Having agreed on a peace deal a few years ago that ended the seemingly endless guerrilla war, this South American country, a little smaller than the state of Idaho, seems to be transforming into the next hotspot with a vast bump of tourism. No longer just for the student traveler, vacationers from many continents visit Central America for its promise of colorful diversity, plentiful tales of folklore, natural wonders, Semana Santa festivities and Spanish language learning.

So many travelers surprise themselves starting off their trip with Antigua as their home base. Antigua is perhaps one of the only terrific colonial cities in Latin America, and from there international study abroad students can experience the a lot of trips that allow for people to enjoy. This unique and relaxed cobblestone town, placed in a valley near 3 volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, offers ruined and restored temples, a pleasing variety of typical restaurants, lively bars, lots of shopping, and the peaceful central zone. Latin America and particularly, Antigua, is known for its cheap and many Spanish language schools that attract students who wish to take an educational adventure to learn Spanish.

While in Guatemala, it is highly counselled that you Check into their Spanish institutes, where there are a number of chances for people, young and old, to learn Spanish, volunteer in the numerous social, educational and healthcare organizations in need, take part in homestays with local Guatemalan families, enjoy the schools after class entertainment, and get together with the other students for excursions, salsa dancing or a beer.

Even though Antigua is acknowledged to some people as the Spanish school capital of Central America with as some tourists it brings in. But on occasion you have to look for further chances to use your Spanish language outside of the classroom setting. For instance, many visitors live with local Guatemalan families to try speaking with them. Others volunteer in Guatemalan projects or accept volunteer positions at charitable organizations. Or one may want to teach English as an ESL teacher in Guatemala. Or go to the outdoor market on the west part of the town where the locals shop or ride in one of the many motorized “tuk tuks” that take you in and about Antigua. There is no shortage of chances to speak Spanish in this colorful and attractive town!

In spite of the comfort and ease of Antigua, traveling all over South America is a definite must for tourists who would like to sample all that Latin America has to offer. One of the rewards of learning Spanish is that visitors can spend time out of the classroom to experience its innocent beauty while upholding the learning process. The Spanish language is the official language of Guatemala but there are various different Mayan languages.

Sure, no trip to Guatemala would be complete without a trip to the exhilarating Mayan structures of Tikal, in the north of the country. Get ready to experience some of the greatest archeological wonders in the world even though the bulk of the temples remain unexcavated. Tikal, the greatest and in all probability the grandest of the Mayan cities, has a a few of skyscraper like ruins straining toward the world, beyond the thick jungle canopy. As if the temples and jungle vegetation are not adequate, Tikal introduces an fantastic chance for animal and bird watching.

Traveling in Guatemala is an adventure in and of itself. Riding on a “chicken bus” and you are sure to learn Spanish while having fun. These brightly painted recycled U.S. school buses overflowing with religious artifacts and loud, festive music take local Guatemalans and foreigners in and out of Antigua. Stopping anywhere a passenger wants to get on or off, there are forever people crowded together into the tiny seats and aisles. This makes practicing the Spanish language a must.

So why not travel to Latin America and live the Spanish language

<< back