Study Spanish and Quiche at Celas Maya Language School

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango,  Xela

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: We provide visitors with high-quality Spanish and Quiche (Mayan language) instruction, as well as the opportunity and means to learn more about Latin American history, society, politics and culture.

* Promote education among rural highlands Maya through a scholarship program.
* Make computer technology and other educational resources accessible to Mayan students.
* Promote and house a research center for Guatemalans and visitors to explore different fields of human knowledge.
* Promote participatory education that is respectful of different cultures and ways of thinking.

The Teachers

All our teachers at Celas Maya have between 4 - 10 years of experience teaching Spanish or Quicha as a foreign language. They are professionals with university degrees or university students in their final years of study, and come from a variety of disciplines: law, psychology, business administration, social work, literature. They are well-informed about the reality of Guatemala and Latin America. We also provide on-going teacher education to ensure uniform competency and mythology.

Highlights: Methodology (Full Immersion)

We know that learning a language requires willingness from the student, but we also understand that it requires an effective methodology and, above all, ability and experience in the teacher. At Celas Maya we have taken great care in creating and defining our study programs so the language-learning process is as efficient as possible. The best method for learning a language is full Immersion. Full Immersion is not passive osmosis; besides learning a solid grammatical foundation through theory, analysis, practical exercises and weekly tests, full immersion implies that the student is involved in the new language in an active and real way, for the greatest amount of time and in as many activities as possible.

One-on-One Classes: Our one-on-one teaching approach at Celas-Maya is personalized according to each student's level, needs and interests, allowing for the maximum amount of practice and conversation.

Additional services: Celas Maya is an accredited institution for offering US-university credits. By offering high-level classes and external exams, students can obtain 2 university credits for every 2 weeks of study (50 hours). After each 2 weeks, the student has accomplished one level. Besides that, we are a recognised exam centre of the Cervantes Institution. In Celas Maya, you are able to participate in taking the D.E.L.E-exam, which gives you a Spanish diploma that is reknown on a worldwide scale. This diploma is handed out by the Spanish "Instituto Cervantes", who work with the Spanish Ministry of Education. Besides making the exam at Celas Maya, you can also take preparation courses with specific materials recommended by the Cervantes Institute.

Study Environment: We value the concept of building a friendly environment for students and teachers. You will learn and study in a peaceful garden located in a beautiful character house, enjoying free coffee, tea and pure water from our cafeteria. During break time we serve fresh bread from a nearby bakery.

Activities and Excursions

An aspect of full immersion is that students use their new language in as many different activities as possible ' observation, analysis, creation, entertainment, etc. At Celas Maya we dedicate between two and five hours daily outside of class time to a wide variety of activities to reinforce the learning in class.

Among the many activities which will exercise student's comprehension are weekly lectures and seminars with experts in Mayan culture, anthropology, political science, economics, literature and Latin American history. Topics include: the Mayan mathematical system; the educational system in Guatemala; the role of Mayan women in Guatemalan society; etc. In addition, we offer weekly films and demonstrations of local artesanry and dance.

Celas Maya also makes frequent outings to climb volcanoes, swim in volcanic lakes, bicycle, explore markets in surrounding towns, visit archaeological sites, and soak in hot springs. Celas Maya also offers a space for students to explore their talents through painting and poetry contests. In each activity, however, the student and teacher are working together to constantly apply the new language.

Homestay with a Guatemalan Family

As an important element of the full-immersion program at Celas Maya, you have the opportunity to live with a family here in Quetzaltenango. Here, you can constantly practice what you learn in your classes and experience the language in a everyday, bustling, real-life context of a new culture ' all while enjoying the warmth of Guatemalan hospitality and savoring traditional cuisine: pepinn, kichem, paches, jocum, tortillas, tamales.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Year Founded: 1999