Learn Spanish in Guatemala: Spanish Courses in South America

Course Prices Accommodation Prices School Facilities Course Details Accommodation Details

Learn Spanish in Panajachel, Guatemala

Panajachel is picturesquely nestled in the Guatemalan highlands providing breathtaking views of three volcanoes and the spectacular Lake Atitlan . The volcanoes, Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro create an awesome backdrop to the beautiful calm waters of the lake. Panajachel is well known as the doorway for exploring all the indigenous villages around Lake Atitlan . Santiago Atitlan, Santa Catarina Palopo, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Juan, San Lucas Toliman and San Antonio Palopo, all of which are famous for their women weavers and Traditional clothes.

Panajachel, or Pana as it is called by many locals, is a town full of interesting sights, sounds, and smells. The town has numerous hotels and is full of quality restaurants and interesting nightspots. During the day you can visit the surrounding villages, enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanoes that surround the lake or visit Panajachel's busy market street of Calle Santander. It is also one of the best places in Guatemala to shop for souvenirs at very reasonable prices.

Best of all, Panajachel is in the heart of the Mayan world. Villages around the lake are predominantly Mayan and largely untouched by the modern world, with the famous market of Chichicastenango only about 45 minutes drive away. Pana itself has an unusual yet wonderful blend of people living together, with Mayans, Ladinos and foreigners making up the permanent population. Few world travelers who come to Guatemala leave without spending some time in Panajachel as it is truly is an international town.

Spanish Courses in Panajachel, Guatemala - Fees

Accommodation Fees

Our Spanish Language School in Panajachel, Guatemala

Our school in Panajachel offers individual intensive training by native Spanish speaking teachers.

We begin your Spanish course by making sure students know the fundamental mechanics of the Spanish language and that they have a basic vocabulary. Then, building on this solid foundation, we carefully develop the student's Spanish language skills for as long his or her studies continue. When learning a new language there is always a lot of book work to be done, but because no language exists in a cultural void we make this essential part of the course as interesting and enjoyable as possible by using a variety of teaching aids.

Most of our students choose to take room and board with a Guatemalan family and after class many take advantage of the opportunity to join up with their teachers on various activities and tours around the lake. Not only are these tours a good way to learn more about the local culture and environment, they also offer a good chance to practice the language with your teachers and local residents

Our Spanish school's teaching objectives:

• To introduce you to the Spanish language as quickly as possible using the most appropriate and advanced methods.
• To encourage you to explore and share a part of the culture of Guatemala while you learn the Spanish language.
• To offer formal practice and intensive classes so you can advance through the levels easily and quickly.
• To help ensure you not only learn the language, but also have a pleasant and enjoyable time during your stay with us.
• To assist you with your travel plans, help with any health concerns you may have or special dietary needs you require.
• Last but not least, our staff and administration would like to feel we have helped provide an educational and enjoyable experience here and leave you wanting to come back again.

Although weekday mornings are spent in class, special activities are offered in the afternoon and on weekends including, visits to nature reserves, scenic hikes, lake tours, dance classes and much more.

Our Spanish Courses in Panajachel, Guatemala

Our Spanish school's teaching methods are based on learning correct grammar through very intensive Spanish classes with oral and written exercises. Basic conversation is also a very important part of our program for analyzing pronunciation as well as accent differences.

Formal reading and writing comprehension is also highly stressed. To help you to be able to understand different accents, we suggest studying with a different teacher every week, although you may stay with the same teacher if you prefer.

Academic Schedule:

• 8:00 am to 10:00 am: Lessons and written exercises involving vocabulary and grammar.
• 10:00 am to 10:30 am: Short Break, time to chat with other students or teachers so that you can get to know each other better, drink coffee, tea, water; or simply rest.
• 10:30 am to 12:00 pm: Practice vocabulary using exercises and conversation.
• 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Lunch Break
• 2:00 pm to the end of class: Reading comprehension and practicing vocabulary with emphasis on pronunciation, also conversation involving traditional and cultural topics, games and group dynamics, all depending on the student's needs and interests.

The courses include the following:

• A private teacher for one to one lessons
• Regular class hours according to the course you choose
• All study materials, including text and work books
• A weekly test to verify your progress (usually on Friday)
• With four weeks of study, a certificate to prove your success
• A diploma for long term students
• Weekly activities (except transportation and entrance fees when required)
• Organic coffee, tea and purified water
• Receive faxes and phone calls. (Making calls is possible for a nominal fee.)
• Receive regular mail
• Cable TV, movies and cultural documentaries on Guatemala and Central America in Spanish or English with Spanish subtitles
• Relax in hammocks in the school's garden
• Information and assistance in arranging your trips to other places in Guatemala and Central America

Learn Spanish in Panajachel, Guatemala - Accommodation

Home Stay

Living with a Guatemalan host family can be an excellent learning opportunity for you to practice your Spanish, increase your vocabulary and learn first hand about the Guatemalan way of life. By staying with a family, you will learn about, and be involved in, local customs and culture on a daily basis.

We carefully screen and select our Guatemalan host families to be sure your accommodation is clean, comfortable and secure. You will have a private room with bathing privileges and three meals daily, Monday through Saturday. Please Note: On Sundays the host family does not provide food.

Please note: All prices are quoted in US $. For the equivalent in your currency, please visit www.xe.com/ucc.