WHEN YOU STUDY AND TAKE PART IN A WHOLE NEW CULTURE...
...SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL BEGINS TO GROW
CULTURE AND PURPOSE
As you know, the reason we exist is to Unite Cultures... from all over the world and all over Guatemala. As well as using your new language to help us all build those bridges, we also offer you a unique cultural immersion that goes way beyond just the time you spend in your class or chosen school. It also includes your Homestay Family, the chance to interact and participate with the kids from Niños del Lago, maybe going on specifically interesting tours and much more besides....read on to discover the ways of amplifying your total Spanish language and Cultural experience!
NIÑOS DEL LAGO
The San Pedro and associated Spanish Schools exist to Unite Cultures & especially to contribute to an empowered community of dignity, prosperity and well being. By studying with us at San Pedro or our other Spanish schools, you're directly helping to provide Heath, Nutrition and Education to the children of Lake Atitlan. Each week that you learn Spanish and increase your abilities and opportunities, a child in San Pedro gets a week's education and/or nutritious food, which dramatically transforms their life.
You'll have the opportunity to interact with children who are benefiting from the scholarship program by doing volunteer work with Niños del Lago. Sharing your time or knowledge with them also gives you the opportunity to learn their history and lifestyle, enhance your practice of Spanish and make special friendships that can last a lifetime.
Click here to read what some of the kids say for themselves.....
HOMESTAY
Almost all our students choose to live with a local family during their first weeks of learning Spanish. The families are carefully selected. First we visit them several times, and later we get feedback from the students. Living with a family is an excellent way to practice the language and learn different aspects of Mayan culture. Besides the hospitality, you will have an opportunity to learn Spanish quickly outside of school and to discover and enjoy the secrets of typical Guatemalan food. All home stays are located near the school. Click here to learn more...
Please note: Homestay is not currently available in San Marcos
TOURS
Feeling adventurous? Want to get out into the countryside and culture to bring a whole new breath of life to your new language and confidence? There's a whole world and variety of adventure and activities waiting for you, which you can participate in either individually outside of class time or have it become integral with your studies....
That could be hiking Volcan San Pedro for stunning views, Zip-Line fun, visiting Chichicastenango market or something further afield like the Maya temples of Tikal or Pacific beaches like Tulate or Monterrico...
OTHER CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Something strange but rewarding can start to happen as you get more familiar with the Spanish language and local Guatemala or Maya culture....including the ways that with your new language and confidence, strange new friendships and connections start to come up (like ex student Martin Gray has found with weaver Maria in Nahuala, or artesan-seller Marta and family from San Antonio Palapo). You never know what can develop... it just depends on your own initiative and openness perhaps...
GET STARTED
Does this all sound like the right place, time and outlook for you?