Spanish School in Antigua, GUATEMALA
Airing Date: Jul 7th, 2003
About 430 million people around the world speak Spanish. It's the official language in 21 countries, and Guatemala is one of the best and cheapest places to learn.
Guatemala is the kind of place where you can immerse yourself in the culture, practice the language in everyday situations and enjoy the country's beauty at the same time.
Guatemala's old capital, Antigua, is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Set between three dramatic volcanos, the town is a living museum, with a myriad of ruins along its cobblestoned streets.
While Antigua was once a thriving place of monasteries, churches and convents, many of the buildings didn't survive the brutal 1773 earthquake. Most of these historical ruins are open for the public to see, with a small entry fee of around $2.00.
The historical ruins aren't Antigua's only attraction. Travellers from around the world can learn to speak Spanish in the city's oldest school. Classes run for seven hours a day from Monday to Friday, either in the classroom, in the courtyard or in the city streets where students can observe daily life. The classes are one-on-one between teacher and student and cover all levels, from beginners right through to advanced.
The best way to learn a second language is through total immersion. In Antigua, you can live with a Guatemalan family. All families are within walking distance of the school and have been carefully screened and are constantly evaluated. The accommodation is modest and simple, but each student gets their own room and three delicious meals a day. A week with a host family costs around $98, and the families make you feel right at home.
The facts
Through Travelworld, Qantas flies to Los Angeles, and from there you can fly with TACA to Guatemala City. Prices start from $2548 from the east coast and $2385 from the west coast.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Adventure World
Tel: 02 8913 0755
PLFM runs Spanish classes all year round. Five-day blocks cost $203 and you can enrol for as long as you like.
Language Link
Tel: 0011 1 309 692 2961 (international)
Casa del Sombreron and The Clositer offer bed and breakfast accommodation and are two of the accommodation options on offer if you take a Spanish language course.
Casa del Sombreron
Tel: 0011 1 268 502 832 4126
The Cloister
Tel: 0011 1 268 502 832 0712
