Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
opment and direct trade. Volunteers are needed for construction projects and coffee har-
vesting.
Courses
Language Courses
Antigua's Spanish-language schools attract students from around the world. There are
dozens of schools to choose from. Price, teaching quality and student satisfaction vary
greatly. Often the quality of instruction depends upon the particular teacher, and thus may
vary even within a single school. Visit a few schools before you choose and, if possible,
talk to people who have studied recently at schools you like the look of - you're bound to
run into a few. The Inguat tourist office (
Click here
)
has a list of authorized schools.
Classes start every Monday at most schools, though you can usually be placed with a
teacher any day of the week. Most schools cater for all levels and allow you to stay as
long as you like. Three or four weeks is typical, though it's perfectly OK to do just one
week. The busiest seasons are during January and from April to August, and some schools
request advance reservations for these times.
Instruction is nearly always one-on-one and costs Q750 to Q1515 per week for four
hours of classes daily, five days a week. You can enroll for up to 10 hours a day of instruc-
tion, although most people find that four to five hours is plenty. Most schools offer to ar-
range room and board (three meals daily, except Sunday) with local families, usually with
your own room, for around Q700 per week, a bit more with private bathroom. Some
schools may offer accommodations in guesthouses or their own hostels.
Homestays are meant to promote the total immersion concept of language learning, but
this becomes less viable where there are several foreigners staying with one family, or
where there are separate mealtimes for students and the family. Indeed, there are so many
foreigners about Antigua, it takes some real discipline to converse in Spanish rather than
your native tongue. Many enjoy this social scene, but if you think it may deter you, con-
sider studying in Quetzaltenango, El Petén or elsewhere, where there are fewer foreign
students.
Cambio Spanish School
LANGUAGE COURSE
