Language course Guatemala
Not many tourists are drawn to Guatemala, but we’ll explain why it’s the perfect country for your language study trip!
The land of the Mayan natives has more to offer than you think. Combine your Spanish course with exploring the colourful colonial city of Antigua or stay at the breathtaking Lake Atitlán. Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s rich culture and learn a new language that will be useful in many countries.
Spanish is spoken very clearly in Guatemala, so you’ll soon be able to converse with the locals. In your free time, you can hike on volcanoes, stroll through the colourful markets or enjoy the exotic nature. This diverse country will make your language course a unique experience.
Reasons for a language course in Guatemala
Guatemala is an often underestimated destination that is home to many exciting places and an interesting culture. A language study trip is not only about learning a new foreign language, but also about immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life. Ancient temple ruins bear witness to the jungle’s indigenous inhabitants and the colonial towns tell a lot about the course of the country’s history. The traditions and history of Guatemala are integrated into the Spanish course, making learning even more fun.
But the country also has impressive nature on show, such as the numerous volcanoes, the dense jungle in the east, the enchanting Lago Atitlán and the beach in the west, to name just a few examples. So there are many excursion destinations available to you in addition to your language course.
Our language schools are located in Guatemala in Antigua and on Lake Atitlán and offer excellent face-to-face private lessons. As different as the places are, they have one thing in common: you can’t get enough of colourful markets, handmade textiles and Guatemalan art.
You want to get involved in a social project after your language course in Guatemala?
We offer different volunteer projects or work & travel programs, with something for everyone. For example, you can volunteer in our children’s aid projects or work on the organic farm to make the most of your stay abroad beyond the Spanish course.
Do you want to learn more about the language program in Guatemala? We will be happy to answer all your questions about the language courses in our wanderlust consultation.
Our language schools in Guatemala
Language school in Antigua, Guatemala
During your Spanish course in Antigua you will receive 20 hours of private lessons from Monday to Friday. The school is located in the center of Antigua and you can reach it on foot from your accommodation. The teachers have more than 10 years of experience in teaching and they will cater to your needs and interests during your individual language course.
The lessons are tailored to the level and goals of each student, intensifying your learning in a short period of time. The Spanish course also serves as an intercultural exchange and there are joint activities, such as cooking classes, dance evenings and excursions.
The colorful colonial city of Antigua is our favorite place in Guatemala and during your language study trip you can take this special place into your heart. The city is popular among tourists for its traditional markets and stunning colonial buildings. The small cobblestone streets, colorful houses and green parks give Antigua a special flair.
Antigua is also surrounded by several volcanoes, which can be admired from the roof terraces. Brave travelers can also take a hike to the top of the volcano and camp there. The city offers numerous recreational opportunities, restaurants, cafes, bars, markets, stores and museums and is also the perfect starting point to make a trip to the beautiful lake Atitlán or to Hobbitenango.
Numerous language schools have settled there and offer the best language courses in Guatemala.
The lovely guesthouse in Antigua has several single and shared rooms, a kitchen and cozy common areas.
During your language course you will live in a single room with shared bathroom and you can relax on the beautiful roof terrace with your roommates. Many young travelers and volunteers live in the modern guesthouse and you will quickly get in touch with new people. If you don’t want to go to one of the many restaurants, you can cook for yourself in the communal kitchen.
The language school and the center of Antigua are within walking distance. In this quiet oasis on the outskirts of the city, you will quickly feel at home during your language study trip.
Services and prices
Language school at Lago Atitlán, Guatemala
Your language course at Lago Atitlán is located in the Mayan village of San Juan. The school works with local Spanish teachers and puts a lot of emphasis on learning the language as well as sharing their Mayan culture.
The Spanish course takes place in the form of private lessons and therefore offers a personalized and fast learning process. The course can take place either in the morning or in the afternoon. Weather permitting, classes are held outdoors rather than in a classroom. Surrounded by green coffee plants with a view of the lake, you will be in a quiet learning atmosphere and your ability to concentrate will be enhanced.
The language school also supports the local people in San Juan with social projects and likes to introduce the traditions, cuisine, art and the local Mayan dialect “Tz’utujil” to the students.
Lago Atitlán is a must see for anyone traveling to Guatemala! The clear and deep blue lake is surrounded by three mighty volcanoes and mountains. Surrounding the large lake are small villages, each with its own charm and tradition. To get from one place to another, you will be on the lake with small line boats.
In the village of San Juan, where your language course will take place, you will find traditional Guatemalan handicrafts, watching the women at work. In the neighboring village of San Pedro, the young backpacker scene meets and there is a lively nightlife to party. Besides your Spanish course you can enjoy your free time at the lake, stroll through the markets, go hiking or try one of the numerous restaurants. Lago Atitlán invites you for swimming, canoeing and stand-up paddling.
From there, excursions are also offered to the famous Chichicastenango. There the biggest market of the country takes place. The villages around the lake also offer you the opportunity to get to know many locals and their centuries-old traditions, such as traditional weaving.
You will live with a local host family in San Juan. Your Spanish course is within walking distance. There you will have a shared room and meals with three typical meals are included from Monday to Saturday.
Together with your host family, you will be able to improve your Spanish even more quickly and immerse yourself in the Guatemalan culture. The houses of the families are typical Guatemalan. You will be offered a family environment where you will never feel alone and will be able to establish contact with the locals.
The host families are carefully selected and have experience with students from all over the world.
Services and prices
Your daily schedule during the Spanish course in Guatemala
This is what a day might look like during your language study trip in Guatemala: when you wake up in the morning, you will either receive a traditional breakfast of tortillas and egg from your host family or you can stop by a delicious bakery in Antigua.
Your language course usually takes place with 4 hours of lessons in the morning between 08:00 and 13:00. Sometimes it is also possible to choose an afternoon course. The one-to-one lessons take place with a private teacher who adapts to your learning rhythm. During the lessons there are small breaks for a snack. The Spanish course offers a mixture of grammar units and interactive practice to practise speaking from the beginning.
The language schools also offer cultural activities to meet other travellers and learn more about the Guatemalan way of life. You can attend a traditional cooking class, take a salsa dance class, go on an excursion to a coffee plantation or learn how to make woven textiles. Your first Spanish language skills will be put to good use during your language study trip.
Your free time during your language study trip in Guatemala
In addition to your language course, you will have plenty of free time to explore the city of Antigua or relax at Lago Atitlán. In the afternoon, you can meet up with new friends on the lakeshore or on a roof terrace and enjoy the sunset while having interesting conversations.
The weekends are at your free disposal and you have the opportunity to make excursions in the surrounding area during your language study trip. We highly recommend the ascent of a volcano. The hike of several hours is very strenuous, but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and can see the glowing lava at night.
In Antigua as well as at Lago Atitlán there are many tourists and young backpackers and therefore also many restaurants, bars, stores and markets. It is not uncommon to have live music or salsa nights in the bars. This offers the perfect balance to your Spanish course in the morning.
Can’t wait to take a Spanish course in Guatemala?
Learn more in our wanderlust consultation!
Let us plan your language study trip to Guatemala together. Without obligation and free of charge.
