great. I had Mary (Maria), who is extremely competent. My last day I had Lily, and we connected immediately. I would recommend both as great teachers. Study materials were handouts that were very helpful.
My homestay was with Ana Maria. She is a true delight to spend time with. I would stay with her again. |
Anonymous
02 / 2012 |
I chose Antiguena Spanish Academy because after doing some research online, it seemed to have the most positive reviews. I came with almost no spanish and attended the academy for 8 weeks. I had 4 hours of lessons a day mon-fri and after the first week we were already having small conversations. My teacher Karla was really great, she let me move at my own pace but challenged me to learn new things. If I was having trouble concentrating in the school we went and walked places or studied in the park. I thought I was really lucky because I had the absolute best teacher in the school... but then it seemed like every student I met thought their teacher was the best too! The school is run by a father and son and they were both very helpful, with everything even if it didnt have to do with the school. There were activities everyday things like hikes, bike rides and cooking classes. I was placed with a family for my time in Antigua, Lydia and Rodolfo. The homestay was definitely one of the most important parts of the experience. This family was really nice they eat with you and speak to you in spanish which was great for practicing with people apart from your teacher. They absolutely made me feel like i was welcome there in their home and their family. They also had two kids to practice with as well, and people who worked in the home during the day. Most of all I was surprised by how nice the people were there... seems like everyone would go out of their way to help you. All in all, I was extremely satisfied with how my Spanish improved in my time here, and that´s why I returned a few months later to study again. I had planned to travel around central america the second time, but I really loved Antigua and the people I had met here so I ended up spending the entire 4 months studying in the school! I asked for the same family and same teacher, and the school set me up with both again. I was just as satisfied the second time. I had a lot of fun, but it was obvious the first priority for them was to get you speaking Spanish well. It was really hard to leave Antigua again... hands down.
The school, teacher, and homestay get 5 stars across the board. Antigua, I loved it! |
William Deneke
02 / 2012 |
Good experience at Antigueña Spanish Academya. helpful. It might be beneficial to share the lesson plan with students. I was never sure where we were headed. The teacher was quite good and easy to work with. I appreciate the help I received and hope to study Spanish again in Antigua.
Correspondence with the school was smooth and helpful. |
John MacDonald
jjmacdo@gmail.com
01 / 2012 |
My name is John MacDonald and I am from Nova Scotia, Canada. I attended the Antigueña Spanish Academy for three weeks in January and February of this year. My experience there was overwhelmingly positive and I would heartily recommend the school to anyone with an interest in learning Spanish. My teacher, Nidia, was excellent and my homestay family was very hospitable. The study materials were helpful - they mostly consisted of photocopied hand-outs.
I am 69 years old and before going to Guatemala I was a lilttle apprehensive about my safety, but once I arrived in Antigua my fears were all put to rest and I felt perfectly safe. I would return again if I had the opportunity. Thanks! |
Anna Sime
10 / 2011 |
My experience in Antigueña Spanish Academy more than met my expectations. Registration and enrollment was easy and responses to questions were quick and concise.
During my 5 week stay I had one teacher, Lily, who was attuned to my needs and my comfort level. My initial nervousness was taken in stride and she adapted her teaching to meet my needs. I recommend Lily as a teacher for any level of student but especially for those living the nuances of Spanish grammar. She is an expert teacher in every sense of the word.
I chose to have a home stay. The family of Lydia, Rodolfo, and two teenage children attended all of our meals, showing interest in my classes, new things learned and my life away from school. They took their job very seriously of including me in their family. Most of the time they had 4 students in their home. Meals were delicious and more than ample.
If I return to Antigua for more classes I would come to Antigueña Spanish Academy and ask that Lily be my teacher.
Each teacher seemed to have his/her own teaching materials. The school had copies of exercises for the most troublesome areas of Spanish which the teachers could request copies of. Most of my materials were hand written by the teacher. Doing my own writing and creating sentences related to my previous days learning and activities was usually my homework. I often worked 2-3 hours on homework. |
Tom Hurley
08 / 2011 |
I had a great time studying spanish at Antigueña Spanish Academy in Antigua. The one on one morning classes are very productive, engaging and fun. The teachers at this school are all terrific. My teacher Lucia was particularly terrific. She went beyond just a teacher and helped me with credit card troubles I had while in Antigua and also helped introduce me to a Honda dealer when I was buying my motorbike.
I can not recommend this school enough. Tom |
Anonymous
07 / 2011 |
I had a good experience at Antigueña Spanish Academy in Antigua. I really enjoyed my teacher, Ana. She made extra efforts to find me homework assignments that targeted my problem areas. She was also patient and a lot of fun! Equally, the school made extra efforts to accommodate me and my schedule, and provided great outings. The place had a fun, family atmosphere. I would advise potential students to keep in mind that prices are negotiable, and they will always be cheaper if you are already in Antigua. Additionally, a word about homestay families is that the food varies a lot from one family to another, despite the fact that they are all given the same amount of money by the school. I would advise that students switch homes directly if they are not happy with the food, because it seems that families have set patterns of what they serve students, which are not likely to change. Of course, this depends on the family! I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a school in Antigua! |
David Coleman
panwillow@yahoo.com
07 / 2011 |
Mi experiencia en la Academia Español Antigueña fue muy positivo. Escogi este escuela porque lei que la escuela es una de las mejores en Antigua. La escuela no tiene jardin bonito, ni equipo caro, pero tiene los mejores profesores. Porque la escuela no tiene jardin bonito, ni equipo caro, porque cuesta menos que las otras escuelas para estudiantes. Porque tiene los mejores profesores, es la mejor escuela para aprender español. Mi profesora se llama Julia. Ella es una profesora muy buena é inteligente. Yo aprendi mucho con Julia.
La familia que me quede, Silvia y Marvin Gonzales y sus hijos, fue muy simpatica. Sylvia tambien es profesora (pero no en la escuela español). Yo tenia muchas ocasiones para hacer conversasion con los Gonzales y corregir mi español. En la escuela la secretaria, Olga, fue muy util.
Antigua es un ciudad muy bonita, y el clima es comodo. Hay muchas cosas interesantes alli. Disfrute mi visita, aprendi mucho, y corregi mi español. Recomiendo La Academia Español Antigueña para estudiantes nuevos.
La escuela es pequeña, y a veces no tiene suficiente aulas. No tiene jardin bonito, y equipo caro, pero los profesores son muy buenos. Es una buena escuela para aprender español. |
Sid Sockwell
sidmarcella@sockwelldds.com
06 / 2011 |
Our family of four attended, Antigueña Spanish Academy and were very pleased to be placed with a family and had only 4 days to study. Our individual teachers were excellent and helped motivate us. Regretfully, not every teacher can speak English and there were not any dictionaries available. This made some lessons and translations very difficult. If the teachers could speak some English it would really be a big help.
The daily activities were excellent. The field trip to the Macadamia Nut Farm and the traditional family visit to see how fabric is made and how the people get married was also very interesting. That was a big help for the Spanish classes and the trips were really interesting. The "no fee" policy for those was greatly appreciated and was a real stimulus to say "why not" and go to see some cultural aspects of the region.
Antigua was super safe and we had absolutely no worries about safety.
Our home-stay was pretty good. Not a bad walk from the school (10 min) and the area seemed safe. The family made a big effort to speak Spanish with us and stimulate our language experience. They were very friendly and accommodating. Food was not plentiful, but it was adequate and definitely edible- some was absolutely excellent. Our boys eat a ton and were left a bit hungry, but that is normal. The family did a nice job for us. We heard of other experiences with really not such good food.
After we left school we stayed on to build a house for an organization called "From Houses to Homes" the second week. We practiced more Spanish there and enjoyed the town of Antigua. We could not believe how many fantastic restaurants there were in the city.
Absolutely a great experience. School was nice location, individual instruction good- but would like to see more games, more English spoken and more dictionaries available. Check-in to the school was smooth and helpful, easy. |
Anonymous
05 / 2011 |
The Antigueña Spanish Academy is probably the best of the many excellent language schools in Antigua. Dollar for dollar, you will not get more competent instruction, one on one, in a nicer setting. I reiterate the concern of others that studies in Antigua requires some discipline, since this really beautiful city is awash in like-minded (and English-speaking) fellow travelers.
One advantage of Antigua, however, that female and solo travelers should consider is, it's relatively safe compared to the country (and region) as a whole. It is not a good time to be traveling in El Peten right now.
Ciudad de Antigua, by contrast, is well-policed, in large measure because of its dependence on tourism. It is not a bubble--there are opportunities galore to get out to many fantastic draws in the region--but if you just want to spend a few weeks concentrating on your Spanish, this is a perfect place to do so.
Julia H. was my maestra; a charming and hip lady who is able to rattle off the nuances of the pluscuamperfecto one minute, and talk earnestly about Guatemalan politics and literature the next. Ask if she is available; the other teachers are all extremely competent, from what I could tell; although, if you're needing a bilingual teacher you need to specify that.
My home-stay family was equally hospitable. These are trying times in a poor country, and they were eager for the extra cash. Note, however, that Guatemala is for the hardy. Unless you are staying in a hotel you should not be too averse to the occasional cold shower or midnight horn honking.
I will be back for more. I can't think of a better way to learn Spanish on my budget, in a truly historic city. Do attend the Antigueña Academy if you are an eager student of Castellano (Spanish) and can handle riding in a chicken bus.
Do not enroll here if you consider Guatemala uninteresting and can't handle walking on cobblestones or the occasional whiff of diesel.
Check-in to the school was relatively smooth, although I was taken aback to discover that the shuttle from the airport cost $40 (we had not negotiated anything when I accepted the offer of a ride). |
Anonymous
04 / 2011 |
The trip to Antigua exceeded my expectations. I was surprised how much Spanish I learnt in just 2 weeks at, Spanish Academy Antigueña. My teacher Carlos was very patient, knowledgeable and professional. The family too was very friendly and there was always someone at the meal time to talk to us in Spanish. The meals were very tasty, the rooms clean.
The location of the city too was very convenient. We have travelled to Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango and Copan Ruinas. Overall the trip was an amazing experience.
Antigua is a beautiful, clean and safe city. |
Julie Sofie Hodøl
julie.sofie.hodol@gmail.com
04 / 2011 |
Hello! I had 8 great weeks as a Spanish student at Antigueña Spanish Academy in April and May 2011. The school is small and have a great location. My teacher Bittia was a skilled and inspirational and she made the Spanish study interesting and funny. She have a good program based on experience, and I had influence on her to make the program fit my interests as good as possible. My impression was that almost all the students were very satisfied with their teachers at this school.
My family was great. My "Mama de Guatemala", Cornelia was welcoming and warm and I was really impressed by the way she cared for every student that had been living in her house the last 30 years. Her maid, Irma, was an excellent chef and they both did everything they could for me to have a great stay. I will highly recommend this school:)
Correspondence with the school helpful, I got many e-mails from Olga and the rest of the staff at the school and I felt safe and welcome while I traveled to the school and also at my arrival. Regards, Julie |
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