Are you looking for a great value destination to study Spanish? Choose Guatemala. You can find highly rated language schools located throughout the country offering great value for money courses to international students. Benefits include getting to see spectacular tourist attractions in your spare time like the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal!
Best Language Schools in Guatemala
• La Unión Spanish School, Antigua
• Máximo Nivel, Antigua
Popular Places to Study in Guatemala
These are some of the best locations with foreign students:
• Antigua
• Guatemala City
• Lake Atitlan
• Monterrico
All destinations are different, but if we had to recommend just one location we would choose Guatemala’s ancient city of La Antigua. This is one of the most beautiful cities of Central America!
Why Study in Guatemala?
Guatemala is often considered one of Central America’s best-kept secret; it is home to volcanoes, rainforests and some of the most popular ancient Mayan sites. The capital, Guatemala City, features the National Palace of Culture, as well as the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
The beautiful city of Antigua, west of the capital, preserves numerous Spanish colonial buildings. Another highlight of Guatemala is Lake Atitlán, with a massive volcanic crater surrounded by coffee fields and cute villages. In fact, it is the deepest lake in Central America, located about 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Antigua.
Nevertheless, the Mayan pyramids of Tikal are Guatemala’s most famous tourist attraction. As a matter of fact, throughout the Mayan villages neighboring Tikal, you will come across many locals in indigenous attires showcasing and often selling their traditional crafts and textiles.
From the vast coffee-processing buildings of Quetzaltenango, to the main cathedral and tall churches, it is evident that Spaniards walked once among the streets of Guatemala. On the other hand, just over 2% of the country has been urbanized, so you will definitely be able to experience Guatemala’s rainforest and green landscapes in almost every city.
Spanish Language Courses in Guatemala
You can choose between a variety of accredited Spanish Courses in Guatemala and schools are committed to excellence and the quality of teaching is a big priority, no matter how intense you wish your Spanish program to be.
In order to ensure a deeper understanding of the language, schools involve our students in our day-to-day life and activities, making sure that you learn Spanish, not only inside the classroom, but by living the real Guatemalan lifestyle outside the classroom as well.
You can choose between lots of different courses including:
• Beginners Spanish courses for adults
• Intensive Spanish courses
• Part-time Spanish courses
• Super intensive Spanish courses
• Spanish exam preparation courses
• Diplomas in Spanish as a foreign language (DELE)
• Spanish courses for professionals
• Spanish courses plus activities
Expect experienced teachers in all accredited Spanish Courses in Guatemala that are native Spanish-speakers, mostly from Guatemala, with years of experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Additionally, they most will have Bachelor’s Degree in arts in teaching Spanish as a second language and are dedicated to making you progress at a steady pace, according to your needs and abilities.
At the same time, they will introduce you to the immense culture of this fascinating country! Equally important, schools generally guarantee a maximum of 5 students per class or 7 students per class in high season for an optimum learning environment. Upon completion of any of our Spanish Courses in Guatemala, you will receive an Official Certificate!
Cost & What’s Included
All Spanish programs generally include:
• Welcome package and orientation on first day.
• Overview of your skills to place you in the correct level. Exam is taken before your first class.
• Professional and experienced native Spanish-speaking professors.
• All course material and extra resources at the school.
• Students Services so you are always supported.
• Wireless Internet.
• Information regarding activities throughout the city.
• Students’ Meeting room and Open Air Common Area.
• Organized Activities.
• Cafeteria.
• Friendly Staff.
• Spacious and equipped classrooms.
• Housing Placement assistance, upon request.
• Travel advice and Information on extracurricular activities, upon request.
• Official Certificate upon completion of any accredited Spanish courses!
Accommodation
Guatemalan Host Family
To keep learning Spanish outside the classroom, we strongly recommend the option of home-stay living with a Guatemalan Host Family. You can be placed with a local family who will introduce you to the typical lifestyle of Guatemala and will help you learn Spanish by practicing on a daily basis what you have learned in class and in day-to-day activities. Schools carefully select local families for homestays and you will become part of the family while in Guatemala. Also, you can select a private or a shared room. Additionally, you will be provided breakfast only or dinner as well each day with your family. Please note, most Guatemalan families do not have air conditioning. They mostly use fans. On the other hand, you may book a hotel or rent an apartment if you feel like you will need extra cooling during your stay. Rates vary depending on the meal plan you chose, whether 1 meal or 2 per day.
Hotels
If you prefer the comfort of a hotel during your Spanish Courses in Guatemala, schools can recommend a few options. In fact, Guatemala offers countless hotel options in a wide range of prices and categories, from inexpensive hostels to all-inclusive resorts.
FAQ
Is Guatemala safe?
Guatemala does have one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America but most of the serious crime involves local gangs and incidents in tourist areas are very rare. Places like Antigua and Lake Atitlan which are popular locations with tourists and students are very safe.
Cost of studying in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the best value destinations in Latin America with courses very cheap compared to other locations like studying Spanish in Costa Rica for example. Accommodation and food are also great value for money.
Do I need a visa to study in Guatemala?
Most nationalities from countries like the UK, Europe and USA do not require a visa for language courses up to 90 days in duration.
What is Guatemala like for international students?
Do we recommend Guatemala for foreign students? Yes! Guatemala is a great country to study and courses are generally cheaper than destinations like nearby Mexico and Panama, whilst there are lots of amazing tourist sights you can see including the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. Antigua is also one of our top rated destinations to study in Central America, this city is so scenic with old cobbled streets and colourful buildings.
Start dates
Most classes start every Monday.