Spanish Language School in Guatemala

Learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala

The city of Antigua is situated at 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level in the central highlands of Guatemala, just 45 minutes south of the capital, Guatemala City. The Central Park is the heart of Antigua and it’s always bustling with locals and international visitors all year-round. Surrounded by volcanoes, the town is most famous for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and colonial ruins—so much so that the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua also offers a wide variety of great restaurants and an active nightlife.

Guatemala is the least expensive place in the world to learn Spanish. This beautiful country still has a developing economy and the cost of living and services like Spanish classes are cheap! Our Spanish school in Antigua combines the great affordability of Guatemala with a high-quality, professional language institute.

ANTIGUA SPANISH SCHOOL 

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

The school’s Spanish curriculum is based on the communicative approach and direct method— it is very immersive and emphasizes speaking and conversation. Classes are taught in Spanish and all language skills are integrated through various activities in and out of the classroom.

Learners and teachers utilize Spanish conversation, context, and visuals to ensure understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Students naturally acquire the language as they are pushed to learn through practice.

SPANISH IMMERSION COURSES IN GUATEMALA FOR EVERY LEVEL

From small group classes ranging from 2-8 people to private classes tailored to your specific needs, our partner school provides quality immersion programs led by certified, native Spanish instructors. If you are looking for a university Spanish course or super-intensive summer program, all levels and various subject areas are available, from basic to advanced topics. Pair your Spanish program along with accommodations in a host family, and you can be sure to quickly move up the learning ladder.

Our Spanish school in Guatemala offers intensive Spanish programs tailored to all kinds of learning objectives. Spanish courses are available for travelers and language lovers, as well as university students. We offer both small group classes and 1-on-1 private lessons for all levels ranging from Beginner Spanish to Advanced and Fluency. Our partner school also offers customized Spanish programs, specialized tutoring, Medical Spanish, and Business Spanish. Advanced university courses including Latin American Civilization & Culture, Conversation & Composition, and Advanced Spanish Grammar, among others, are also available. Contact us for more information. 

Learning Spanish is not just about attending classes, our Spanish school in Antigua offers a variety of extracurricular activities that expand your Spanish language skills. 

Every week there are activities for students to join that include tours, site visits, free salsa lessons, free cooking classes with a local chef, and more. Also, in Antigua, you can tour the Museum of Colonial Art, Chocolate Museum, hike volcanoes, and explore coffee plantations with the friends you made at school. No matter what you do, you are sure to expand your Spanish language skills living and studying abroad in Antigua, Guatemala. 

Great Ideas Outside of Class

– Hike the Acatenango volcano and enjoy the nighttime views of the flowing lava of the Fuego volcano
– Discover the hidden Mayan city of Tikal
– Hike the amazing Pacaya Volcano and roast marshmallows on hot lava
– Visit Lake Atitlan and its magical little villages
– Swim in the immaculate turquoise pools of Semuc Champey
– Learn to ride the waves at surf school
…and much more

For a more immersive experience, host families are ideal. Host Family accommodations include breakfast and dinner 7 days/week.

Accommodation is from the Sunday prior to the course start date until the Saturday after the end of the course (you can book extra-nights).

The school offers different intensities of courses depending on how fast you want to learn Spanish.

¡QUE CHILERO!

Unique to Guatemalan Spanish is the use of all three pronouns “tu,” “vos,” and “usted,” depending on the region of Guatemala you are visiting. “Usted” is almost exclusively used for formal conversations; “tu” and “vos” are interchangeable depending on who you are speaking with and are almost always used in casual conversations among peers.

The Guatemalan accent is similar to that of a Mexican accent, but most Spanish speakers agree Guatemalans speak more slowly, and therefore it is easier to understand and learn. In addition, there are some Spanish vocabulary words exclusive to Guatemala, including “chavo (a)” which means “guy or girl” and “que chilero!” which means “cool.”

Guatemalan culture is an interesting mix of indigenous traditions with colonial Spanish and modern western influences. For example, the main religions are a combination of Catholicism or Evangelical Christianity combined with Mayan beliefs resulting in a unique spirituality. Guatemalans are very conservative and you should take care not to draw extra attention to yourself.

Some cultural recommendations include:

– Dress conservatively
– Avoid open displays of affection in public
– Cover your tattoos, as these are associated with gangs
– Wear shoes or sandals at your family-stay
– Understand that “Guatemala time” is often flexible
– Do not point your finger at people
– Speak softly and politely even if you are angry 
– Avoid topics such as pre-marital sex and teen pregnancy

In Antigua, there is lively nightlife with a wide variety of places, including live music. Bars and restaurants officially wrap up business at 1:00 AM, but there is an active after-hours scene, so people who prefer late nights are never disappointed.

Antigua is a safe city, but it pays to be vigilant. You should never walk alone at night, and be very careful with your valuables.