Study in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

About Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, widely known as Xela, is Guatemala's second-largest city, in the west of the country. Its historic centre, its centuries-old churches and its local traditions make it, in the words of one of its schools, a cultural destination in western Guatemala.

For students, Xela is a place for long, intensive Spanish immersion. Classes are mostly one-to-one, and many schools combine one-to-one classes with homestays, volunteer work and local social projects.

Studying in Quetzaltenango

All 4 schools in our directory for Quetzaltenango are Spanish language schools. Celas Maya has taught Spanish since 1999 and states that it is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and is an official DELE and SIELE examination centre; it is also a member of IALC and offers academic credit through the University of Westminster, as well as medical Spanish and courses in Mayan languages such as K'iche'. Miguel Angel Asturias Spanish School is certified, according to the school, by the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) and the tourism institute INGUAT, and is a founding member of the Association of Spanish Schools of Quetzaltenango (ACEEQ). It teaches five hours a day one-to-one and offers medical, veterinary and business Spanish with volunteer placements in rural clinics or businesses.

El Quetzal Spanish School, founded in 1998 and run by a Quetzaltecan family at 7 calle 4-24, zona 1, supports the local community through volunteer work and donations. Sol Latino, in the historic centre, teaches one-to-one across 10 course levels, prepares students for the DELE exam and organises daily activities alongside the classes.

Cost of courses and living

Spanish courses in Xela are usually priced by the week, often with a homestay included or offered separately. At El Quetzal, 25 hours of classes a week cost Q1,500 (about US$200) and 20 hours Q1,200 (about US$160); a week with a host family, with three meals a day for six days, costs Q650 (about US$87), and the school charges in quetzales only. Miguel Angel Asturias offers 25 hours of private classes a week with a homestay and all meals for US$220 a week. Sol Latino offers homestays and its own student guesthouse, Casa Latina.

Visa and longer stays

Citizens of countries that require a prior visa must apply to the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM) before travelling. Students who want to stay longer than the time granted on entry can request an extension of their tourist stay before it expires, at a fee of US$25. For long programmes, the IGM grants temporary residence for students, issued for 1 to 5 years depending on the category.

Daily life

Most schools are in or near the historic centre, and homestays place students with local families who speak Spanish at home. Weekend excursions to the surrounding region, cultural activities and volunteer projects are part of the programme at several schools.

Frequently asked questions

Is Quetzaltenango a good place to learn Spanish?

Xela is known for intensive immersion: its schools teach mostly one-to-one, usually 20 to 25 hours a week, and students live with local families.

How much does a week of Spanish classes cost in Xela?

At El Quetzal Spanish School, 25 hours a week cost Q1,500 (about US$200), plus Q650 for a week with a host family. Miguel Angel Asturias charges US$220 a week for 25 hours of private classes with homestay and meals.

Can I take the DELE exam in Quetzaltenango?

Yes. Celas Maya states that it is an official DELE and SIELE examination centre, and Sol Latino and Celas Maya offer DELE preparation.

Can I learn a Mayan language in Xela?

Yes. Celas Maya offers courses in Mayan languages, including K'iche'.