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El Quetzal Spanish School
6a Calle 5 – 52, Zona 1
Quetzaltenango
(+502)-7761-2784, (+502)-4009-0118
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| Rank |
86.5% |
| Prices |
165 USD for 25
hours per week including host family
115 USD for 25 hours per week without host family
Study one hour daily more or less: add or subtract about USD 20 per week.
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| School Size |
2 – 14 students |
| Openings |
Note that this is a relatively small school, which tends to fill up any given time. It is recommendable to reserve at least two weeks in advance! |
| Summary |
El Quetzal is a small family style school founded in 1998 by Glenda Lopez, she has over 13 years of experience teaching Spanish to foreigners. She started El Quetzal Spanish School with a desire to not only follow her passion in teaching, but also to create a school that would help fund scholarships for disadvantaged children who can´t afford to go to school. The teachers have a minimum of 6 years teaching experience. The school has its own materials and good Spanish literature books.
This school is well organized and focused on teaching in a familiar atmosphere.
Good value for money! Students are given a free internet pass for two hours per week, at a local internet café.
Total immersion in El Quetzal: Very good if you avoid other tourists.
This school has just relocated to a new address, because the old building was damaged due to the earthquake in November, 2012 |
| Registration |
Note that during busier times (summer, Holy Week, end and beginning of the year) it is recommendable that you register at least a month in advance. By signing up early, students will help this small school plan staff and host families before their arrival. |
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 |
The school´s 7 young teachers earn a good $45 and $50 per week plus extras. They have a minimum of 6 years of experience. Exceptional teacher´s training.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Every Friday afternoon during two hours the director Glenda reviews the weeks teaching sheets of every teacher and trains teachers based on any of their shortcomings. Finally, they have to pass a weekly exam.
Recommended teachers: Glenda Lopez, Heber Lopez III, Linda, Byron II, Gloria III, Daima, Pilar, Fernando.
(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 similar as in most schools, but homemade.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Every week there is a "grammar afternoon" where students can expose their problems and Glenda explains a solution or plan to treat them. Also, hilarious vernacular phrases are explained. Every Friday there is an exam.
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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 grammar material. Library: 300 books. It has also a special program for Japanese students with Japanese – Spanish materials.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The director has produced her own detailed grammar guide and verb lists. Also, there is ample and carefully selected material to back up theme writing.
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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 |
The school has no special children program and only a small patio. But lots of children´s books.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
El Quetzal can connect you with a wealth of volunteer opportunities in Quetzaltenango. |
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 |
School just relocated, five blocks east of the central park in Quetzaltenango.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
If you are traveling from Guatemala City, take the AMERICA Bus Line, because their office in Xela is within blocks of Central Park, so you do not need to take a taxi. |
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 |
To complement your formal class study, El Quetzal offers a variety of activities to choose from. We want you to have an opportunity to use your new Spanish abilities in a variety of contexts.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
The school offers 3 or 4 extracurricular activities per week which includes, weaving, dancing (one hour free each), video, lectures (political, culture and history of Guatemala), strolling around town and villages. Fridays at noon local kitchen instruction and food, as a farewell for departing students. On weekends: trips to the open market, mountains, the Chicabal lagoon etc. Students will pay meals, entrance fees and transportation for weekend activities. .
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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 are located near the school, there are one or two students per family, just as you wish.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Families earn $50 per week. Reports on families are modest. The school recommends staying in a hostel/hotel near the school.
Recommended host families: Esther Cajas II, Cony y Carlos II, Ana Maria, Irma Cotom, Violeta, Vilma and Alberto.
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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 |
Some of the social projects connected to the school include: English teaching, working with children from broken homes, orphanage and helping to support scholarships for girls in several rural communities in Guatemala.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school can also connect you to organizations like habitat, Nuevos Horizontes and other which accept volunteers if you like to volunteer in other areas. Minimum volunteer time is 4 weeks. There are projects of manual handcrafts every other week. Conferences about health. |
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 |
Upon request, the school can recommend you a contact in Guatemala City to pick you up at the international airport.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
Patricia′s Bed & Breakfast, Dos Lunas or Posada Belen are the choices for airport pick up service. |
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 El Quetzal Spanish School.
From Central Park, go four and a half blocks to the east on 6th Calle. You pass the Puente de Piedra, a pedestrians bridge. The school is adjacent to Trajes Roma, a suit store.
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Frederick Leblond
10 / 2012 |
Amazing experience in this small family school. Teachers were really nice and our family host too. We really recommend to go to Quetzaltenango in El Quetzal Spanish School, we were like home. We learned a lot of Spanish, but also about culture and tradition. Glenda and her family are just amazing. We are missing them !!
Quetzaltenango is really good city to study with nice volcan hikes around. |
Anonymous
10 / 2012 |
Really friendly and incredible familiar atmosphere at, El Quetzal Spanish School! Me and my boyfriend liked it a lot! We, like everybody else, ended up staying way longer than we planed, just because it feels like absolutely the right place to be and learn Spanish! Glenda, the director, manage the school very professional and as well, will be helpful with any need. Beside of that, Xela is surrounded by beautiful nature and for people that are into hiking, I suggest to use your free time for hiking while taking Spanish classes (check out Quetzaltrekkers in Xela, Guatemala, a non-profit-hiking-group.Amazing hikes!) Do it and enjoy! |
Alan Stride
alanstride@live.co.uk
07 / 2012 |
Before I finally decided to go to El Quetzal, I was a bit cautious of the fact the rates were so cheap in comparison to a lot of the other schools. I thought that this might of meant that the quality of the teachers and resources would have been worse. However I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could not of been more wrong and I loved the fact that this school is small with a family-orientated feel to it. The standard of the teachers there is excellent and in 6 weeks I would say I went from beginner to a competent intermediate level. My teachers were Gloria and Fernando and I would definitely recommend them to anyone. They were very easy to talk to, I felt comfortable and a large proportion of my lesson time was spent having casual conversations. Towards the end I could talk about anything and everything and understand. Conversations are the key. I enjoyed the mix of students there. There were guys who required to learn Spanish for their jobs or studies and there were guys like me who just wanted to communicate in another language. I made a lot of friends during my time at the school, which has a very welcoming and friendly environment.
I stayed with the Ramos family, Vilma and Alberto and their two sons Tito and Guillermo. Very pleasant to stay with and definitely accelerates your learning.
It would be a pleasure to recommend El Quetzal to anyone who wants to learn Spanish. I say avoid the larger schools and pay less for better value!
(please feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions) |
Anonymous
04 / 2012 |
We had a wonderful time learning at El Quetzal Spanish School! We stayed at the Cajas home with Mama Esther and her wonderful family and thoroughly enjoyed her cooking, conversation, and overall guidance. I studied with Pilar and my fiance with Heber and we both had a great experience and learned a lot of spanish very quickly. Both Pilar and Heber were extremely patient with us and we felt that our interest in medicine was adequately incorporated into our education while still learning a broad cross-section of language and Guatemalan culture. We especially loved the trips to neighboring communities with the school´s teachers and the Friday presentations with all the student-teacher pairs. We hope to go back soon!
Conditions of the school were great! |
Anonymous
powderpig@bresnan.net
02 / 2012 |
El Quetzal Spanish School was fantastic. The hours were accommodating and intensive. The atmosphere is super homey with coffee, snacks, and everyone is always up for a chat be it another student, or teacher. I loved working with my teacher Byron. He was awesome, extremely knowledgeable linguistically, historically, and culturally. A great sense of humor also! He tailored my few weeks perfectly to my needs, and was super diligent in making sure I stayed on track and was getting what I asked for. The school offers fun activities throughout the week as well.
The Host family was brilliant. I had Cony and Carlos, and my time at "La Casa de las Vacas" was incredibly fun and enriching. It was a nice ten minute walk from school, a brisk wakeup that I looked forward to each morning.
I loved the extracurricular activities. I watched the videos, went to Salcaj, and took a cool tour of the market with some teachers. |
Anonymous
12 / 2011 |
The people that run El Quetzal Spanish School are all awesome. Glenda is very accommodating and approachable; her two kids are pretty cool and can be seen helping out at the school or just hanging out. My teacher, Daima (spelling?), was quite good and patient.
I had never taken a Spanish lesson before and came away after just one week with a solid base on which to build. Basically: sentence structure, present tense of verbs, a slew of irregular verbs. The school provides you with a notebook. It is up to you to fill it in, which you will since you will be assigned homework.
The school also offered optional activities. I did a hike up "La Muela" and attended a interesting lecture about Guatemala. There is also a potluck held, I think, once a week.
The place is centrally located and easy to find. It does get cold - I was there in December/January - so be sure to bring sweaters. My teacher wore gloves during one of the colder mornings.
My host family was incredible and one of the best parts of my two-week visit to Guatemala. They cooked awesome food, had a comfy bed, and were very inviting and friendly. They also were located within walking distance (about 10 minutes) from the school. It was also fun to interact with and play with the two young kids. |
Anonymous
10 / 2011 |
To make a long story short; my experience at El Quetzal Spanish School was fantastic. I received everything I wanted: professional teachers, sincere environment and meaningful activities. Glenda, the director of the school, is very professional and constantly making sure that students feel comfortable with their learning and living situations. Gloria was my teacher and she was great. I also had a lot of interactions with the other teachers during activities in the afternoon (i.e. lectures, movies, trips). These accounts and talking with other students confirmed the high quality of all the teachers. I highly recommend this school to everyone who is interested in a high quality education and authentic cultural experience.
School provided professional learning environment. |
Anonymous
09 / 2011 |
I had an amazing experience at El Quetzal Spanish School. I began with Rosario, who I would recommend for a beginner, she was a kindergarten teacher before and finished with Gloria...I loved her. We worked on conversation and pronunciation. The school had organized activities every day which were a good mix of educational and social. I highly recommend the school. I stayed with the Xicaras, mama Cony was an amazing cook, friend and the daughters were kind and helpful. |
Anonymous
matt.holland.sj@gmail.com
06 / 2011 |
El Quetzal Spanish School is a warm and inviting school while being rigorous at the same time. The teachers were excellent and I learned more Spanish in these six weeks than I thought was possible.
Study materials consisted of current newspapers, history books, films |
Lisa Hofheinz
03 / 2011 |
Town and school were perfect for an authentic and nice stay. El Quetzal Spanish School has a lot to offer, even though it is a very small school. I was learning together with my boyfriend with one teacher, who did an excellent job. We learned a lot and had an awesome time together. The school offers a lot of activities in the afternoons as well, all of them very interesting. El Quetzal is highly recommendable, ask for Pilar as your teacher, she is superb!
I recommend a home-stay as well because it offers a nice view into Guatemalan family life. Quetzaltenango is great for staying longer. I am so glad that I chose it over Antigua, so much more realistic and a lot of activities in and around. Regards, Lisa. |
Katie Lueders
02 / 2011 |
I also studied at, El Quetzal Spanish School and had Rosario as teacher, who was FABULOUS!!! She was experienced, patient, funny, and kept the environment lively and fun. There were several special touches at this school: Bread of some sort provided every day at break time to encourage students to get to know each other, free tea and coffee, and lots of projects/field trips for the students as well. Rosario catered some of my learning towards my interests (animals), which encouraged me to learn more vocabulary, etc. Plus, it provided a nice break when learning the rules/tenses of the language got overwhelming or frustrating. She also came with me to lunch and helped me navigate a map... Thanks Rosario!
Glenda, who I believe is the founder of the school, was very helpful. The teachers are always trying to include all the students in the school's activities, and engage in conversation. This school was really on top of their game, very professional and friendly. I had several hotel debacles while in Xela, but my school was great!!! If you can't stay at the Dona Mercedes, it is clean and safe, unlike some other places I first stayed at while there...! Spend the extra money to stay somewhere nice! Regards, Katie. |
Jesse Pizzitola
jessepizzitola@gmail.com
01 / 2011 |
I attended El Quetzal for 3.5 weeks and had a very good experience. My wife and I have actually compressed our site-seeing time in Guatemala so we can return there next week to continue studying at El Quetzal Spanish School. Not only do we both feel great about our progress learning Spanish at this school, but we have both found that we learn much more about the culture, history, economy, and politics of Guatemala by attending this school and living in Xela than by following the tourist trail around the country. There are excelent activities 4 times a week, lectures, cooking and dancing classes, videos, hikes and other excursions into the sourronding mountians and pueblos. Not only are all the teachers envolved in your education through daily activities but the owner is very present and interested in the progress all of her students. |
Colleen O'Brien
12 / 2010 |
First of all, Xela is a wonderful place to study and live. I enjoyed the El Quetzal Spanish School, although I was there for only one week that spanned New Years, so it was a slow time and I didn't get to experience all that the school had to offer. I still really enjoyed the atmosphere at the school and my teacher Miriam was wonderful!! She worked with me to make sure I met my goals and my Spanish dramatically improved by the end of the week.
The host family was welcoming and wonderful. I always had plenty of food to eat and was brought in as a member of their own family. I wish I could have stayed for longer!!
The teaching method was very personalized and tailored specifically to my needs. My teacher worked every day to help my reach my goals by the week's end! I really liked that Miriam would often have me make up my own sentences and have me use the new tenses repeatedly to help me remember. I would definitely return!! Thank you, Colleen. |
Bruce Porter
12 / 2010 |
For me the week in El Quetzal Spanish School was very useful. My teacher was quick to work out my level and what I wanted. He then set out a plan for us to follow. Each day he would check we had made our objectives and state what I would learn tomorrow. He would then give me a lot of homework. By the end of the week, we could have a beer and a conversation.
We also helped out with the English lessons run by the school at the end of the week. This was very interesting and humbling as we watched and helped locals ranging from under 10 to over 60 learning English.
Study materials at El Quetzal consisted of work books that were supplied to students. |
George Gibson
gogibson6@yahoo.com
11 / 2010 |
Good school, great people, and a wonderful experience. I consider the small size of El Quetzal and the one-on-one instruction to be an advantage. Specifically, the one-on-one instruction allowed my instructor to tailor his teaching to my objectives. My teacher, Byron, was fantastic. I had thought that 5 hours a day of Spanish might be too much. But, Byron had a variety of activities to keep me interested and motivated. From what other students said, all the instructors at El Quetzal provide quality education. Glenda, the founder and owner is a beautiful person that cares about all her students.
I only had two weeks available. That was not enough. I am already planning on going back for longer. I choose not to stay with a host family. Instead, I stayed in a hotel about 200 feet away. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend El Quetzal Spanish School.
If anyone has specific questions fee free to contact me at: gogibson6@yahoo.com. |
Matthew Wootton
10 / 2010 |
I have a complicated and conflicting advice for you about the El Quetzal Spanish School. But my advice is relevant and important on WHATEVER school you're looking at going to. To make it short:
on the one hand the extra activities were excellent. Walks up volcanoes, to a neighboring village, to the hot steam baths; English classes to teach, a traditional lunch once a week.
Accommodations: very good. After initially staying with a teacher (in what turned out to be a disastrous and tense miss-match of personalities) I was fairly happy with a room off of Wilma's yard, decent food (and she managed to make it vegetarian for me) and enough of it.
Teaching: this is the complicated part. The conclusion unfortunately is: you need to be in charge of your own education and to know what you want. You cannot expect this school - or any school - to get it all right for you.
I suspect that El Quetzal follows a very similar format to other schools. The school itself had lots of other students when I was there, mainly other English speakers, from the UK, Germany, Sweden, the States etc. Most other schools at that time seemed almost empty. But our school was social, with plenty of opportunity to go out for a beer (and talk in Spanish) if you got along with the teachers. I think the school is very good value for money as well - I chose it because of its good value and I don't think I would have had better tuition chances somewhere else; I'd have just got ripped off.
HOWEVER the teaching - specifically my teacher - did not help me very much at all. This was not entirely her fault. It was the fact that I did not get on with her teaching style, and she was too inexperienced to change it for me. I began by suffering in silence but then I complained more and more as time went on that I felt I was making lists of grammar rules, and that is exactly what I was doing. I have the books to prove it, lists of grammar rules in my own writing. Up to 25 different rules for how to use a given tense. Or a mode of tense. Have I used such rules even once since? No, of course not. Have they been relevant? No way. Did I need more speaking and listening practice? Yes, absolutely. Did I need less rules (ESPECIALLY because I personally don't like rules anyway)? YES. Did I need to concentrate on important words/verbs and conjugations rather than learn every possible rule for every conjugation? YES, of course. I think other students got along much better however, with different teachers. I'm not going to say who my teacher was, because she was perfectly well meaning. She was however very young (like, 20) and I think with more experience she will loosen up and not feel she has to charge through the curriculum. But that doesn't help me. Although the school is good value, at the end of the day I have paid nearly £600 and I still can't speak Spanish as well as I should be expected to after 5 weeks one-to-one tuition. In fact the one-to-one tuition aspect of the teaching was wasted. We had a fantastic opportunity that I would kill for now to dwell on the aspects of the language that I liked and enjoyed and to build my confidence and skills, especially through talking and listening. Instead we charged through the curriculum in a theoretical way - head down - at a fast rate, completely regardless of the fact that I was clearly not remembering or being able to use what I had already been taught. I can't stress enough that the school needs to think harder about listening closely to the INDIVIDUAL needs of students, monitor their progress and judge it by ability to speak rather than number of pages filled in their exercise book (!) and brief their teachers NOT to rush through the curriculum.
However, I don't think El Quetzal is a bad school. This could have happened anywhere, and I know it DIDN'T happen with other students/teachers. At the end of the day, the only way you're going to have a good experience - at any school - is to understand what kind of learner you are (you probably have an intuition already) and to road-test a teacher. See if you get along with them. DON'T suffer for more than a couple of days if you're not taking off. Learning SHOULD be fun. I was not having fun for most of the time, and my motivation dropped through the floor. So. I hope this will help other people, and I hope that Glenda the Director at El Quetzal (who is a very nice lady) can take this advice on board.
Matt Wootton (Mateo). El Quetzal student, Autumn 2010 |
Anonymous
mjwood2609@gmail.com
10 / 2010 |
I studied for nearly three months with Glenda, the director of El Quetzal Spanish School, and my husband studied with Heber for about five months. We had a wonderful experience at the school, which is a smaller school with a personal touch.
Not only did we learn a lot of Spanish, but we learned a lot about Guatemalan culture and felt the people at the school really cared about us. We had just moved to Guatemala, and the school staff helped us search for an apartment, set up internet service and learn to do the practical things we needed at that time.
Glenda helped me learn the specific vocabulary I needed for the volunteer work I am doing here. We enjoyed participating in many of the school activities and have had school staff serve as tour guides even since we finished our studies.
The people at El Quetzal are great friends as well as great Spanish teachers. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
Everything went fine with communication. Glenda contacted us by e-mail before we arrived and always contacted me by phone, as needed, while we were students. Thanks. |
Andrew Leese
10 / 2010 |
Hello, I decided to go to El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango. I studied at this school from October 4th - November 5th for a total of 5 weeks. I had a fantastic instructor called Byron. He was very patient, funny and great at explaining the language. There was good use of study materials although, I would recommend bringing your own dictionary, especially if you are not a native English speaker. There were excellent after school activities, including visits to neighboring villages, Guatemalan films and hikes up local mountains and volcanoes. I also frequently went for drinks with some of the teachers in the evenings which was an excellent opportunity to practice my Spanish in a different environment. I stayed with a wonderful family (mother´s name - Esther) and couldn't have wished for a better experience. They were always exceptionally friendly and very accommodating to my (initially terrible) Spanish. I would definitely recommend the school. It´s fantastic value and everyone there - Glenda, Heber, Byron, Linda, Miriam, Julio etc..., is really eager to help you learn and always great to talk to. I wish I could have stayed longer. Regards, Andrew. |
Anonymous
08 / 2010 |
I had a fantastic time studying and doing the activities set up by the school. My teacher and lessons were helpful and structured but allowed me to guide the content and vocabulary necessary to improve my Spanish. My host family were so welcoming and friendly - they made practicing and using the Spanish from my lessons easy and made me feel like one of the family. I would highly recommend the school, the home stay and teachers within El Quetzal Spanish School.
Very helpful - Glenda and family came to meet me and guide me to the host family |
Diane Duffy
dmduffy1950@yahoo.com
07 / 2010 |
Hello, I studied at, El Quetzal Spanish School and I can honestly say that I am sad that it had to end. What an amazing school, instructor (Glenda), and all-round experience. I am planning to return next year. Look no further, if what you want in a language school is an inviting environment and focused instruction. I’ve attended language schools in Costa Rica and Guatemala and can recommend El Quetzal Spanish School over my other choices. The instruction weaves school-related activities and personal interests with grammar instruction and vocabulary building to provide a student-focused learning experience. Although, I have studied Spanish in a variety of settings, this school helped me to make connections within the language that up to now were isolated rules. This is not fill-in-the-blank teaching. The instructors work at least, as hard as the students to make sure that you completely understand the concepts. Asking questions and pausing over confusing topics are encouraged. Definitely, learning Spanish here is not a spectator sport, yet is enjoyable and satisfying. I suggest that you bring a good Spanish/English dictionary, though not required. Activities outside of class also add to the learning. Inexpensive afternoon trips, free weekly cooking class (resulting in a delicious lunch), and volunteer opportunities during the week and weekends are available and encouraged. Since the teachers and students feel like family, you’ll want to participate in these options, although, they are not mandatory. Sincerely, Diane Duffy. |
Laura Decré
06 / 2010 |
Hello, I decided to go to, El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango (Xela). I studied for only two weeks. I got a good instructor, I forgot the name. Study materials were, Ok. The after school activities were great! My host family was also great! I would absolutely recommend the school! Regards, Laura. |
Joyce Keeley
keeleyj@seattleu.edu
06 / 2010 |
Hi, I decided for El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango (Xela). I studied for 5 weeks. Miriam Herrera was an excellent instructor. It didn't even feel like school most of the time as she would make everything fun and we would just chat for hours. She really understands the Spanish language and grammar and also knows a fair amount of English, so she could explain things very well. It seemed to me that even though it was probably random, the director Glenda, managed to pair up every student with the perfect teacher for them. I did not receive any study materials or notebooks, even though, it seemed all the other students did. Each day at the school we used grammar books that Glenda created, which were for the most part very complete, but at times almost so thorough, as to be redundant. It might be helpful to include an English translation for some phrases and tenses, especially as we got into condicional perfect or some subjunctive phrases as I had to figure these out by myself.
Our activities were very fun and I really appreciated the chance to travel around Xela and get to know some of the teachers better. The male teachers are great and very friendly and spend a great deal of time with the students but the female teachers keep more distance and tend to socialize with just one another on these outings. It was kind of hard for me to arrange volunteer work for myself with the school's schedule but it is certainly possible.
My host family was excellent as well. I stayed with Esperanza and Alvaro although, I can't remember their last name. Esperanza is always looking for new boarders and is very, very accommodating with food and rooms. She also sits with her guests during every meal and helps them practice their Spanish. She is extremely patient and good natured and hilarious. The thing I also loved about this house is that she has several Guatemalan boys who are going to high school/university in the city and board with her. It was so great to hang out with boys my age and feel even more connected with the culture. I really felt as though I was staying with a family here. However, if you are not okay with pets, a little dirt, very simple meals, and the occasional cold shower, this house is probably not the best fit for you.
I would recommend El Quetzal, as it seems to be one of the best quality schools for the lowest price. I will be telling all my friends and family about this school and may even return myself. Regards, Joyce. |
Daniel Lonard
dlonard@hotmail.com
06 / 2010 |
Hello, I went to El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango (Xela) and I studied for 6 weeks. My instructor was Heber who is a 30yr old male Guatemalteco. We had a lot in common and became really good friends over our 6 weeks together and regularly hung out after class. He is a very good instructor, using the schools resources and his own personal resources that he has built up over the years that he has been teaching. I felt like he gave me the initiative and he also tailored everything to my needs, especially because I knew some spanish already. The school's activities were great and the teachers and a few other people came along for the excursions. We went to many of the surrounding villages around Xela, played football every week and also taught English to Guatemalan teachers. We had cooking classes every week as well, where the whole school was involved. The best activities were organized through Glenda, who does a lot of volunteering with indigenous families. We taught some children about nutrition and some of the students who were doctors, also talked to the indigenous mothers about health issues and hygiene. My teacher Heber also has an organization with a school in a village and we went to the school to help out for the day and play with the children.
My host families were really amazing. The mom's name is Ester and she has 2 daughters as well. They looked after me in all aspects of life in Xela and I would recommend them highly to anyone. I also became friends with another family, Carlos and Cony who were also amazing and would recommend them as well. Overall, my experience at, El Quetzal was highly memorable. I went there because I knew the school was small in size and this was the best aspect: the school resembled a family. You know all the students who are studying there and also all of the teachers, so its amazing to get to know people and feel comfortable at the same time. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn spanish and have a great cultural experience. Sincerely, Daniel. |
Ivan K.
pri00ce@yahoo.com
05 / 2010 |
Hi, I attended a couple of schools. First I went to El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango. I studied for 4 weeks there. For 2 weeks my instructor was Heber. He was very attentive and very motivated to alleviate my level. I would have welcomed though, more of structural teaching in his approach. After Heber I studied 2 weeks with Glenda. Her teaching was excellent. Even so the technique would benefit with more variety as applied in modern teaching. The school is using primarily its own materials, so it is a very good idea to take some study books of one's own choice along.
The after school activities were very good. The school really takes a lot of trouble to make sure one is busy in the afternoons and even with 1 student, it would not drop the after school activities!
My host family was Elenita Elias Rodas and Jose. I felt at home with them very fast. They really took their time every day to talk a lot with me or the other student to give me opportunity to practice my spanish. Also the room was very spacious and very clean. It was a pleasure and good fortune to have had such a family!
I liked the school and surely can recommend it. Everybody who likes a smaller school were you get to know everybody will surely enjoy their stay at El Quetzal! Any enquires are welcome at, pri00ce@yahoo.com. Sincerely, Ivan. |
Madeline
02 / 2010 |
Hi, I spent a week with El Quetzal Spanish School in Xela. This was in February of 2010. My teachers were excellent. My teacher was, Heber Lopez, and he is the best teacher I ever worked with anywhere...just a lovely man, and a phenomenal teacher. I didn't feel the need for study materials. My host family was Ester and her two lovely daughters. I really loved the whole extended family. I fell in love with Guatemala, and found that going to Spanish school was a great way to meet other foreign students, while staying with families was a great way to meet wonderful local families. I was very happy throughout my trip. Yours, Madeline. Chicago, Illinois. USA |
Cassie Cohen
cassiecohen@gmail.com
09 / 2009 |
Hello, I decided to attend El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango. I studied for 3 weeks there. My instructor, Heber Lizandro Lopez, was great!!!! My Spanish improved very much. After school activities were good. The host family was very experienced with exchange students. For the last 12 years, they have hosted students. The host mother is related to the Director of El Quetzal. I would certainly, recommend this school to others. It is run by an indigenous woman, who is incredible. The teachers, are quality instructors and it is small enough, that you don′t get distracted by speaking English too much with other students like some of the larger, more visible schools in Xela. Regards, Cassie. |
Sarah Goldberg
sarahgoldberg2@gmail.com
08 / 2009 |
Hi, I studied at two schools during my time in Guatemala. I studied at El Quetzal Spanish School in Quetzaltenango, for one week. I liked my instructor, Maria. Study materials at this school were sufficient. Although, I definitely recommend bringing your own English-spanish dictionary. My Spanish improved tremendously. I spoke absolutely no Spanish, before I arrived in Guatemala and when I returned home to Chicago I took a placement test for the extension school of ′Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico′ and was placed in Intermediate 2. I learned in 6 weeks what took me 6 years of middle school and high school to learn in French. After school activities were great, we had hiking and salsa dancing, both of which I loved. Quetzaltenango have lots of opportunities outside of the school for exploring on your own. My host family at El Quetzal was not good at all. They were hosting about 5 students at a time, and never spoke to any of us. The students, ate their meals alone and the meals never varied. It was clear, that the family was hosting solely for money and not for a cross-cultural experience. I would recommend both schools I studied at though--I had good experiences at El Quetzal and other school I attended later, although they have different atmospheres. El Quetzal is a very small school. When I studied there with my two friends we were the only three students there. The teachers treated us like friends and we felt like we were part of a family. Everyday we had a break in the middle of class and teachers and students ate a snack of bread and tea and chatted and laughed together. The director of the school and teachers of my friends, invited us to a wedding at her house. We all cooked and ate a meal together on our last night there. We felt very welcome, and learned about the culture. I am glad I had both school experiences, though, I′m not sure which I prefer, but they are definitely different and worthwhile. Sincerely, Sarah Goldberg. |
Kelly Nowicki
kcnowicki@gmail.com
07 / 2009 |
Hello, two friends and I travelled to Guatemala after Peace Corps to learn Spanish. Our first stop was Xela and before arriving we decided to attend El Quetzal Spanish School. It was fantastic. They arranged for us to be picked up from the airport and helped us board a bus to Xela. We were met in Xela by Glenda, the owner, who personally dropped us off at our assigned host families. My host family, Anna and Danny, were the nicest family I could′ve hoped for. They were a young couple and there were always new friends and family to meet in their house. My two friends and I all had different levels of Spanish and we all felt we were matched up perfectly with our teachers. My teacher, Heber, was great. He was very patient with me, and took the time to re-teach me many things I had forgotten. We had long conversations and he taught me about Guatemalan life. I would highly recommend him as a teacher. Glenda was also fabulous. She is like a mom-away-from home, always making sure you are happy, comfortable, and safe. She really made us feel at home in our new place. The school is small, which we really liked. It made the experience feel much more personal than another school we went to later in our trip, with 30 students. I would highly recommend this school to others. You won′t regret it!! Sincerely, Kelly. |
Nicole Boyer
02 / 2009 |
We had a great experience in Guatemala and at El Quetzal Spanish School in Xela. I studied for 2 weeks at this school. My teacher, Linda, was GREAT. She′s been there since it opened, she has a great sense of humour and teaching style. I never sought any study materials out, so I′m not sure about them. We really enjoyed the after school activities; they included salsa lessons, visits to a nearby children′s hospital and great lectures at EntreMundos, a local non-profit organization. When I expressed interest in working with women, Glenda, the director of the school, arranged 2 weekend excursions to neighbouring pueblos too! We didn′t stay with a host family. I would absolutely recommend the school. It is a small school with quality instructors, great activities, and we felt good about supporting a Mayan woman-led business. Sincerely, Nicole. |
Jonathan Alspaugh
11 / 2008 |
Hello, I finally decided for El Quetzal Spanish School in Xela, which is near the hospital. I studied for one week at that school. My teacher, Heber, was a great teacher and I think he did an outstanding job but I think he would be better suited teaching more advanced students. I am a beginner and we both had to look up a lot of words in the dictionary in order to communicate. I did learn a fair bit but found it easier to learn from someone who spoke more English. My host family was good; Ester was my host mother and she was pretty cool. Awesome cook, really enjoyed the food. She also helped me learn some Spanish. I would recommend the school, to more advanced students. All for now, Jonathan. anotherdayforme3@yahoo.com. |
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