Professional One-to-One and Group Spanish Courses in Stunning Guatemala

  Guatemala

Antigua

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: All year round - you choose your start and finish dates

Description: If you're interested in learning or improving your Spanish, what better way forward than to take a language course at the prestigious APPE Spanish Academy in Antigua. You'll study with fully qualified and experienced Spanish teachers, giving you an ideal foundation to practice your newfound skills around the town.

What You'll Gain From This Project:
* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Central America and Guatemala, which is quite unique.
* New language skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or résumé that can help you out in the job market
* And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Overview of the Language Course:
The Spanish Academy was founded in 1992 and guarantees a completely professional, yet informal and fun teaching service for its students. The Spanish course consists of intensive, one-on-one tuition along with a few larger group classes. You will be taught using the APPE's highly reputed 'global method' which has been used successfully by the Peace Corps in Latin America and uses visual, auditory, verbal and accumulated knowledge techniques applied to specific situations.

Standard courses consist of five lessons per week each lasting four hours (20 hours per week). All classes are predominantly held in Spanish and you will be encouraged to speak and eventually think in Spanish as much as possible! However, don't let this intimidate you as most teachers will speak English.
At the end of the course, you'll receive a Certificate issued by the School, stating that you have done the course, to what level, and the duration in hours of the course you have completed.

Spanish is either an official language or is spoken by a significant portion of the population in more than 23 countries around the world? Pick up a useful skill and gain confidence by practicing it in a Spanish-speaking country! Learning a little of the language can open up a whole new world of experience for you. In Guatemala, a simple 'hello' or 'thank you' in Spanish will often earn the respect of local people not to mention making it easier to find your way around.

About The Language Centres:
We work with two language centres in Guatemala, all located in and around Antigua:

Antigua Location - Main School :
First founded in 1543 Antigua remained the capital city for the over 200 hundred years until the earthquake of 1776, reducing the city back to rubble. The city repopulated gradually managing to retain the traditional character.

San Juan Del Obispo - Rural:
Four Kilometres south of Antigua is the picturesque town of San Juan. It is named after its founder Francisco Marroquin, the first Bishop of Guatemala. The town is located 1600 meters above sea level at the base of the slopes of volcano Agua.

This is a small rural town with, on a clear day, absolutely awe inspiring views of the dramatic landscape. From the north you can see across the marvelous outstretching Panchoy valley, where the conquistadors founded the very noble city of 'Santiago of the Horses' or Antigua in 1543. The Town of San Juan has far less local amenities at hand compared to its two bigger brothers but has far more to offer for both its local culture and inspiring views. Buses to Antigua are normally every 30 minutes, costing 2 Quetzals. The peaceful nature of San Juan offers the student the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in their Spanish studies.

You can arrange to combine Spanish lessons with any of our other projects in Guatemala. Please see Travellers website for details.

Additional Activities You Can Do While On This Project:
As for things to do with your spare time, whether you're an adventure-mad extreme sports enthusiast or a nature-loving bird-watcher, Guatemala's awesome unspoilt natural habitat will have something for you. The extraordinary terrain around the volcanoes and caves provides the perfect setting for mountaineering and caving (spelunking) whereas the fast-moving rivers are ideal for boating, white-water rafting and windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. There's also a nearby turtle sanctuary.
Besides this you can also find ample opportunity to go mountain biking, bathe in hot springs surrounded by lush green jungle, or indulge your passion for nature in one of the country's national parks.

Our users say...
"Antigua is absolutely STUNNING. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves. The cobbled streets contain brightly coloured low houses and the most amazing cathedrals or ruins are everywhere. Most of the house roof tops are covered with flowers and plants. It is fascinating to sit in the park and watch those stunning colourful ladies and girls come to sell their beautiful coloured fabrics, headbands and bags, etc., etc.

The town is very modern even though the locals are rather poor. There are many internet cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, travel agents, bookshops, etc. In fact, have never seen so many internet cafes, salsa bars and travel agents in a small town.

Finally, the most important and greatest asset of Antigua is that it is surrounded by volcanoes and mountains - every angle is a photo!!!! I am always seeing something different here. There is always some form of music playing in the streets too. I'd imagine Cuba being similar. The food is sensational and changes every day so that we try a lot of the local food." Rebecca Tilley

Highlights:
What To Do Next:
Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!

If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It's as easy as that.

Your Destination:
With majestic volcanoes rising out of lush green rainforest, highland villages steeped in tradition, and vibrant, spirited people, Guatemala is a magical destination! where all of our placements are based, is arguably the most picturesque city in Central America. It has a mellow yet distinctly international feel.
Antigua is most famous for its three giant guardian volcanoes, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, providing a stunning setting. Antigua is one of the most popular places in Central America to learn Spanish so you will be surrounded by lots of other students and travellers!

Accommodation & Food:
Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Guatemalan. Local family homestays enable you to fully experience the local culture from the inside. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Guatemala and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Some homestays are more like small hotels, which can accommodate between 1 and 10 volunteers at any one time. Many offer the option of single or shared rooms, and generally houses within the same town are in close proximity with each other. The accommodation is comfortable, with a 'western-style' bathroom.

All of your meals will be provided from Monday to Saturday, leaving you free to sample local eateries on Sundays. Expect to develop a taste for corn tortillas, tostadas and tacos in plentiful supply! Although it could be said that the emphasis with Guatemalan food is more nutritional than culinary, western and international dishes are also easily available in Antigua. Although Guatemalans are big on eating meat, we can easily cater for vegetarians.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit people who want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative and drive to learn a new language

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from 1,015 USD

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

No previous experience is needed. Spanish lessons are available for beginners and fluent speakers.

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to improve their knowledge and skills in their field, learn about a new culture, boost their resume to kick-start their career, and who also want to have a structured placement at the same time as having an exciting travel experience. Patience, adaptability and initiave definitely an advantage.

Age Range: 17 to 70+ All ages are welcome on Travellers Placements

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995