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Proyecto Lingüístico Francisco Marroquín
6 Avenue North # 43
Antigua
(+502)-7832-5818
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| Rank |
86.5% |
| Prices |
310 USD for 35
hours per week including host family
200 USD for 35 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 |
50 to 120 students |
| Openings |
This school currently has openings! |
| Summary |
PLFM was founded in 1969 by American and English linguists. It opened with two purposes, which are still its focus today: (a) to teach the Spanish language, and (b) to teach, investigate, and preserve Mayan languages and culture. The oldest Spanish language school in Antigua , PLFM is also unique because it is non-profit, teaches Mayan languages as well as Spanish, and is run by native Mayan professionals. It is affiliated with the Consejo Nacional de Educación Maya (CNEM), a national organization promoting Mayan education. It is certified and authorized by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and its Spanish school is licensed by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT).
Many other schools have sprung from PLFM. This school has its own teaching book. Good Spanish learning is guaranteed here. Nice study conditions amidst the ruins of Antigua. Very good attention to the student.
Total immersion in Antigua: moderate because of many tourists in Antigua.
Students wishing to receive transferable US university credit for PLFM language instruction should contact the PLFM office for details on available arrangements. |
| Registration |
This school is highly recommended by students from all over the world.
It usually gets fully booked in advance during busier times; it is recommended that you register at least one month in advance for busy times.
During high seasons the school only accepts students with a minimum study time of two weeks with full day schedule!
Note that prices shown above are for full time schedule students only. Prices for 20 hours of lessons is $150
Contact us for other schedules and prices! |
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 |
Very experienced excellent teachers (Spanish language teachers have 100 hours of intensive training in teaching Spanish as a Second Language, and teacher training is updated every 6 months) with a good salary: $55 per week plus extras. Students may opt to change teachers weekly or keep the same teacher.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
There are 45 permanent and 20 associated teachers. New teachers earn a good $55 per week, plus benefits and health insurance. With every year of service, teachers get a $1.6 per week hike in salary. All this makes it attractive for teachers to stay at this school and gain more experience. Teachers receive four training sessions per year and undergo two evaluations per year. Since the school is democratic, burnt-out teachers may manage to stay around. Ask for a change if you are not satisfied with your teacher.
Recommended teachers: Asterid, Agueda Morales, Sergio Rosales, Miguel, Yasmin Salazar, Anna, Magda, Marco.
(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 total immersion teaching. The goal of Total Immersion is to enable students to speak in Spanish from the first minute. New students are given a brief assessment of their oral language teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
New students are evaluated in an informal 25 minute talk with the teacher. After this, a teaching plan is designed. At the end of your stay you receive an evaluation exam. Grammar is taught by reading texts, learning specific vocabulary, conversation, oral and written exercises, clarification of errors and doubts, teaching outside the school, homework.
Lectures: On Thursdays, topics such as Guatemalan politics, economics, and drugs are given in lectures to advanced students, who are prepared for these events by their teachers.
At the end of your studies you undergo an exam (two hours written, 30 minutes oral) in order to assess your level of grammar, pronunciation, fluency, understanding of voice, etc. You receive a certification with your grades (0, 1-, 1, 1+, … to 5) together with a statement of your time studied and whether or not you stayed in a family. Pamela M. Hirst Prins, Dean of Students helps you to get your certification accredited in your college or university.
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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 |
The school has its own material "Immersión total o Español en Guatemala". They also provide photocopied English - Spanish vocabulary materials. Students can also choose to emphasize areas such as conversation, understanding, writing, etc. Courses use mini dialogues to learn grammar, vocabulary, and Spanish language survival skills, and beginners focus on the language skills of daily life. Library: excellent. Video library: none.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Additionally, teachers develop their own materials, mostly AMSCO "Spanish Three Years". Teachers use paper sheets instead of blackboards. My teacher had his own self-made grammar book, and from this he dictated very clear rules and examples for subjunctive.
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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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School's specific Information:
There is a program for children from five to 12 years (the cost is the same as for adults) which uses drawings and paintings, and teaches the Spanish alphabet, and present, past and future tense. There is ample space for children. |
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 |
A nice big garden with ample cubicles and a good kitchen.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school is five blocks from the centre of town in a beautiful large park-like premise with beautiful views. No other school in Antigua except perhaps San Jose el Viejo offers such a nice environment. The park is situated between two long walls, one being the arched ruins of a monastery. Along these walls, there are over 50 small garden cubicles which look very romantic in their state of ruin. Teachers and students can stand up and walk around the garden in order to loosen up. |
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 |
Due to the fact that most students study during the mornings and afternoons, there are not as many activities as in other schools. You have to choose between tuition or activity. Most activities have a minimum charge.
Free internet access on computers.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
There are a few activities offered by this school. However the school offer various trip packages to different places for students interested in exploring various places in Guatemala (e.g. Tikal, Playas de Monterrico, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlan and more).
For students bringing their laptops, there is free wireless Internet access. .
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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 |
Families earn an excellent $110 per week. Reports from students about host families are mostly good.
See details for recommended families!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
There is a special person in charge of families, which means that they are well trained. There is a family stay with private bathroom, this costs an additional $20 per week. (Be aware that this limits your choice of families).
Recommended host families: Olga Molina, Hugo y Mariana de Oliva, Grace Romero and Delia Galvez.
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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 |
PLFM studies and promotes Mayan languages in Guatemala. It can contact you to volunteer organizations.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The revenues of school (45% of your fee) have been used for administration and to study and promote Mayan languages in Guatemala. Thanks to these efforts, there exists a vast body of Mayan language dictionaries and grammars, and this has helped the government introduce bilingual education in rural schools, which formerly taught only in Spanish language.
Recently, many other institutions have taken over these efforts and the non-profit part of the school may need to redefine itself. The school has published 12 dictionaries of different Mayan languages, 10 grammars and other texts which are available at administration.
There are supposed to be 5 to 15 rural centres of literacy sponsored by PLFM, but I had problems obtaining an exact list of the locations. |
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 airport pick up transportation at an additional $35 per person, there are discounts for more than two persons.
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School's specific Information:
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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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The Rev. Margaret Watson
megsbed@gmail.com
06 / 2011 |
I found all three of my teachers at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín to be excellent and my host family to be stellar. I was given instruction at a proper pace, was housed close to school, made welcome --I could not ask for anything more. I studied 7 hours/day --homework at night. I did not participate in the afternoon activities --I did go to the museum one morning and enjoyed it very much. |
Victoria LeBeaux
vlebeaux@iastate.edu
01 / 2011 |
I studied at Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua for two weeks at the start of the year. I had a great experience. I arrived with about a high beginner/low intermediate level of the language and the teachers really worked with me to adapt the lessons to my level and interests. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly and professional. I highly recommend them!
The coordinator, Elma Contreras de Oliva, answered all of my emails quickly and cleared up all of my questions before I left to Guatemala. |
Anonymous
11 / 2010 |
This was probably my fifth time at Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín and my boyfriend's first. We both had a wonderful time--my teacher was great (I am now so embarrassed that I don't remember her name), as was Matt's (Sarida--he raves about her. He didn't speak a word of spanish and was nervous--she made him feel at ease and got him speaking!).
The activities were well-thought out and structured (but there was also flexibility to accommodate our requests--since we were only there one week).
I was worried about Matt, since he didn't speak a word of Spanish--but everything was so well organized that he was able to feel comfortable and learn.
We didn't stay with a host family.
I enjoy the afternoon activities --the tours of the city, the cross, the neighboring village were great. Thanks much! |
Thom Parrott-Sheffer
06 / 2010 |
Hi, I decided to go to Proyecto Lingüístico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua. I studied for 2 weeks there. I had two excellent teachers, Victoria and I have forgotten the other name. Study materials were very good. After school activities were varied and interesting. I liked that the teachers came and it was an opportunity to engage the language in a different way.
I stayed with the family of Sonia Quiroa, she was truly wonderful. She provided a cozy room, good meals and marvelous conversation. I would absolutely, recommend the school. Sincerely, Thom Parrott-Sheffer. |
Christine Gonzalez
cmgonzalez@townisp.com
06 / 2009 |
Hello, my daughter and I, decided to go to Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua. We studied for 2 weeks there. The instructors, were both perfectly suited to us; excellent! Their names are Carmen and Salome. As for study resources, we thought they were appropriate. Talking with students in other schools, I believe our school has selected to choose materials more individualized rather than "high tech". There were many varied activities available accompanied by your own teacher! This wasn′t an option at other schools. Our host family was good. The hostess name is Isabel. I would absolutely recommend the school! Sincerely, Christine. |
Rick Alexander
rckalexander@aol.com
04 / 2009 |
Hi, I finally decided to attend Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua. I studied for 2 weeks there. I did get good instructors, their names are Fernando and Juan (I don′t remember their last names). Study resources were handy, easy to comprehend. There were few after school activities and field trips. The host family was good; the host mom′s name is Marta (I don′t remember the last name either). Yes, I would recommend this school to others. Sincerely, Rick. |
Martha Hoflich
mhoflich@austin.rr.com
02 / 2008 |
I decided to go to Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua. I studied for 2 weeks there. I had a good teacher. The study materials were very good. My host family was outstanding - very friendly, good food, and excellent room. The school is good, I just would have preferred a little more conversation and a little less verb conjugation. Thanks, Martha. |
Ariel Bleth
adbleth@gmail.com
12 / 2007 |
I also studied in Antigua at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin. I took only one week of lessons there. The quality of education was lower than the school in Xela and my homestay was a disappointment. Thanks, Ariel Bleth |
Anonymous
09 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin in Antigua. I studied there for 4 weeks. I got different teachers, one was terrible, the others very good. There were not much study materials. My host family was wonderful. Thanks. |
Lisa Domby
lmdinnc@gmail.com
08 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin in Antigua. I studied there for one week. My teacher was absolutely fabulous, knowledgeable about any topic I wanted to discuss. Written study materials were available, but I was mostly interested in conversation. My host family was very nice, accommodating, good safe location. I have no complaints with my experience there, they were friendly, professional, reliable. I′ve recommended this school to others. Regards, Lisa. |
Anoeshka Lepin
ghostwritten9@web.de
11 / 2006 |
I also studied two weeks at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin in Antigua. This school had two extracurricular activities while I was there: the inauguration of their teachers representative and the annual ′festival de maíz′ (corn festival), which were both really nice. Also there was the option to go to Chichicastenango with my teacher, but they charged extra for that and I was more interested in continuing with my study plan, so I didn′t go. I took a language proficiency test in the end at PLFM called ′FSI′, which was free. I had to take a written and an oral exam, which took all together about three hours. I got a detailed certificate over my language abilities. The only thing that bothered me a little bit was that half the certificate was in English (describing the content and grading system of the certificate) and the other half (the detailed description of my language abilities by the director, with whom I took the test) in Spanish, and that the school didn′t do any translation of it, even though the secretary speaks English. So if I ever want the certificate all in English, I will have to pay a lot of money to a translator. Anyways, besides that, I was very satisfied with the school and got good teachers. All together I highly recommend this school!!! With best regards, Ann-Katrin Leppin |
Anonymous
philjacobson@hotmail.com
11 / 2006 |
Hi, I attended Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua, for about 2 weeks. My teacher Yasmin Salazar was wonderful. If there will be a next time, I would perhaps pick another school, as I was not that impressed. There were too many breaks and excess time that was wasted, that I had paid for. The accommodations at someone′s house was less than adequate for me. The room smelled of dog dander and urine... Anyway thanks for your original help; overall, my experience was fine. |
Craig Whipple
craig.whipple@delta.com
04 / 2006 |
I studied at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín for one week. My teacher was quirky, but very good and very bright. I didn´t live with a family, I stayed in a hotel instead. |
Karen Yu
cocoecheset@peoplepc.com
04 / 2006 |
I went to Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín for 1 week....not satisfactory, |
Cliff Wilson
cliffordwilson@gmail.com
03 / 2006 |
Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín 1 1/2 week (8 hours per day for three days, plus one day of travel to Chichicastenango). The teacher was excellent .The activities fun, the family excellent. |
Christensen Jack
jchriste@sonic.net
02 / 2006 |
My wife and I selected Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín (sp) and we spent a week there. We were disappointed in that they didn′t have our reservation even though we signed up two weeks before we went, so they weren′t expecting us. Was it a problem with your web site or did PFM just not look at your website for the information? In any case they recovered fairly quickly and got us teachers within an hour and we found our family during lunch. The staff at PLFM were quite helpful and helped us plan a tour to Tikal and arranged a blackstrap weaving lesson for my wife. I really liked my teacher - Sergio Rosales. He focused on what I wanted which was practice to be able to talk with Guatemalans during my stay. My wife′s teacher - Miguel, was OK. He seemed to have a standard procedure and not want to deviate from it. Too much focus on grammar for her and a needless test at the end. We took a tour to Mixco Viejo, which was nice. Scenery along the way, especially market day in San Juan Sacatepequez was a highlight. The family - Senora Delia Galvez - was excellent. Her house is located so it has a great view over the city and of the volcano Agua. We had a large room and didn′t have to share a bathroom because she wasn′t full. Meals were quite good; conversation with Senora Galvez and other students was also good. |
Jenna Olsen
jennaolsen@gmail.com
02 / 2006 |
I also attended Proyecto Linguístico Francisco Marroquín for 3 weeks. They had very few activities during the week. |
Glenn Schwimer
eyedock@sbcglobal.net
02 / 2006 |
I returned to Antigua for a one week refresher course from Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín where I had attended thirty years ago (during the earthquake!). There were a couple of glitches due to personnel changes that were being worked out. The family I stayed with was OK, although there was noise at night. I ended up reconnecting with the same family I was with originally during 1976 and stayed with them, and have plans to return next winter. Good luck with your site. |
Rick
rickcheney@gmail.com
01 / 2006 |
I went to guatelinda for two weeks and Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín for one week. At both schools the learning depended partially on the teacher and partially on the setting. I had good and bad teachers at both schools, but the setting was much more comfortable at PLFM. My advice, first go to PLFM, look at the facilities, then judge all other schools after that. Most important, will you be within hearing distance of the other students and teachers. If you will be, then you will hear lots of English spoken while you are trying to study Spanish bad idea. I had four different teachers; some were good some were bad. The activities I did not attend any. The family not so good with Spanish. |
Jens Pusch
jens_pusch@hotmail.com
11 / 2005 |
Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua Guatemala 2 weeks study overpriced and even intending to raise prices, but good school all together very unpunctual, lessons almost always started later / finished early/ some kind of "events", so lessons even didnt take place no internet access, but many cheap and fast places in Antigua family was ok, but mostly retreated, so contact was limited to other studends (5 in this family) |
Robin Hutton
rhtts@intergate.ca
08 / 2005 |
We spent a week at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín. This was also an excellent learning experience. Instructors for both my wife and me were very experienced and competent in method. These were fellows in their late thirties who have been at it for a long time. We switched our study dates and screwed up on arrival date, no fault of the school, and the school administrator was very helpful in making last minute arrangements for home stay... The home stay was good: excellent meals and the hostess was very conscientious to spend time with us in conversation. The woman′s name was Grace Romero. I would highly recommend her for family stay. The school setting is an open court yard in the urban centre of the city. It is all business, nothing to write home about as they say, cubicles, tables and chairs. There are lots of local cafes where one can sit and study, or take a coffee, so the ambiance of the school is not so important. True to its reputation, Proyecto Linguistico was first rate as a learning experience. There was less need to interact with other students as activities were diverse and optional. We studied only half days and therefore found it possible to really enjoy the city: tours, salsa studios and shopping. Antigua, of course, is a bit more expensive but the cultural and history aspects of the city make it worthwhile. I realize that the San Pedro and Proyecto Linguistico schools are a bit more expensive than some of the lesser known schools but I would recommend then both as they appear to be reliable in providing good quality instructors and activities that connect the visitor to their communities. Differences in cost are minimal for North American travellers and well worth it. |
Michael
mkaiser@oxy.edu
08 / 2005 |
Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin in Antigua for two weeks. At both schools, my first teacher was not very good; however, at both I quickly switched to a different and much better teacher without a problem. My family at PLFM was good. |
Robin Shroyer
robinshroyer@earthlink.net
08 / 2005 |
We went to School Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín PLFM ( I chose that school 10 years ago and thought it was good also.) We were happy with our choice. The family we lived with was great. All of the students who stayed there were going to Seville and had a much lighter schedule and more extra-curricular activities. We came to learn Spanish, so we were happy. We studied for about 2.5 weeks. At first I had a rather poor instructor, who drank during lunch, but I was brave enough to ask for a new instructor and she was great. My husband stayed with the same instructor for the whole time. I found your website very helpful. Thank you. |
Anonymous
gary@garyschapman.com
07 / 2005 |
I really did not use your site. But, I will tell you about our experience. We studied at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua. We only were able to stay 2 weeks. I loved my teacher, kept him 2 weeks. My daughter and wife did not like their 1st teacher, but changed and all went well after that. Family was good. Food was really good. I will request them again. |
Ashley Macpherson
pacificdream@optusnet.com.au
06 / 2005 |
Thank you for your email. My experience at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín (PLFM) was a wonderful experience! I decided on this school for several reasons. The school has a long history in teaching, the grounds looked lovely as it appeared that students would be studying outside in the garden and this was in fact the case. The school is also committed to promoting the Mayan languages and I thought that this showed a real sense of commitment to language in general. Having travelled from Sydney, Australia for the 3 weeks, I feel that I got out of the experience more than what I had anticipated. I found the school to be everything and more than I expected. They were well organized and very professional. Attempts were made to match students with teachers according to personality and learning style. I studied for 3 weeks and had a different teacher each week in order to experience different accents and approaches. All of my teachers had been teaching at the school for more than 10 years, two of them had been there for more than 20 years! The teachers were enthusiastic, interested and interesting. They all had a good grasp of grammar and made the process of learning grammar interesting and fun. My family was delightful people whom I liked very much. They too were committed to enhancing the learning experience and also wanted to learn something about the cultures of the students who stayed with them. They were very generous in every way. There was weekly communication between the family and the school about the student. The family used language consistent with my stage of learning and this was extremely helpful and resulted in my lengthy and animated conversations. I can highly recommend PLFM. It is however a school where students go to learn the language and the approach they take encourages focus while still allowing the opportunity to engage in cultural activities with one′s teacher. It may not be suited to people who are passing through and half heartedly want to give Spanish a try as the majority of the students study a full day with the intention of learning as much as possible. Thank you for compiling the website. It was a useful tool in selecting a school. |
Anna Downer
anna@downer.org
06 / 2005 |
Hey there, I had an awesome experience in Guatemala this summer and would be glad to share them with you to help future students In answering your questions; my twin brother and I both enrolled in Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín (PLFM) the oldest and largest school in Antigua. We were very pleased with the director and Pamela who helped out with matriculation....we loved the atmosphere, the people we met, and the flexibility with the teachers and the one-on-one tutoring. We both studied for 5 weeks. Every teacher that I got (I had 4 over 5 weeks) was competent, encouraging explained concepts clear, patient and easy to talk to. Each personality and teaching style was different, and I recommend changing teachers every week because it helps to be taught by different approaches. Both my twin brother and I were satisfied with the teachers we had. We loved our family. They were very kind and understanding, patient with the language barrier, allowed us to practice our Spanish with them at every meal, let us come in as late as we wanted and were flexible when we skipped meals to eat out with friends or whatever. The food was wholesome and good, not exactly gourmet and we had a lot of the same things over again, but they shared with us everything they had. They were very helpful and kind. I recommend WHOLEHEARTEDLY studying Spanish in Antigua, particularly PLFM. It′s the oldest and best school and has the best reputation. Josh and I both learned a TON while we were there and had an awesome time hanging out with other Americans and students from around the world. All in all, a great experience! Well I hope that′s sort of what you wanted. |
Tim de Vere Green
timdevg@origingroup.co.uk
04 / 2005 |
I chose Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín I studied for three (3) weeks. The teachers varied, but generally were good. Families: mixed - a couple of the places were a bit noisy or had too many students (5 or 6). However, school was very flexible about allowing me to change until I found something suitable. I would certainly feel happy to overall recommend the school. Hope this helps. |
Rachel Binns
rachel.binns@bbc.co.uk
03 / 2005 |
I′d just like to say that my experience at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín was great. The standard of teaching was excellent and the environment in which we were taught was lovely - lush gardens and small cubby holes for privacy. The teachers were all very friendly and Pamela, the Dean of students is very helpful. My family were very friendly and made sure I was comfortable during my stay. My only criticism is that the school doesn′t have many activities for students. We did have opportunities for day trips (to Guatemala City and Lago Atitlan) but I would have liked to have done a few more things together in Antigua as well. But other than that I had a great time and would definitely recommend the school for its standards of teaching and friendliness. |
Tina Knopp
tilliknopp@gmx.de
02 / 2005 |
Yes I studied in Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín for just one week, I haven′t more time. It was great and my teacher was very good and my family was nice. The way from the school to the family was a little bit far but it was okay I walked fast. And if I will be one day back in Antigua, I think ill go to this school again. Thank you for your recommending best regards. |
Maxie Matthiessen
maxie.ma@gmx.de
10 / 2004 |
The first one I went to wasProyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín" in Antigua , where I took 7 hours a day for two months. My second teacher was very good (teachers usually switch every week, but it′s also possible to continue with the same one) and with him I studied the whole time (except the first week).My family was incredibly nice and I loved living in their house. What I didn′t like: The school policy was a little bit disappointing in the way that the teachers cannot teach with the highest "speed" because the school wants to keep students to study longer. The teachers therefore only are allowed to teach in a certain "speed". In this way the teachers cannot adjust to the students´ skills. My teacher after all was fired because he tough me too much Spanish in too short of a time. What I also disliked of the school in Antigua was, that the Students every time they want to participate at an activity, have to decide between class of Spanish or activity. And the activities on top of the regular school price have to be payed for. Other schools (my one in Xela for example) offer both activity and class at one day and for no extra costs. What I liked: The school atmosphere in "Francisco Marroquín" is great. The garden gives a very good "ambient" of studying. I would therefore highly recommend it. |
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