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Juan Sisay Spanish School
15 avenida 8-38 zona 1
Quetzaltenango
(+502)-7765-1318
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Registration
$ 30
Write to the school
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| Rank |
83% |
| Prices |
165 USD for 25
hours per week including host family
120 USD for 25 hours per week without host family
Study one hour daily more or less: add or subtract about USD 25 per week.
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| School Size |
15 to 30 students |
| Openings |
This school currently has openings! |
| Summary |
This school has very pleasant learning conditions with very experienced instructors. A good part of the profit goes to the schools kindergarten. After school activities are very well coordinated and there is vivid teaching about Guatemala′s past. There is a lot of social contact to instructors; parties organized at times.
Total immersion in Quetzaltenango: excellent, if you don′t hang out with other students. |
| Registration |
This school, fills up during busy times like, summer (June through August), at the end and beginning of year and Easter (Holy Week). For these times it is recommendable that you enroll well in advance.
Prices during high season (1st of June thru 15th of August) are $175 per week. |
With a timely registration, the school can assign you the best teacher from its list. (Contact us for group discounts). |
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| Teachers |
There are 18 permanent teachers (mostly young university students) which earn an excellent $72 per week.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
All permanent teachers have university degrees in teaching Spanish as second language. Teachers are quite young and very involved politically. One of their teaching methods is to engage the students in discussions while practicing the new grammar. Most of the teachers seem excellent, though their style varies somewhat from quite serious to much looser. Each week the students are able to give feedback and choose whom they would like to study with, if they are available.
Recommended teachers: Axel II, Ambrocio II, Ruby II, Samuel, Freddy, Vera.
(Roman numbers refer to the numbers of recommendations.) |
General Information:
Spanish language teachers in Guatemala are mostly young people like University students who do this job for very little salary (US$30-$60 per week) and are trying to continue their education. Teachers in our recommended schools have undergone a formal training and know how to make students enjoy learning. By enrolling in advance, you are likely to get a better teacher. This holds especially true during high season.
If you are not happy with your assigned teacher, don’t hesitate to ask the director for another teacher. How to get a good teacher.
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| Methods |
One on one teaching has been proved to be the most effective method for fast learning in a short time. The curriculum is similar as in most schools.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The school insists that your grammar be solid before it lets you advance, which has caused some people to leave, but I think it shows sincerity. As in most Spanish Schools, teachers at first check your knowledge of Spanish (if you have any). You fill in a very elaborated exam which gives your teacher an exact idea of your proficiency in the language.
Lectures: Every Monday afternoon there is a formal conference, given by a renowned professional. These conferences are always accompanied by an older student who translates for the new ones. Conferences are shared with other schools. Some topics are: Maximón (a venerated local saint). Life of a guerrilla member in the time of conflict (the lecturer shows his hat with bullet-holes etc.), the Mayan calendar, Pre-Columbian Mayan Music (the lecturer plays the instruments), Current Politics and Distribution of Land in Guatemala.
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General Information:
Spanish Schools in Guatemala promote the most effective 'one student one teacher' method. You spend your time talking and listening with your own personal teacher. This is why Guatemalan schools are probably unmatched in the world. Go to a good school, and get the grammar right, too.
A typical school day:
8:00 to 10:00 Grammar and exercises
10:00 –30 -minute break for coffee, tea, and socializing with teachers and other students
10:30 to 12:00 - Conversation, pronunciation, reading comprehension
After 12:00 - lunch with your host family
Afternoons: previously scheduled activities and homework
(See your curriculum of learning Spanish)
Most schools offer a diploma stating the amount of time studied and the level of Spanish attained (minimum of two weeks).
See more information about diplomas and university credits.
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| Materials |
No official textbook but verb and exercise lists. No blackboards. Library: excellent. Video library: excellent.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Teachers develop their own materials.
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General Information:
At most Spanish schools in Guatemala, teachers write examples and grammar on paper; at others, blackboards are used. And at some, students receive a notebook for their own use. Teachers generally have to supply their own teaching materials. The most widespread book is AMSCO “Spanish Three Years” (Nassi, Levy), a very helpful grammar and exercise book in three levels, written in Spanish and English. A few schools have good libraries, video collections, and many have board games like Scrabble and others, to make teaching more entertaining.
If you are not an English speaker, you may want to bring grammar- and exercise books in your language. In any case a good and small dictionary is very helpful for homework.
(See recommendations on good Spanish Textbooks.)
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| Special Programs |
The school runs a medical program and a childrens´program.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Medical students: Nurses, doctors and other health workers can apply for formal voluntary work in a Quetzaltenango clinic. Studies are during mornings and health work during afternoons. You get a Guatemalan counterpart in your assigned position. In this way you get insight into local health problems, medical practices and vocabulary.
There is special children′s program at Juan Sisay. There is a professional primary school teacher who gives these classes. She uses books with many pictures and games. Since children need something concrete, they tour a nearby market, a museum with stuffed animals, they learn how to dance with the teacher′s children, and can play theatre. Space is a bit limited for children at Juan Sisay. |
General Information:
Special Programs are available for medical students and nurses, lawyers, missionaries and business people. You study Spanish as any other student, but with emphasis on the vocabulary of your profession or interest. Schools also get you in contact with Guatemalan professionals of your field and organize practical courses upon request.
A few schools have good programs for children. Guatemala365.com recommends schools in safe places and with a garden or ample cubicles. This way the children feel free to play while learning.
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| Location |
The school is located on a steep road in the foothills of the eastern part of Quetzaltenango. It is a two-story house with most activities taking place on the upper floor.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Little niches for students, no garden but fancy rooftop, simple kitchen. There is a sun terrace with a splendid view of Quetzaltenango, and a Caribbean-style hut on the roof serving as conference room. There are 16 separate niches for student-teacher teams, with beautiful wall paintings by the directors´ mother. |
General Information:
Many schools have big halls or patios in a pleasant environment, with tables that seat two. You can often hear teacher-student conversations from nearby tables. Some schools have separate cubicles for each teacher – student team. Most schools have small patios or gardens to relax and get to know each other at break time. Some schools also have a cafeteria or even kitchens where students and teachers meet to cook local or food from their home countries.
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| Activities |
Talks, videos, visits to local villages and attractive sites, local food cooking course, great partying on weekends. Salsa and Merengue courses
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
There are so many planned activities that it is hard to go to them all. Every Thursday there are excursions to local villages, hikes to scenic view points and visits to hot springs. You use mostly public transport (students pay transportation fees). Every Friday night there is a graduation party for students that are leaving..
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General Information:
During afternoons, a school staff member takes you to the most beautiful places, interesting projects and Maya traditions of the
area, where you have the opportunity to practice your newly learned Spanish and get to know teachers and other students. These activities make your stay a real holiday. Some activities like weekend trips have an additional cost.
Note: small schools have fewer activities during low season.
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| Host Families |
Families earn $45 per week. Student′s reports about host families are mostly good.
See details for recommended families!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
In low season you can choose whether you wish to be the only student in a family, or whether you like to have another student′s company. There is the option of home stay with private bathroom for about $20 extra per week.
You can also stay extra days with the family, for about $8 per day.
Recommended families: Romelia II, Loarca. |
General Information:
Generally host families provide each student with their own private little room and three meals a day/six days a week. On Sundays, most families provide no meals. There is nearly always hot water and electricity. It is recommended that you bring your own towels, soap, shampoo and other personal care from your country or you can buy it here. Your host parents help you with any problems and encourage you to talk Spanish. It is pretty interesting to see how people live in Guatemala.
A word on food:
By looking at what families earn at different schools you can assess the quantity of food given. The range is from US$30 to $85 per week. If you are in a $35 host family, please do not complain about beans every day. Just eat out now and then.
If you do not want to stay in a host family, we recommend you to visit www.guatemalastory.com for a list of good hotels in Guatemala City, Antigua, Atitlan, etc.
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| Volunteering |
Option to teach children English and play with them every Wednesday, or work at la Comunidad de San Martin Chiquito or the Xela Aid project.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Juan Sisay gives grants to 40 children from poor families which otherwise would not be able to attend school. This program alone costs $4,000 annually and is paid from students′ fees.
Every Tuesday volunteers can teach school children English (they receive a brief training in preparation). This activity takes place from January through October. Every three weeks student volunteers and their teachers act in theatre shows in Quetzaltenango schools as part of environmental education. There is a ecological production of redcap going on. These shows are hilarious because student actors sometimes don′t get their Spanish straight, and the school children have fun interacting with foreigners.
Reforestation programs: During June, July and August student volunteers help plant 3000 to 8000 trees yearly, every year in a different area. You can also work at an indigenous community of "San Martín Chiquito" located 60 miles from Quetzaltenango, there is a center named "Centro de Apoyo Comunal," or Community Assistance Center. This needed facility will serve 30,000 people in San Martín Chiquito as a medical clinic; health and environmental education learning and literacy center, and as a community gathering place. This also serves as the Xela Aid/Juan Sisay base of operations during visits and clinics and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday with emergency services available on-call. |
General Information:
Most schools have only loose contact to volunteer social projects or have only poor projects on their own.
If you want to volunteer, it is best to rely on PMG (Antigua, Rio Dulce and Cobán), or Entremundos (Quetzaltenango) or other non profit organizations in order to find an organization that suits students' interests.
More information on volunteering and jobs in Guatemala.
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| Airport Pick-Up Service |
If you need a pick-up service in Guatemala City, please email us information regarding your arrival date, time and airline. We will then contact the pick up service for you.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
Upon request, the school will provide information of a contact in Guatemala City, to pick you up at the airport. The service includes airport pickup, a shared hotel room, a shared bathroom, breakfast, transportation to the bus terminal and a bus ticket. You will be picked up directly from the Airport and taken to the hotel. The next morning after breakfast, they will give you a ride to the bus station. |
General Information:
If you don?t want to worry about closed banks on the airport, late night hotel search or unsafe zones of Guatemala City, take advantage of the airport pickup service of your school.
For hotels in Guatemala City please see www.guatemalastory.com.
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Hamish Mohammed
07 / 2007 |
I also studied in Xela at, Escuela de Español Juan Sisay. I studied for 2 weeks there. I had two teachers at this school, and both were quite good. The first was a young gentleman who pushed me in my reading skills. The second teacher (Carmen) was exceptional; she was open to taking field trips or having classes outside in the Plaza. Thanks to her, I finally understand the pluscuamperfecto! Again, classes were focused primarily around conversations; however, there was a good library with study materials. My host family here was excellent. Again, a very hospitable hostess who would actually stay for the duration of the meals...she was very well connected and had several recommendations as to activities both in Xela and in nearby cities. Again, it was more of a boarding house, but it was a good experience (some housemates communicated only in Spanish, just to help with the immersion exercise). Activities were very good; the school had an active calendar with activities focused around its social projects (with students of a neighbouring elementary), games, seminars, football matches and weekend excursions. I would very much recommend this school, not only was the tutelage pretty good, the school was situated close to other cafes, bookshops and the plaza and the administrative staff was helpful and warm. The service provided thru guatemala365, was good and I was able to register and coordinate attending schools in two different cities. Thanks, Hamish. |
Kate Buckholz
ksbuckholz@yahoo.com
06 / 2007 |
I decided to study at Escuela de Español Juan Sisay in Quetzaltenango. I studied there for 3 weeks. The school is great and my teacher was smart and dedicated. She educated me not only on Spanish and grammar but also Guatemalan and Mayan culture. I consider her a friend now. The activities were great. My family was wonderful, they really enhanced my experience. The town is very manageable and the people are friendly and patient with language learners. It′s really easy to immerse yourself and feel at home. In fact, I loved my experience at Juan Sisay and in Xela in general that I am returning indefinitely. Thank you for this great service! Kate. |
Anonymous
01 / 2007 |
I also studied at Juan Sisay Spanish School in Xela. I studied there for two weeks as well. I had two different teachers at the school, whom I did not like very much. There were no study materials provided at this school either; I wish I had been given some to help me learn more. I stayed in a large house with one woman, and the other students she was hosting. It was more like a hotel, but the food was excellent and the Señora was very helpful, in terms of helping all of us get around the city and plan for weekend trips, etc... Juan Sisay is a non-profit school that helps local children and is run by a very professional staff. I didn?t have the best teachers, but I trusted the school administration to help me if I needed it, and the activities were good. Thanks. |
Ian Veitch
ianaveitch@hotmail.com
11 / 2006 |
I stayed at Escuela de Español Juan Sisay in Xela. I studied there for 5 weeks in total. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I found that the tutors were able to be very flexible with their teaching methods and would often change the weekly plan to suit my needs. the activities were varied and there was always something planned for the weekends. The school was also heavily involved in a local school. All in all a very worthwhile experience. Thanks, Ian |
Bill Herbert
wgh846-xela@yahoo.com
07 / 2006 |
I studied at Escuela de Español Juan Sisay In Xela for two weeks. My teacher was good. My family was okay. The activities were okay as well. |
Sky Weishar
skydiva@gmail.com
05 / 2006 |
I chose Juan Sisay Spanish School in Xela as my school of choice. I studied for 4 weeks. I was not happy with the way the school switched around my teachers. My initial teacher was unsatisfactory, so when I decided on a new one, I enjoyed her style. However, they switched me back to my original teacher the week after and I was NOT happy about that. When I was ill one day, they had difficulty adjusting or adapting my schedule and in the end charged me for a day that I gave them the proper advance 24 hour notice. The activities were quite good. Very enjoyable. The school itself ... we had a violent situation happen to several students and the school did not initially handle it well if at all. Unacceptable. But I think a lot of that has to do with the countries attitudes towards women and violence. Very sad. Great website. Thank you very much for the service you provide. |
anonymous
04 / 2006 |
I studied at Escuela de Español Juan Sisay in Xela for 8 weeks. My teacher was very good, we had a lot of fun and he was very professional and serious about his job, I learned a lot in a short time. I like all the teachers at the school, they are so nice and we became good friends. I liked the activities; we went to Monterrico, a lake, Zunil and many small villages around Xela, which was very interesting. We also had a lot of mini conferences about different subjects, politics, economy, culture, history which were so good.... The family was very good, I learned a lot about the traditions in Guatemala, and it was also good to practice Spanish after school.... It is a very good idea to live with a family, you learn so much about the culture. My time in Xela was so good, that I miss my life and the people there a lot. |
Jayne Metcalf
jayney2k2004@yahoo.com
03 / 2006 |
Xela in Guatemala. Great Escuela de Espanol Juan Sisay my third time there. This time a week of study. The same family as the last two times and they are great. Fun activities and geat teacher |
Amy Davis
amyfolly@hotmail.com
01 / 2006 |
I did study at Escuela de Espanol Juan Sisay for 2 1/2 weeks. I enjoyed studying there. During that time I studied with 3 different instructors. The first one I didn′t like at all and I think I got him because the school was really full that week but unfortunately I ended up doing some basic week 2 and 3 because he didn′t go over some basic things. So I feel like my first week was almost a waste. My next 2 teachers were much better but at that point it was hard to correct his mistakes. The activities they offered I really enjoyed and was very pleased to do many of them. I really enjoyed my family, although I didn′t really know what to expect, it seemed more like a bed and breakfast because they family rarely ate with us. Many times she would cook for us and then the family would eat later. Overall it was a good experience. That for the information. Amy Davis |
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