Program
Destination
Antigua Guatemala, or "old Guatemala", is the oldest city in the country, founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1543. Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in all of Latin America. Today some 33,000 people live there. The city and its surroundings hills and mountains boast a multitude of spectacular colonial era ruins, the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture in existence, and numerous Indigenous villages and Mayan archaeological sites. It was one of the first sites to be listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site list in 1979. Antigua is located in the tropics and therefore has nice weather all year long. Its high elevation keeps the city from getting too hot in the summer. Its charm and relaxed atmosphere attract students and travelers from all over the world, who enjoy its abundance of quaint cafes, international restaurants, colorful festivals, and lively nightlife.
School
Our partner school is located in the heart of the city, in a lovely colonial house with a friendly courtyard in which classes are often held. Thanks to its relatively small size and to the individual attention given to each student, the school maintains an extremely friendly atmosphere. A computer with internet connection is available for students.The experienced teaching staff has developed the school’s own course books and materials to ensure high standards of teaching for all students.
Courses
To provide high quality instruction centreed on the needs of each individual we offer one-to-one tuition and small-group courses. . We offer programmes consisting of 20 or 30 hours a week, catering to students looking for a more relaxed stay as well as students looking for a more intense language learning experience.
- Group Classes (maximum 4 people)
20 hours of Spanish per week, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12pm and/or from 2pm to 6pm, according to the group's level.
The school can be quite flexible in terms of timetabling.
- Individual Classes
Standard: 20 hours per week
Intensive: 30 hours per week
Students learn at their own pace and enjoy individual attention, while only paying as much as they would for group courses in many other schools. Classes are held Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and/or from 2pm to 6pm, according to the group's level.
The school can be quite flexible in terms of timetabling.
- Activities
In order to achieve a better knowledge of the Guatemalan culture we combine recreational, cultural and educational activities along with the Spanish programme. Most of the activities are free of charge, but some may require a small fee for entry or transportation.
Activities vary from week to week, but may include: Orientation tour of Antigua on first day, films, sports (football, volleyball, basketball, etc.), dance classes (salsa and merengue), trip to ’Cerro de la Cruz’, crafts classes, festivals, visits to voluntary projects, to markets, silver and jade factories, visit to Macadamia Farm, Casa Popenone, local ruins, the Pacaya volcano, etc.
Volunteer
The Program
Our school is in contact with several local organisations (social, educational, health and environmental) in which you can work as a volunteer after taking at least four weeks of Spanish classes. An intermediate to advanced level of Spanish is required for this programme to get the most out of the experience. The volunteer programme is open year-round to all ages (minimum 18 years old or accompanied by an adult).
Most volunteer programmes require participants to stay at least 4 weeks, while some can be shorter or longer. The school staff will help you chose an organisation according to the duration of your stay, the positions available at the time, and you personal preferences and skills. Most volunteers work only in the morning (or sometimes only in the afternoon), and enjoy having some free time to discover other aspects of life in Guatemala.
Conditions
Depending on the project, a good Spanish ability might be required to achieve your goals. If it turns out that you worry your level is not high enough, you can combine the Volunteer Programme (in the mornings) with Spanish classes (in the afternoon).
Organisations
Volunteers work in many different fields and organisations. Some examples of projects include:
- work with elderly people (help giving food and medicine, bathing and organising activities);
- help take care of babies and children (feed and bathe them and give them attention to stimulate their mental development);
- conservation activities with endangered species;
- help in animal shelters;
- work as an assistant teacher for kindergarten children;
- tutor children or teenagers;
- teach English;
- help with construction;
- do social work;
- help people to start their own small business, etc.
If one of these projects interests you, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Together we'll build your project according to your interests and level of Spanish.
Accommodation
We offer two types of accommodation to participants.
- Host Family
We offer accommodation in a Guatemalan host family with a private room and a private or shared bathroom. Full board (3 meals a day), except on Sundays, is included. Living with a host family allows students to discover Guatemalan lifestyle and culture while also providing an efficient way to practice language skills.
- Student Residence
For students who prefer a more independent lifestyle, accommodation can also be arranged in a student residence. Accommodation is in single rooms, with shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
Prices & Dates
Dates 2012
The school is open year-round, except on Guatemalan holidays: 01/01, 05/04, 6/04, 1/05, 25/06, 30/06, 25/07, 15/09, 20/10, 1/11, 24, 25 & 31/12.
Courses start on Mondays, students should plan to arrive on Sundays and leave on Saturdays.
Please contact us if you wish to book another arrival or departure day.
Including all taxes & enrollment fees
Click here to enroll directly| Course and accommodation with host family | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durée | 20L group course | 20L private course | 30L private course | ||
| 1 week | $ 425 | $ 575 | $ 725 | ||
| 2 weeks | $ 685 | $ 1,025 | $ 1,175 | ||
| 3 weeks | $ 935 | $ 1,295 | $ 1,625 | ||
| 4 weeks | $ 1,195 | $ 1,625 | $ 2,075 | ||
| 6 weeks | $ 1,745 | $ 2,255 | $ 2,825 | ||
| 8 weeks | $ 2,255 | $ 2,855 | $ 3,575 | ||
| 12 weeks | $ 3,155 | $ 4,055 | $ 5,075 | ||
| 16 weeks | $ 4,055 | $ 5,255 | $ 6,425 | ||
| 18 weeks | $ 4,505 | $ 5,780 | $ 7,100 | ||
| 20 weeks | $ 4,955 | $ 6,305 | $ 7,775 | ||
| 24 weeks | $ 6,025 | $ 7,995 | $ 8,995 | ||
| 32 weeks | $ 7,955 | $ 10,055 | $ 11,525 | ||
| 36 weeks | $ 8,695 | $ 10,995 | $ 12,620 | ||
| Extra week | $ 185 | $ 225 | $ 255 | ||
| Volunteer programme | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frais de placement | $ 335 | ||||
| Acc. per week | $ 125 | ||||
| Supplements per week | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private bathroom with host family, per week | $ 45 | ||||
| Airport transfer - acc. | $ 100 | ||||
| Accommodation in residence on request | |||||
Prices include:
- Courses (20 or 30 hours a week)
- Accommodation in host family (or residence with a supplement)
- Full board if accommodation in host family
- Course materials
- All administration and enrolment fees
They do not include:
- Transportation to and within Antigua
- Visa fees if applicable (for stays over 3 months)
- Optional airport transfer
Practical Info
Transport
- Nearest airport to Antigua: Aeropuerto Internacional de La Aurora, 7km south of Guatemala City.
An optional transfer (subject to cost) is offered from the airport to your accommodation.
If you prefer, we can book your flight for you. This must be made clear when you enrol.
Visa Information
In the majority of cases, a Visa is not necessary for stays of less than 90 days.
If you intend to stay for longer than 90 days, please consult your nearest Guatemalan embassy for Visa application procedures.
