I’m going to explain to you the principal ideas about learning Spanish as a second language in Guatemala and maybe it is the same in other Latin countries.
The principal thing is to have the intention or as we say in Spanish “Tener Ganas” which means “to feel like to do something” because if you really want to study, it is going to be easier and fun.
Guatemala is, in my opinion (and is not because I’m Guatemalan) the best country to learn Spanish, I´m going to explain you why:
- Guatemala is inexpensive (cheaper) compared with the rest of the Latin American countries. I inexpensive to travel, to live and to study Spanish even one-one Spanish classes
- Guatemala is a small country, so you can Study and explore all, if you have enough time.
- In Guatemala is a lot of Spanish School and places to Study, all depends on where you would like to study. (I´m going to tell you the best places to study).
- Guatemala is a Mayan country, in almost all the cities you can live, learn and discover more about the Mayan culture, food, dresses (traje tipico), traditions etc..
- Guatemala is closer to the USA.
- If you want to travel the rest of the continent, you can start your trip here, learn some Spanish and then to follow the route until Tierra del Fuego. What an amazing trip!!
BUT, the principal reason you should travel to Guatemala to study Spanish is because this is a country with a clear Spanish, and accent. So, it makes easy to learn and help you to understand other accents. For sure, this is going to be a good decision!
Ok, Now that you have decided to study Spanish in Guatemala, I recommend you to take some Spanish lessons before your trip, it is important because the immersion on the language is going to be intensive, so, is better if you have some ideas about the language, some useful phrases to communicate needs like:
- Hola
- Adiós
- Me llamo …
- ¿Cómo te llamas?
- ¿De dónde eres?
- ¿Dónde está el baño?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Otra cerveza por favor!
etc.. You will find very useful to know it.
And a really good way to learn some about the language, culture and the country is is with a Guatemalan teacher. You can do it via Skype (technology is great)
There is a Guatemalan girl with a lot of experience teaching Spanish in Guatemala and another countries, she can help you before your trip in Guatemala. Here is some information about here and how you can contact:
Guatemala is blessed with having different places with different weather and lifestyle.
The number one place or city we recommend to study Spanish in Quetzaltenango o Xela. Known as Xela (shay-lah) to travellers and locals alike. Xela is both the commercial canter of the Western Highlands and Guatemala’s second largest city. Xela and the surrounding area are home to a large Mayan population. While walking through the streets you can expect to see Mayan women dress head to toe in traditional clothing, selling fruits and vegetables in the local markets.
But for Spanish, in Quetzaltenango you will have a total immersion in the language, no much people speak English and is a tourist city specifically to study Spanish, so people who travel this city want to speak the language too.
Antigua Guatemala is the second common place to Study Spanish, and we have to say the city is wonderful and dreamy but is a lot of tourism in this city; really, you do not need to speak Spanish to communicate in the restaurants, bars, families, markets etc… And for this reason, is hardest to be accustomed to speak and listen Spanish in a natural way.
After Antigua Guatemala, we have Lake Atitlán, The most beautiful lake in the world. And for this reasons is full of English. Panajachel, San Pedro, Santiago y San Marcos is the common towns to study Spanish.
Follow this cities is Copan and Tikal. But, really, you don´t need Spanish there. All people Speak English. But as I say before, Guatemala is small. So, our job is to help you to explore the country and your job is to study and speak Spanish.
We organize weekend trips to all different places around the country, and it is on the weekend because you study from Monday to Friday and Friday afternoon or Saturday we can take the trip; if you feel comfortable with your Spanish your guide will be in Spanish but if you want a break of the language, your guide will be in English, but always you will be accompanied by a Guatemalan guide.
To decide what Spanish school to attend, we can advise too. I am not going to advertise a specific school but write us and we can guide you depending on what you prefer.
All the school systems works the same. You will have a host family. So, in this way you will learn about cuisine, life, culture, traditions and also religion and much more. You will have the responsibility to speak Spanish because the will not speak English with you. At the school you will meet other students, the teachers and the rest of the school family.
Usually the school teach about history and life in a professional and fun way.
Don’t think more, pack your bag, write us to organize all and be ready to enjoy a wonderful trip in a marvellous country.
Let Guatemala teach you a lesson life.