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| Address |
Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco de Español
5 Calle 2-40 zona 1 (close to Parque Bolivar)
Quetzaltenango
(+502)-7763-1061
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Registration
$ 75
Write to the school
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| Rank |
96% |
| Prices |
200 USD for 25
hours per week including host family
160 USD for 25 hours per week without host family
Study one hour daily more or less: add or subtract about USD per week.
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| School Size |
40 – 50 students. |
| Openings |
PLQ is fully booked the weeks of August 30th and the weeks of September 6th and 20th! Its affiliate, the Mountain school, a few spaces remaining. There is space available at these schools for the weeks not mentioned!
If the schools are full, you might want to be placed on the waiting list, as late minute cancellations are not unheard of!
New group lessons! See details, on special programs info below! |
| Summary |
Founded in 1988, Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco takes teaching very seriously. All teachers have training and experience in teaching Spanish as a second language. Their interests and backgrounds are varied, but all share a common vision of social justice, sustainable development, and peace in Guatemala.
To ensure teaching quality, the school limits enrollment to 50 students.
There is an excellent library (1000 books and 120 videos) and the school has two projects in which students can meet and help locals.
There is an extension: the Escuela de la Montaña, where students live in families in a rural setting. There is also a very well established project to teach children arts, music and English.
Level of immersion in Quetzaltenango: excellent, if you don´t hang out with other students.
Highly recommended! |
| Registration |
These schools are nearly always fully booked; it is recommended that you enroll formally at least one month in advance to ensure your place (or sooner, if you wish to study during mornings).
There is a new summer group lessons, when individual lessons space is full.
There is a registration fee discount for couples, families and groups. |
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 30 teachers with excellent training and experience that earn an excellent salary of US$83 per week plus all the worker benefits established by Guatemalan law. No emergency teachers are used. Students have been very happy with teachers here.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Teachers′ salaries here are better than in any other Spanish school in Guatemala. Also, all teachers are always employed, since the school is always full. This allows teachers to make Spanish teaching their career, so you have experienced teachers instead of young university students. Teachers here are individuals. There are, among others, an ex-guerrilla, a singer, and a seventy year old lady. These teachers bring their whole lives into their teaching.
Teachers sometimes attend trainings on Saturdays. You generally get a new teacher every week, although you can also insist on staying with the same one.
Recommended teachers for Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco: Brenda, Isabel, Carlos, Paty II, Luís, Saul, Astrid, Lety, Shesnarda, Rufina, Sofia.
Mountain school: Glendi II, Annie, Miriam (but in these schools most teachers are good, except for a couple of "burnt-out" cases).
(Roman numbers refer to the numbers of recommendations.) |
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 |
The most effective one on one teaching method available for students of all levels (beginners, intermediate, advance).
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Teachers have very clear concepts of where they want you to get to. Grammar is explained very clearly, and a wide variety of teaching tools are used to make you practice. It may not be entertainment, but much of the fun derives from the experience of advancing smoothly (see student′s opinions). Your teacher first presents you with an oral and written exam in order to assess your level. Then an individual teaching plan is established. Teachers use the "Educación Popular" method by Paulo Freire
Lectures: Conferences about the state of the Guatemalan people are given by professionals, university teachers, or representatives of rural communities. Topics include Guatemalan history, land use, human rights, situation of the women and children, workers unions, culture and worldview of the Maya. Conferences are always accompanied by an older student who translates for the new ones. Translations are sometimes very inadequate, one more reason to listen sharply. Speakers are shared with other schools.
Certificates: Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco de Español offers the school´s diploma stating the amount of time you have studied and your level of Spanish attained. The "Centro Mundial de Educación" (USA) and the Newman University of Kansas include studies at PLQE in their curriculum and the certificate is converted to credits.
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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 |
No official textbook, but there is a neat board with about 50 different verb and exercise lists waiting for you. Library: excellent. Video library: excellent. Internet gratis.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Teachers use sheets of paper instead of blackboards and students receive these afterwards. My teacher supplied me with a beautiful account of the subjunctive, very clearly structured. The school has also produced lists of irregular verbs etc. which are very well done and helpful. Another GREAT resource is the library, by far the best of any Spanish School in Guatemala. Also great videos.
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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 |
Only a few other schools in Guatemala have such interesting and ¨real¨ projects. Also, you can study medical Spanish and Spanish for other professions with materials from the school′s excellent library. There is special program for children at the Proyecto Lingüistico. Because of limited space not recommended for hyperactive children.
New Summer program!. Spanish Group Classes: This course is designed for students who want to learn, perfect, or strengthen their knowledge of the Spanish language. See details!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
For children ages 6-14 years, this program includes one hour of one-on-one teaching daily, using a variety of games and materials which have many photos and appeal to children. Teacher-led excursions to markets, museums and primary schools help the children experience Guatemalan life. Younger children can be taken care of by the host family for an additional $40 per week. For children 4 years old or older, the host family receives the same fee as for an adult student.
NEW SUMMER GROUPS PROGRAM Our team of teachers will guide you and a small group of students in a learning process using current methodologies and up to date teaching techniques appropriate for different learning styles.
Levels: A1 y A2: Beginners; B1 y B2: Intermediate; C1 y C2: Advanced.
Before classes begin, all students will be given an exam to determine placement in the appropriate level. Prices: $120 per week (This includes tuition for Spanish class, political/cultural activities and a Guatemalan home stay with meals). Minimum, two students and maximum 5 students. Restrictions apply. |
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 |
Study area is the patio and walkways of the schools building. Some call it Spartan considering the school′s fame in teaching. Kitchen: simple.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school is located in a nice colonial style building. You can choose to learn in separate rooms or together with other teacher-student teams in the sunlit patio or adjacent walkway. Located within walking distance of Central Park. |
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 |
Good talks on interesting topics in Spanish, round table discussions, hikes, videos, visits to local villages and attractive sites, local food cooking course, board games, Salsa and Merengue courses.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
During weekdays, you can watch selections and movies from PLQE′s large video library including documentaries on important Guatemalan and Latin issues like the invasion of Panama, or alternative movies from Cuba, Spain etc. You also can take part in trips and hikes to nearby communities like Zunil and Almolonga, and outings to the Georginas hot springs and Aguas Amargas. In Quetzaltenango you can visit institutions like the workers union or a community radio station. Every Friday afternoon a teacher explains the most important news on the national agenda, and then there is a round table discussion with students. Every Friday night there is a graduation party. The teachers give a little concert with traditional instruments; bottles crowd the tables and any serious conversation turns into hilarious fun! Weekend trip options range from the touristic (the beach!), to spontaneous workshops in rural communities, to institutions in Guatemala City which play an important role in Guatemalan society.
If you study in the afternoons activities take place in the mornings..
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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 earn US$40. They are located very near the school. Student′s reports about host families are mostly good.
See details for recommended families!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Host families are specially selected to meet the students′ criteria.
Recommended families: Gabriel Alvarado family, Blanca II, Gloria and José Garcia family. |
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 |
A project to teach children arts, music, English and computing, and the famous Escuela de la Montaña with productive projects.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The Centro Popular de Cultura "Luis Cardoza y Aragon" is hosted by the Proyecto Lingüistico. Your fees help pay the employee who runs it. It has two sections. The first is an arts school for kids. On weekday afternoons, children at the casa learn how to play the guitar, act in theatre shows, draw and paint, do crafts, learn English and computing. You can help out here as a volunteer, but please understand that only long term volunteers can be accepted!
The other section consists in the "adult politics and culture program": The casa organizes talks and round table discussions inviting prominent people from public life. This initiative was founded with the idea of highlighting injustice and social problems. Public holidays such as Independence Day are analyzed as to their historical and political background. Is Guatemala really independent? What was really achieved in the 1944 revolution?
There is also the reforestation project "Chico Mendez" which PLQE sponsors and where you can volunteer.
At "Escuela de la Montaña" volunteers can help in a woman′s project to raise chickens or work in communal coffee plantations. You can also teach English or do arts with children at the nearby local school "Nuevo San José". |
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 |
A person from the school guides you for US$65 from the airport to the school.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
Vicente Recinos or his wife fetch you from the airport, guide you to the bus or microbus station, accompany you to Quetzaltenango and bring you to your host family for US$65. For late flights (we recommend, not traveling after 14:00 hours) students pay for guide′s hotel and meals. If you are studying at Escuela de la Montaña, the guide can bring you there for an extra US$10. |
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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Judy Molland
judy@judymolland.com
07 / 2009 |
Hi, I had a wonderful time in Guatemala, and can highly recommend my school. I attended the Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela for a week (Sadly, that′s all the time I could afford to take). Sonya, was my instructor and she was good and used helpful study materials. The school itself was wonderful, very friendly and welcoming, great ambience. My Spanish improved and there were plenty of after school activities, something every day and at the weekends. The only negative was my family - not the people, but the house was in a bad state of repair (I hope, it is better by now), ... I don′t remember their name, but I would of have moved to another house, if I were there any longer. Otherwise, I had a wonderful time and plan to return when I can. Sincerely, Judy Molland |
Carolyn Quigley
caquigley@lumc.edu
05 / 2009 |
Hi, I attended Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco (PLQ) in Quetzaltenango. I studied for 3 weeks there. I had two instructors while studying. I had Marleni for two weeks, who was awesome and I would go back to her anytime. I learned so much and had a great time. My other instructor was Eduardo, who was very good too, but I would say he is better for beginners as he is more laid back and casual in his instruction. Study resources were awesome! There was a big library with tons of workbooks, novels, history books, etc... You could check out books to use in addition to using the exercises your teacher gave you. After school activities were very impressive! Lots of trips to places around Xela, conferences, speakers, movies, talks, etc... There was always something to do. My first host family was a bad experience but the school handled it well and I switched families after a few days. My new host mom′s name was Yolanda. She was wonderful! I would definitely recommend this great school! I would love to go back to study some more! Thanks, Carolyn Quigley. |
Ashley Gerfin
ashgerf@yahoo.com
11 / 2008 |
Hi, I decided to go to Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied for two weeks there. My teachers, Rufina and Sofia were really good. My host family was wonderful. I would definitely recommend the school! I loved my time in Guatemala so much and your website was by far the most helpful in planning. Thank you, Ashley. |
Peter Sonne-Holm
sonneholm@gmail.com
10 / 2008 |
Hi, I decided for Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied for four weeks there. I had good teachers, though I can′t remember their names properly. My host family was also good, but again, I can′t remember the family name. I only have their first names. I Would recommend the school, though I would check to see if other cheaper schools can offer the same services. Hope you can use the answers. Thanks, Peter. |
Christine Dick
christinedick@hotmail.com
08 / 2008 |
I studied at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango for two weeks. My teacher was Shesnarda. I chose to stay with her for both weeks because we had excellent rapport and communication, and we shared many common interests which made conversation easy. I would definitely recommend the school without reservation. Thanks, Christine. |
Rikke Müller Olsen
rmo_10@hotmail.com
07 / 2008 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco in Xela. I studied for 8 weeks there. I had four different teachers, Luís, Saul, Astrid y Lety. I tried to request Luís a few times, but it was never possible, for some reason (maybe I was to late). But, I was very pleased with all my teachers. I just wish it would have been a bit easier to study with the same teacher for at least a week more, because you developed a certain working relationship with your teacher, and it would of have been nice to be able to continue that. (Maybe my problem was that, I had quite a big break in the middle, before coming back to PLQE, and therefore it was more difficult to request some of the teachers I had had before). I stayed with two families. The first one was nice, but I didn′t feel like I got a lot out of it, since it was only a mother and her 15-year old son, and they didn′t really talked to me, apart from when we were eating. I therefore moved to another family, which I loved very much. I stayed with Gloria and José Garcia and their 4 children. They were very nice and loving. They talked a lot to me, and corrected me when I said something wrong. We really got along well, and next time I′ll go to Xela I am definitely going to visit them. I would definitely recommend the school! I was very pleased with my stay at the school. You feel very welcome, and all the teachers are very friendly, not only your own teachers. I think Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco is a very special place and I will definitely sign up again, if I come back to Guatemala!! Thanks, Rikke. |
Eric Appleton
06 / 2008 |
Hi, we went to a couple of schools in Xela, first, Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco. We studied for one week there. My teacher at this school was wonderful. She has years of experience, college educated, deep knowledge of recent history of conflict in Guatemala. Very friendly and supportive. The school is an incredible place. It is a cultural and educational center that has been around for 20 years. The teachers have intimate knowledge of Guatemala′s political struggles. It is still openly political with opportunities for solidarity from international students. There are arts and theatre classes for children in the afternoons and volunteer projects on the weekends. For example, the weekend we left, the school went to plant trees in a deforested area. The teachers are experienced, well-compensated and part of the community. The only drawback is that the school is larger and it is a little easier to use English to communicate. Study materials were, conversation mostly, newspaper, Rigoberta Menchu′s book, Massacre en la Selva. Our host family was fine, quiet, comfortable house, little interaction. There was a big difference between the schools. Though they did both have their good points, I would strongly recommend this school. Thanks, Eric. |
Nancy Cuervo
06 / 2008 |
We also attended Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco. We studied for 1 week there. My teacher, Paty, was excellent. She was sharp, funny, kind, patient. She assessed my level of Spanish first thing, told me where I was lacking and what I was missing and filled in the missing spots. If I could have I would of have stayed a month with her. The study materials were very helpful, professional and she knew exactly which to pull out for the actual LESSONS we had. I guess this comes from 18 years teaching experience at the same school and with almost the same materials. I absorbed so much. The host family was very nice but a little sad. The accommodations were great except they lacked a full door in the bathroom. There were stall-like doors for both the toilet and shower. Not ideal especially since the host had a son living with her. Thanks, Nancy. |
Henrik Blennow
blennow@gmail.com
06 / 2008 |
Hi, I decided to study at, Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied for 4 weeks there. I had very good teachers. I did not use any study materials. My host family was perfect. The only drawback was that the number of people from one country i.e. was slightly to high. A higher variety of nationalities would have been better. Besides that, I would highly recommend the school. Thanks, Henrik. |
Ron Torgerson
rrtorgerson@hotmail.com
06 / 2008 |
Hi, I wanted to go to Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco for 3 weeks, but there wasn′t room there for the first week, so I attended another school for the first week. After having a mediocre experience at the other school I took classes for weeks 2 and 3 at PLQ. What a difference! The staff were considerate, laid out a plan of instruction, explaining it to me and asking if it met my needs. They were patient, friendly - just excellent. If/When I go back to take my planned 6 weeks of classes next spring. I will book far enough in advance to make sure I can spend all those weeks at this school. I′m 58, male, well-travelled and a pretty low-key guy. I work in the training sector in Canada, setting up literacy and English as a Second language programs in workplaces. At this school, I was given home work each night - usually about an hour′s worth. Often the homework was based on a set of exercises photocopied from their resources. The homework always seemed to be directed at areas of instruction where I was having difficulties. I couldn′t have asked for better instructors (a different one for each of the two weeks) or a more comfortable or respectful milieu. Trips and in-school ′conferences′ were always designed to give us students a better understanding of the history and culture of Guatemala. One ′conference′ was on the role of mid-wives in Guatemala, the herbs and processes they use, etc. The other conference I attended was about the effects a free-trade agreement would have on the country if the government is successful in arranging for such an agreement. The arguments were well-reasoned, and were based on the needs of the people, the effects on indigenous culture, etc. It was well-done. In-town trips were to places like, a women′s textile cooperative. The cultural implications of the designs, colours and form of the textiles was clearly explained to us. Sports options were offered, such as the regular Thursday night soccer games where both staff and students participated in. It was very clear PLQ was trying, successfully, to create a community of interest. I did not stay with a host family, as I rented an apartment at other place. I think host families are probably the way to go, because you have more opportunities to use your vocabulary, but I just wasn′t interested in that. I would highly recommend this school. Guatemala 365 was very helpful - I picked this school, based in part, on the information you offer. Thanks, Ron. |
Brian Murphy
bjmurphy@presby.edu
05 / 2008 |
I studied for 3 weeks at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco and 1 week at their affiliate Mountain School in Quetzaltenango. The teachers I got were excellent and had years of experience. The study materials were fine. As for host families, the first host family I had was nice but it was an old lady who had 4 other students in her house although the other students were all from Guatemala. The problem was that it didn′t really feel like a family. The second host family I had was great. I would highly recommend both PLQ and the Mountain School. Thank you, Brian. |
Adam Gehr
adam.unitehere@gmail.com
02 / 2008 |
I decided to go to Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied for two months there. I got many good teachers. Study materials were very good. I did not stay with a host family. I would highly recommend this school. Thanks, Adam. |
John Williamson
williamson_J_D@yahoo.com
01 / 2008 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela. I studied there for two weeks. My teacher was excellent!! Wilma Lang is her name. Study materials were good, she gave me daily lessons and she was very organized. My host family was excellent. They had a little financial hardship while I was there and asked me to help, which was unexpected, but I mentioned it to the school host. I would highly recommend this school! Thanks, John. |
Cheryl Longinotti
cslonginotti@comcast.net
11 / 2007 |
I attended Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied there for 2 1/2 weeks. I had a different teacher each week. Each had different strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I was satisfied with each of them. Study materials were good, although the youngest and least experienced teacher did not use materials as effectively as the others. My host family was excellent. I would highly recommend the school and I would attend the same school again. Thanks, Cheryl. |
Robert Smith
rsmith@suffolk.edu
10 / 2007 |
I also studied at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela (Quetzaltenango) for one week as well. I lived with a host family there. That experience was good. The mother was very nice and prepared very good meals, although I ate at different times and in different places from the family and was disappointed that I had as little interaction with them as I did. Having to speak Spanish all of the time definitely pushed me, in a good way. The school itself was much more of a community experience than the school in Antigua. The activities, lectures, movies and trips added a lot to the experience. Many of the students were studying there for several weeks and I think I was atypical in staying just one week. The teacher was good, although at times seemed distracted and tired -- he was with me for 4 hours in the morning and with another student for 4 hours in the afternoon. I would recommend this school as well. Your website was extremely helpful in learning about the schools and in making my choices. It was a very positive experience. Thank you, Bob Smith. |
Rachel Szekely
Rachel.Szekely@gmail.com
10 / 2007 |
I moved to Xela and started studying at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco. I did 3 weeks there with 3 different teachers, 2 were fantastic and one was ok, but a little lazy. The activities organized were fantastic. The whole school was run very well. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It is more expensive, but definitely worth it. I didn′t stay with a host family. Thanks for your help, Rachel. |
Christopher Hagale
07 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied there for 6 Weeks. My teacher was good. The study materials were good as well. My host family was good, but I only lived with them half of the time. Thanks, Christopher R. Hagale |
Erin Beck
erin_beck@brown.edu
06 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied there for 6 weeks. My teacher was good. The activities were wonderful. My family was pretty good. Erin. |
Matthew Davis
mattgeorgedavis@yahoo.com
05 / 2007 |
The other school I went to was Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco. I also really loved this school. The mission of the school is very powerful and inspiring. They are really committed to building community and making Guatemala better for all. One of my teacher′s was ok and the other one was very good. The activities they had were interesting and fun including a weekly game of soccer. The Friday graduations were fun with live music by the teachers and performances by the students. This school is definitely for those who want to learn about or engage in Guatemalan society, history, and politics. I think it is a great school for foreigners because we are really students at this school. The school has a lot to teach us, if we are open to learning. Thanks, Matt. |
Christina Schuett
cschu560@uwsp.edu
05 / 2007 |
I decided for Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela. I studied there for 2 weeks. I had 2 amazing teachers. They hosted an awesome activity almost everyday. Most were politically active as well. My family was a bit hard to get along with, but we made it work. Thanks, Christina. |
Anne Kolesar
greenheartanne@adelphia.net
04 / 2007 |
Later, I spent a week at the Escuela de la Montana, through PLQE. My teacher there was fine and the overall experience was wonderful. The school′s director went out of her way to help me meet local midwives (as that is my area of interest). The family was poor, but very responsive and friendly. I would return to the Escuela de la Montana. Thanks for providing the information. Anne Kolesar |
Erika Rebsamen
erika.rebsamen@bluewin.ch
02 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela. I studied there for 4 weeks. In total I had 4 teachers and all where excellent. The school offered nice activities with a good mix of culture and tours around Quetzaltenango. I stayed in a homestay and felt very happy with my family. Regards, Erika Rebsamen. |
Douglas Christie
02 / 2007 |
Hi, Por fin! Barbara and I spent one week at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela and one week at their sister, Mountain School. We particularly loved the mountain school including the teachers, I was not particularly happy with my teacher in Xela. Our homestay with Blanca was fabulous, the outings and activities were educational. No question that we plan to come back to the Mountain school in the near future. Thanks, Doug and Barb Christie. |
Lynn Barclay
lynnpawz@yahoo.com
01 / 2007 |
I chose Spanish School Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. I studied there for a week. The school was knowledgeable, the teachers are great. I will definitely recommend it to others! maybe one day I can return. I hope this helps! peace~ lynn&pawz |
Sasha Vieth
sasha_vieth@yahoo.com
01 / 2007 |
I studied at Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela and it was a great experience! I only studied there for one week because I didn′t get off the waiting list for the 2nd week, which I was sad about. My host family and teacher were wonderful. The activities planned were great as well. Unfortunately, one of the teachers unexpectedly passed away during the week I was there, so some things that would have been fun to be involved in, were cancelled which is totally understandable. I would definitely return to this school!!! Thanks for inquiring. I′ve recommend guatemala365 to many people since I′ve been back in the U.S. Best, Sasha. |
Jeremy Goldberg
01 / 2007 |
I decided to attend Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela. I studied there for 1 week. I worked with two absolutely terrific teachers. I′ve studied the language for 9 years, and they were as good, if not better, than anyone with whom I had worked. I did not participate in many activities, but the one trip that I attended was very enjoyable. My family was terrific; they were warm and hospitable, and also a great asset in my effort to further my Spanish language skills. I hope that this information is helpful. Thanks, Jeremy Goldberg. |
Amy Gerth
amygerth2000@yahoo.com
01 / 2007 |
I found a couple of really excellent schools. I attended Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco. I studied there for a little over 2 months. The teachers are incredible and the speed at which you acquire the language is faster than any program that is available in St. Louis, where I live. There is a focus on what are the realities in Guatemala and a way to see it, in both a urban and rural setting. I had travelled to Guatemala 10 years earlier when the peace accords were first signed and I was curious how people in Guatemala were viewing changes-or to know if any changes had occurred. PLQ was full of conferences, speakers, school trips, and documentaries. The school is also dedicated to supporting projects that are helping some of the communities that have suffered the most from poverty and from war. It was an excellent school. I would recommend any beginner to at least study for 1 month or more if you can (I wish I could have studied longer!). I am glad that I can help, because your site was a big help to me. I was grateful for the help in finding a school in Xela. Sincerely, Amy |
Ruth McCauley
ruthmceur@hotmail.com
01 / 2007 |
My third week was spent in the Mountain School run by Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Quetzaltenango. Glendi, my teacher was very good (but she′s getting married and will be moving to the USA). There were some discussions and a cooking lesson in the evening and some longer hikes on the weekends. I roomed at the school itself and had meals with a local family. It was an interesting experience, but probably not one I′d repeat. I felt that it was very expensive for the type of rooms and meals that I had. The $180 plus $75 deposit makes it the most expensive school in Guatemala. As I told another student, I felt that I paid a lot to live in poverty (and I do realize that it would not be considered poverty by Guatemalan standards). However, I′m glad that I saw the lives of some of the campesinos and experienced life in el campo. Hope this is helpful. I did appreciate being able to go to your site. Ruth McCauley |
Jennifer Hess
jhessdc@earthlink.net
12 / 2006 |
I returned to Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela and studied there for 3 weeks in December 2006. My 3 profesoras were great, the school′s activities were fun and my family was excellent. Thanks, Jennifer Hess. |
Anonymous
11 / 2006 |
Hello, I went to Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco in Xela, Guatemala. I studied there for 6 weeks. I got a couple of really good teachers. The activities were wonderful as well as my teachers. Hope that helps! |
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