Having signed a peace agreement not long ago that ceased the 36 year
guerilla state of war, this Central American country, slightly smaller than the state of Tennessee, seems to be transforming into the next hot spot with a large uptick of tourism. No longer just for the backpacker traveler, travelers
all over visit Guatemala for its promise of colorful diversity, rich tales of
folklore, natural marvels,
Semana Santa parades and
Spanish language learning.
All kinds of tourists discover themselves beginning off their trip with Antigua as their
hub. Antigua is possibly one of the many intriguing colonial cities in South America, and from there international study abroad students can enjoy the many
outings that allow tourists to value. This quaint and tranquil
untouched city, situated in a valley adjacent 3 volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango
and Fuego, exhibits ruined and restored structures, a pleasant range of
local restaurants, thriving bars, tons of shopping, and the calm
central plaza. South America and specially, Antigua, is long familiar for its
low cost and countless Spanish language schools that draw in language students who have decided to take an educational vacation to
learn Spanish.
While in Antigua, it is highly recommended that one Inquire about their Spanish centers, where there are several opportunities for visitors, young and old, to
study Spanish, volunteer in the a variety of social, educational and healthcare
administrations in need, participate in host families with local Guatemalan families,
see the schools afternoon excursions, and join up with the other students for
excursions, salsa dancing or a beer.
Though Antigua is known to many as the
Spanish school
capital of Central America with as a lot of
visitors it fetches. But now and again
you have to look for other opportunities to practice your Spanish language
outside of the classroom setting. For example, many college students reside with local Guatemalan
families to attempt 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 open air bazaar on the west side of the city where the locals shop or
ride in one of the many motorized “tuk tuks” that take you in and
around
Antigua. There is no shortage of ways to speak Spanish in this colorful and
fascinating city!
Despite the comfort and ease of Antigua, traveling all over Guatemala is a
definite must for travelers who would like to try out all that South America has to
offer. One of the advantages of learning Spanish is that university students can adventure
out of the school to observe its innocent beauty while continuing the
learning process. The Spanish language is the official language of Guatemala but there
are many different Mayan languages.
Of course, no trip to Guatemala would be worthwhile without a trip to the
beautiful Mayan ruins of Tikal, in the north of the country. Get ready to
see some of the most outstanding
archeological wonders in the world even though
the majority of the structures remain unexcavated.
Tikal, the leading and
perhaps the oldest of the Mayan cities, has a assorted of skyscraper like
temples extending toward the stars, beyond the green jungle tree tops. But the
pyramids and jungle beauty are not enough, Tikal exhibits an good
opportunity for wildlife and bird watching.
Traveling in Guatemala is an adventure in and of itself. Find oneself on a “chicken bus” and you are sure to
learn Spanish while laughing.
These brightly painted recycled U.S. school buses overflowing with religious
artifacts and loud, festive music take local Guatemalans and people in and
out of Antigua. Stopping anyplace a person wishes to get on or off, there are
usual people cramped into the seats and aisles. This makes studying the
Spanish language a must.
So why not travel to Central America and live the Spanish language