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Program Highlights

The city of Antigua was one of the grand colonial capitals of the Spanish Empire in America from the 16th to the 18th centuries. This city was founded by the Spanish in the 17th century and is the home of significant colonial architecture. Additionally, Guatemala is of great historical importance for pre-Columbian Maya culture, with ruins and artifacts in several cities throughout the country.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about famous Guatemalans, such as Nobel Prize for Literature recipient Miguel Angel Asturias and Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu, who still works today supporting indigenous rights in Guatemala. Antigua provides a close look at traditional lifestyles, ethnic and linguistic diversity and micro-business and the economy and daily plaza life.

Academic Programs

Classes will take place at Tecun Uman Spanish School in Antigua.

Students will earn 2 credits of intensive Spanish language through 20 hours of class with a Guatemalan instructor. After arriving in Antigua, students will be given a placement test. This test will determine at what proficiency level students should best continue their Spanish instruction for the duration of the program. Following the placement test and orientation, students begin their studies with intensive language instruction.

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday (3/9) - Arrive and visit school, meet host families
Sunday (3/10) - Guided hike of Cerro de la Cruz
Monday (3/11) - Morning Spanish classes, Afternoon historical tour of the city
Tuesday (3/12) - Morning Spanish classes, Afternoon tour of organic coffee plantation and Centro Cultural la Azotea (Maya music museum)
Wedneday (3/13) - Morning Spanish classes, Afternoon hike to Pacaya volcano
Thursday (3/14) - Morning Spanish classes, Afternoon visit to the Chocolate Museum
Friday (3/15) - Morning Spanish classes - possible class on-site at Lake Atitlan or Chichicastenango
Saturday (3/16) - Visit to the beach
Sunday (3/17) - Return to the U.S.

Housing
The family homestay is an integral part of the total immersion experience. Students live in middle class Guatemalan homes near central Antigua, and in close proximity to the school. Students will eat all of their meals with the family, and have great opportunities to converse in the afternoons and evenings.

A family homestay offers a unique view into Guatemalan culture, food, and family life. And private bedrooms allow plenty of space to get away from the family, study, and do your own thing.

Each student residence offers clean private rooms, giving our students the freedom to come and go as they please. Three meals per day are included from Monday to Friday, with breakfast on Saturdays and no meals on Sundays. All rooms have access to purified water and clean restrooms.

Foreign Entry Requirements

Passport
To enter Guatemala, you must have a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently have a valid passport, or if your passport will expire during the time you will be overseas, please go to the U.S. State Department web site for information on how to apply for/renew your passport.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet. It will provide you with a great deal of information to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on entry requirements. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information. **