Learn Spanish in Guatemala
Spanish Schools in Antigua, Guatemala are Popular Places to Study
Clear Spanish, low costs, and dozens of schools to choose from make Antigua, Guatemala one of the best places in Central America for learning to speak Spanish.
Guatemalans are widely considered to speak the clearest, most easily understood Spanish in Latin America. Clearly-spoken Spanish, combined with the many things to do in Guatemala and the low cost of a visit for most foreigners, have made Guatemala a popular destination for Spanish language study.
Spanish Language Schools in Antigua, Guatemala
Within Guatemala, the most popular place to learn Spanish is Antigua. Antigua, Guatemala is an easily walkable Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets, a manicured central park, and plenty of restaurants and hotels. It is possible to take day trips from Antigua to visit Mayan towns and markets, and climb active volcanos.
Antigua's Spanish schools offer beginning and advanced individual and group lessons, from one to eight hours a day. You can find a school online from home, or simply show up and ask around. Enrollment is as simple as filling out a form. With a Spanish school on almost every block in Antigua, there's no shortage of classes. Four hours of daily lessons will cost between $75 and $150 per week. Note that your teacher will most likely speak Spanish only.
One-On-One Spanish Lessons
The advantage to one-on-one lessons is that when it's just you and your teacher, you can choose the focus. Do let the teacher guide you, but if you know you are weak in, say, Spanish verb conjugations, don't be afraid to request extra practice in that area.
The disadvantage to one-on-one Spanish lessons is that every question or exercise is entirely your responsibility. This can be exhausting. A way to take a "break" is to ask to mix up the formal exercises with a bit of casual chatting - valuable practice. Some Spanish teachers will play games such as Scrabble (in Spanish, of course!) for a bit of fun learning.
While some die-hard students can handle a six- or eight-hour day, most find four hours of daily Spanish language study sufficient. A four-hour day leaves you time to do homework, go sightseeing around Antigua, or join a school-sponsored cultural outing. If you need eight hours of language instruction, consider doing a half-day of one-on-one and a half-day of group lessons, or request a different teacher for the morning and afternoon sessions.
Group Spanish Lessons
In a small group, the focus won't all be on you, you'll be able to practice speaking Spanish with several different people and you'll get to hear different pronunciations and accents, which will be good practice for going out into the real Spanish-speaking world. The downside of group lessons is that you might have to spend time on some already-familiar aspect of Spanish grammar, or rush through something you'd like to explore.
At the end of the day, your progress in speaking Spanish will come down to your willingness to work, the skills of your teacher, and the chemistry between the two of you, or the group. One tip: don't pay for more than a week of lessons at a time. That way, if you're not learning or not comfortable with your teacher, you can easily move on and try another place. There are literally dozens of Spanish schools in Antigua.
Cost of Spanish Lessons in AntiguaThe median cost of four hours per day of lessons for one week (five days) is $125, not including room and board or other expenses. Some schools may offer group activities such as cooking, salsa dancing, and movies as part of tuition.
Remember that while some of Antigua's Spanish teachers are paid well and fairly, many are not - particularly at the less expensive schools, which do not require their teachers to have exceptional skill in either grammar or teaching. If your teacher did a good job and you got something out of the lessons, consider tipping. Tips are not mandatory, but always gratefully received. You should definitely pass on any positive feedback to the school administration.
Homestays
Most schools offer homestays with Guatemalan families in and around Antigua, which can be a great source of Spanish language practice for you and income for them. However, homestay situations vary, and you might be embraced as a family member or feel like a lonely boarder. Given the uncertainty, some students prefer the anonymity of a hotel or hostel, of which there are plenty in Antigua.
Looking to get out of town and take a break from studying Spanish in Antigua all week? Consider climbing Volcan Pacaya, or taking a trip to the outdoor market at Chichicastenango!
Check out the 123teachme website for student ratings and reviews, including prices paid, for Spanish language schools in Antigua, Guatemala.
Buena Suerte!
