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| Address |
Ulew-Tinimit Spanish School
4 Calle 15-23 zona 1
Quetzaltenango
(+502) 7763 0516 and (+502)-5538-6645
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Registration
$ 30
Write to the school
Location Map
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| Rank |
81% |
| Prices |
150 USD for 25
hours per week including host family
110 USD for 25 hours per week without host family
Study one hour daily more or less: add or subtract about USD per week.
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| School Size |
1 - 40 students |
| Openings |
This school currently has openings! |
| Summary |
This school was founded in 1992 and has teachers with professional background and are university educated with a wide range of specialties, such as education, economics, social work and politics. The teaching is personalized: one student-one teacher, which allows the pace and the material studied to be tailored to the needs of each student. Additionally, there are community projects which support local development at many different levels and allow the students to interact directly with Guatemalan culture.
This school gives a nice family feeling, there are vivid discussions between teachers and students. Here, you are in good hands.
Located, just 4 blocks from central park!
Total immersion in Quetzaltenango is excellent, if you don´t hang out with English speaking students! |
| Registration |
Escuela de Español Ulew-Tinimit is a small school which tends to fill up during summer, and at the end and beginning of each year. It is recommendable, that you enroll at least two weeks in advance to assure a space in school and a good instructor.
Please, keep in mind that simply requesting classes by e-mail does not guarantee you a space in the school. |
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 |
Teachers with professional background and university educated with a wide range of specialties, such as education, economics, social work and politics; they earn an average of $42 per week. They have a minimum of six years of experience.
See details for recommended instructors!
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
The teachers are very experienced and offer intensive Spanish at all levels from beginner to advanced.
Recommended teachers: Nancy II, Pablo, Rony.
(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 |
The instruction is one on one, which allows the pace and subject matter to be tailored to the needs of each student. The curriculum is similar as in most schools.
To offer complete immersion, classes will not only be held inside. You and your trainer will visit local markets, shops, parks and places near the school, according to your interest.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Classes are held five days a week for five hours daily, with the opportunity to practice outside of class with your Guatemalan family. At the beginning of each week, the trainer develops a plan of grammar points to work on with the student.
In addition to language study, various aspects of Guatemalan life: political, cultural, social, environmental and others are incorporated into the classes. Each session includes a half-hour break, where you are free to relax in our kitchen or go outside and buy a snack from a traditional street vendor.
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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 |
Library: The school's library of books and materials both in Spanish and English is constantly expanding. Students, may borrow materials such as textbooks, dictionaries, magazines and novels;
however, you are advised to bring your own dictionary for your own convenience.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
No official textbook, but verb and exercise lists. Teachers develop their own materials. Video library: normal. Free internet.
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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 |
There are various programs and activities that Ulew Tinimit provides, so that students, are fully able to enjoy and expand on their Spanish speaking experience such as education, economics, social work, alternative medicine, law and politics.
You are also welcome to study a Semester abroad. This full immersion program is set up for the long-term students interested in improving their Spanish skills, while at the same time learning the culture of Guatemala.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
For medical workers the school can contact you to the general clinics or rural health centers in order to volunteer and study with a minimum of 4 weeks commitment. Other, programs requires a minimum of at least two weeks commitment.
Semester abroad; The first three months are dedicated toward the principles and structure of the language. In addition, students participate in a broad range of social activities focused on Guatemalan life and culture, past and present. The following three months students work on application of the language as well as social involvement. Students carry out a community investigation on a topic of their choice and present an essay to the school on their discoveries and conclusions. Many students have earned university credit for this individualized program. |
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 in Zone 1 of Xela, just 4 blocks from the central park; you will see the school's sign outside.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
This centrical school building has a patio with many plants. Good cubicles and garden area for studies. |
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 |
Every afternoon there are different activities such as: videos, conferences about social and political aspects with speakers or members of cooperatives, or presentations of social projects, dance lessons, visits to local villages and attractive sites, local food cooking course, visits to school´s allied projects.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
On the weekends there are more long-distance trips including visits to markets or festivals in nearby towns, Mayan ruins, local hot springs in the jungle, or climbing nearby volcanos. Note, in these trips you have to pay for transportation and entrance fees. Every Friday night there is a farewell graduation party for students. .
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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 |
The opportunity to be a member of a traditional Guatemalan family allows students to get a first hand experience of Guatemalan lifestyle.
Families earn about $40 per week.
Student´s reports about host families are mostly good. Recommended host families: Auri.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
Staying with a local Guatemalan host family, contributes to the student's total immersion in the Spanish language. You will be offered a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in which to live and learn. The families provide three meals a day, purified water, a private room and a bath with hot water. Please don't forget to bring your own toiletries and towel. |
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 |
Volunteer possibilities: You can work in a organic coffee plantation and live with rural families adapting to their life-styles. The school also supports projects in main areas like: Organic Agriculture; Organic Agroindustry; Artisians Support; Rural Education; Inter-Institutional; Medical Project and Alternative Centers of Justice.
[Show Details] |
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School's specific Information:
There are excellent volunteering possibilities for people who can spend a month and are really committed. Students who don´t have so much time can stay for one week in a rural family in the western highlands.
In Chuitziribal, 8 kms from Quetzaltenango, there exists a prep-school also called Ulew Tinimit. Here volunteers work on developing curriculum and recreational activities for five to seven year old children.
The school helps at three medical centers in the rural Mam area. 3000 families are involved in productive projects. In Poxlajuj, Totonicapan, a woman′s group is attempting to market jam.
In Mercedes, Colomba, Finca Lomalinda and Santa Anita you can also help returned refugees in organic coffee production.
In Pacutamá II you can help construct corn silos. Ulew Tinimit can also find you volunteer jobs in indigenous political organizations. |
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 requested, Ulew Tinimit will send a representative to pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel or the bus station.
[Show Details]
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School's specific Information:
It is quite simple - if you arrive on the regular very early morning flight you can reach Quetzaltenango by mid afternoon. If you arrive in the afternoon we recommend to stay in Guatemala City overnight as traveling at night time might bear more risks. |
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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Earle Hotta
ehotta@hawaii.rr.com
07 / 2007 |
I also attended Ulew Tinimit Spanish School in Xela. I studied there for one week. My experience at the school was just okay. The school was very small and intimate which I liked a lot, however, I felt that the teaching was not up to par with the school in Antigua. I do agree with most of what I read, when the suggestion was made to study in Xela because there are few tourists and a greater opportunity to hear and speak Spanish. I agree. My impression of Xela as a place to live and study was lukewarm?I found the city unappealing for me although the family that I stayed with was exceptionally nice. It helped that I was able to converse a lot this year after studying a year of Spanish in the U.S. Last year was a disaster as I had no preparation or formal language. With my family, we all ate together and always talked at dinner time. I just didn?t really eat lunch as it was too much food for me. The only sad thing was that the woman had lost her husband recently and it was sometimes depressing to see how she was dealing with this loss. She was still grieving and I found myself sometimes practicing my trade with this family?I am a counsellor. Whenever I have had homestay, I felt that the family really needed me to be there for their economic livelihood more than for the immersion and experience in family living. No complaints, however, I understand. This school offers an activity each day?this was good and added immensely to the enrichment part of the program. We had a Mayan women speak about her efforts to get more women to run for political office, we visited a hot spring, had a cooking class, salsa lessons, etc. I hope that this bit of feedback helps. This website is excellent. Thanks, Earle |
Noel & Joe Laramie Alamilla
noel_alamilla@yahoo.com
06 / 2007 |
Hello, I chose Ulew Tinimit Spanish School in Quetzaltenango, as my school. I am very happy with the results and the teacher I had. I give thumbs up for the school. It was a bit hard to get into one of your top schools, so, Ulew Tinimit was my second choice. I finished my sixth week. The school have a lot of activities that I enjoyed. I think what kept me longer at the school was the strong family atmosphere developed by the Director, Ingrid and her teachers. My first family was a bit ¨intentionally¨ short on food. I reported it to Ingrid, and she took immediate action to relocate me and addressed the situation that I had. I think that a small school like this school was a plus, that set it apart from other big schools that had 30-40 students. It embraces a family culture and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to your website. Peace, Noel. |
Arika Virapongse
06 / 2007 |
I studied in Xela for 4 weeks at Ulew Tinimit Spanish School. It was the first school that I visited and I knew that it was the perfect school for me immediately. I got a really great feeling from Ingrid-- the director-- and the school was very beautiful, well-lit, small, and in a good location. The students I met there were really happy with the school and there were less than 10 students the entire time that I was there; it was a good size for me. I wasn?t really interested in interacting with lots of students. My first teacher did not concentrate enough on the grammar, so the next week I switched to a teacher who was recommended to me. Nancy is a grade-A professional teacher. I needed to learn Spanish so that I could conduct a PhD research project there in the future, so it was really important for me to gain a solid base in Spanish. Nancy was a perfect match for me. I was like a sponge and wanted to learn as quickly and as intensive as possible and she kept up with the pace. By the end of the month I could finally speak and write Spanish fairly comfortably. The homestay was sufficient. It was more like a boarding house than a home stay, but it was comfortable and all of my needs were met. To be honest, after studying 5 hours a day at the school and about 2 hours every day on my own, I didn?t feel like talking that much with the family?so this situation was also fine with me. After this experience I left and travelled around Guatemala to practice my Spanish for 10 days. I really appreciate the service that you offer, and you can be sure that there are many students out there who rely on the information of your website. Best regards, Arika Virapongse. PhD student, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida. |
Matthew Davis
mattgeorgedavis@yahoo.com
05 / 2007 |
I went to Ulew Tinimit Spanish School in Xela. I studied there for two weeks. I had a great experience there. My teacher, Nancy, was very good. We had interesting conversations and she explained very clearly aspects of grammar that I could never really understand before. The director Ingrid was wonderful- she was very fun and helpful. The school itself is in a new location. It has a great courtyard that allows in sun and some fresh air. My host family was also wonderful- they were very kind and helpful. They gave me ample opportunity to practice Spanish. The food was very good- thank you Auri! Manuel was a great guide to Xela. All in all, I was very very happy with the school. One thing I would add is that it is a smaller school. If a person wants a school with lots of students and more activities, then this is probably not the school to go to. If a person wants something more relaxed and laid back, then this would be a great place to go. Thanks, Matt. |
Michael Kolassa
kolassa@web.de
01 / 2007 |
We started at Ulew Tinimit Spanish School in Quetzaltenango. We studied there for only 4 days. We arrived in Xela on December 26th, 2006 and had been in touch with the school for almost 2 weeks. The teachers we got at Ulew Tinimit did simply "their jobs" and did not care about our needs. When we demanded a different way of teaching, we were told that the subject we were asking for was for week no.3. Since we had been with Ulew Tinimit only for a few days we didn′t get the full picture of the school, but we think that the variety of the program offered at other school we attended is wider. We stayed with two families; the first family was good in terms of integration, but due to the hygienic situation we decided to change. The second family was good in terms of integration & hygiene but we were not allowed to stay with them after we quit the school; besides, we only ate with the families and used their amenities but stayed (slept) in our motor home overnight. We wouldn′t recommend this school, as it is dark, cold and managed in a poor way, no representative of the school speaks English, meaning that other students are used to translate. Also, the teaching material is more then limited and when we quit we were not asked for the reasons with even 1 word. We like to let you know that we have chosen this school, according to the ranking of your site and that we were more than disappointed when we realized what that school is about and asked ourselves how that school could ever have reached the scores they have. We hope that our comments will be considered within your next review of Spanish schools in Xela. Kind regards Michael & Birgit. |
Keith Brown
keithbrown@redshift.com
05 / 2006 |
We also studied at Escuela de Español Ulew Tinimit in Xela for three weeks. When Keith registered us for school, I did not know what to expect. I worked diligently and very hard to complete the assignments. At the end of the three weeks, I had dramatically improved. The teacher in Xela was superb. I wrote, read, and spoke Spanish with my instructor. She was organized, gave me homework assignments, and tests on Fridays. When I told her I didn′t understand a concept or I did not have vocabulary memorized, she slowed down and took the time for review. I continue to work daily here in the US to maintain what I learned. The school activities in Xela were sometimes a waste of time and other times extremely interesting. Sometimes, we travelled great distances for a twenty minute presentation. I was expecting to see an agricultural project, but it was sampling jam; the fruit was purchased in the markets and cleaned and prepared in a building. This outing was definitely not worth the time or the energy. Other trips were to see chocolate being made, again a long distance trip and samples given. These were of interest, but not something I would want to repeat. I would have preferred that the afternoon activities focused on areas closer to town such as the trips we made for weaving (Textiles) or to visit the museum of traditional Mayan clothing. On May 10th, Dia de las Madres, we went to a home for women; that was fantastic. We arrived at noon and could not stay longer; this was again, a very long way out of the city for a 45 minute visit. Again another challenge with time and distance. This was one of the most cultural activities and one of great meaning for me. We do not celebrate, Dia de las Madres, in the same manner in the US. I was glad we were in the country at that time. My favourite after school outing was a visit to the natural hot spas (Las Cumbres). This was out of the city; however, we were given plenty of time at the spas to enjoy and then headed for home. On the days in which we did not have a field trip in the afternoon, we returned to school at 3 pm for videos of documentaries. They were sad and though provoking, that was well worth the time; another was a Hollywood film which I could have rented in the US. When teachers presented us with activities, I asked two questions: 1. How far is it? 2. How much time do we get to stay and visit? I wanted valued experience for the time. The weekend activities were much better than the afternoon activities. We started early at 8 am and finished at 4:30 p.m. We visited a glass blowing factory, a home in which rugs, scarves, and shawls were made (Momostenango and Parque Los Ricos). We went to the baths in the hot springs (Aguas Amargas), but it rained so much that it was not possible to do any hiking or go to the beach. I also kept a journal of my activities (written in Spanish) for me to share with my instructor on Mondays; this was not required, but something that I found of value for myself, it gave me another opportunity to write in Spanish and to let her know my capabilities. On weekends I was also more relaxed because there were no weekend assignments. According to my instructor, I was one of the few students who completed the assignments. That′s how I learned, I can′t imagine not completing the work. The family in Xela was wonderful; I remain in contact with them at least once a month. We joined them for church, the daughter escorted us to the movies and played games. We took them out to dinner a couple of times. The house was clean, the food was very good, and it was great to have a hot shower every day. One of the first questions the mom asked was a list of foods we did not like. We forgot to mention liver, but the mom offered to make something else right away. She was very accommodating. We ate stews for lunch, dinner was often black beans, fried plaintain and eggs. We did not have eggs for breakfast, instead it was cereal, fresh fruit and toast. We sometimes purchased the fruit to share. When my husband was taken ill a couple of days after our arrival, the family took great interest in his recovery. They provided a thermometer, a bowl of cold water and much compassion. The mom showed me how to use the stove to make him tea if it became necessary. I was very grateful to all of them. It′s scary to be sick in an unfamiliar place. During my husband′s illness, the school also was of great help. I was able to leave the school with my teacher to purchase medicine as soon as the pharmacy opened and the teacher walked with me to the house to ensure I would not get lost. I had only been in the city for two days with little ability to speak the language. I hope to return to the school and the family. My education in Xela has allowed me to attend an Intermediate Spanish class. I never thought that this would have been possible after four weeks in an immersion program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. |
Amy Bokser
amiliz18@yahoo.com
07 / 2005 |
We went to Escuela de Español Ulew Tinimit in Xela. One week. My teacher, Pablo, was great -- he was patient and well-educated, good at explaining grammar, politics, and where to get a good hot chocolate. My husband′s teacher, Rony, was also great -- a very funny guy, and extremely well-informed for someone so young. How was your family? Our family was very nice. They didn′t have a chance to spend much time with us until the last evening, which made us sad that we couldn′t stay longer. Everyone was friendly and the room was cute and clean. The only problem was that the size of the meals they fed us was very small. |
Ayana Wilkes
aywilkes@yahoo.com
06 / 2005 |
I am attending Escuela de Espanol Ulew Tinimit. This is my 6th and final week however, my 7 yr. old son studied for 5 weeks. I had two good teachers. My son had 3 teachers and the school does NOT have a kids program like I previously thought. The biggest disappointment was my family. I stayed with them for 2 weeks only because they did not serve enough food. (For example, a single corn on the cob for dinner). Apparently this has been reported by student before and after me but the school keeps sending people to this woman. |
Colleen McGarry
complainingparty@peoplepc.com
04 / 2005 |
I enrolled at Ulew-Tinimit, where I studied 3 ½ weeks and enjoyed thoroughly. |
Karen Licurse
klicurse@hotmail.com
10 / 2004 |
Escuela de Espanol Ulew Tinimit Yes, my teacher was wonderful. Very helpful, knowledgeable and fun. My family was great. The room was tiny, a bit loud and a bit cold. But the people were very warm and friendly. It was a great way to really learn about the local colours. Overall, my experience in Guatemala was one of the best in my life. From the minute I walked off the plane, I was exposed to sights and sounds like no other -- from the chicken buses to the markets to Lago Atitlan to tortilla at every meal :) I was only there for two weeks, but I met incredible people from around the world, shared meals and life experiences with a local family, and improved my Spanish considerably. Xela is a great town - if a bit rainy in September. It′s easy to navigate and has many modern conveniences, yet retains a local feel. And the Ulew Tinimit experience was perfect -- it′s small enough to get to know everyone and really learn, yet large enough to have enough activities and support. I found your site to be very helpful. I enjoyed reading the reviews and they played a bit part in my choice of schools. Thanks for your help. |
Sofie De Bauw
03 / 2004 |
The school was Ulew Tinimit. I′m very happy about the school and about the teacher. It′s a small school, but cosy. They also support local projects and offer voluntary work. I like that aspect, because it isn′t all about the money for them. My family was really nice; I stayed with them for 2 months because I did some voluntary work in Xela. |
Catherine Evans
10 / 2003 |
I studied in Ulew Tinimit for 6 weeks. Teacher - Had two different teachers during my time there (they like to give you the opportunity to change teachers if you study there for a long time in order to gain an appreciation of different teaching methods and also Spanish accents) and both were very good. Family - Again I had two different families during my time there. I changed my first because I wasn′t that happy with some of the conditions, but the second was absolutely superb and made me feel very much at home. Changing your family is very easy to do if you-re not happy with them. Overall I′d really recommend Ulew Tinimit. There is a real community spirit and they place excellent emphasis on providing social and cultural activities to increase your understanding of Guatemalan culture. I enjoyed my time there immensely. Regards |
Solmaz Shotorbani
09 / 2002 |
I studied for 4 weeks at Ulew-Tinimit. I had an amazingly wonderful teacher whom I learned a great deal from--not just Spanish, but also about life. I greatly enjoyed our cultural exchange and hours of laughter. And I loved my school. I also really enjoyed conversing and laughing with all the other teachers and Ingrid, the Director of the Secular de Espanola Ulew-Tinimit. The cultural exposure and interactions with various community members was very beneficial to my education and introduction to Guatemala. How was your family? Not a good match. |
Peter Headlam
05 / 2002 |
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Ulew Tinimit was good. Good teachers. Family nice but accommodation too small for a couple. Suffered badly from stomach problems, which reoccurred. Believe it would have been better for us to do the school in Antigua. Regards |
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