Individual Instruction Casa Xelajú's Spanish immersion program is based on top down methodology also known as Whole Language. This methodology immerses the students in the second language acquisition without the heavy use of memorization of grammar rules. In other words, whole language methodology is a replica of how we acquire our first language from our parents, relatives and friends when we are children. It has been demonstrated through extensive research that students who learn a second using this methodology tend to retain their new knowledge longer because it stimulates the long-term brain memory.

To maintain the highest quality, Casa Xelajú has been able to modify and successfully incorporate the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards into our curriculum (these standards are currently used by thousands of universities and school districts worldwide). This a tool that benefits our future students because we know with more precision the language level and experience the student is bringing with him/her. Therefore, there is no time wasted and no confusion the first week trying to measure the student Spanish level.

Although our format is one-on-one instruction, our teachers have been extensively trained to give the students a more active role in the learning process (student centered instruction). As a result of this, the students are not passive but active in their learning experience, which enhance their abilities to learn fast.

With 19 years of solid experience teaching Spanish with the highest academic standards and over 14,000 satisfied students from all over the world, our Spanish language school is confident that your immersion experience with us will be a total success. In addition to our general Spanish classes, we also offer Spanish test preparation, specialized and advanced Spanish and Latin America literature courses to all the students.

Casa Xelaju recommends bringing any textbook you feel comfortable with.
For drills and homework, please purchase The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice by Ronni L. Gordon and David M. Stillman (Passport Books), a Spanish and English dictionary and 501 Spanish Verbs by Christopher Kendris, (Barron's Educational Series, Inc.).

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Tuition Includes
- 5 hours of one-on-one instruction, 5 days a week
- Private cubicles free of noisy, visual interferences and beautiful view of the city.
- approximately three hours of cultural activities daily.
- homestay with a Guatemala family, 3 meals daily and own bedroom, 7 days a week.
- translators,
- free unlimited internet access, cheap international calls using our USA phone.
- lectures and guides fees,
- free organic coffee, tea and bread during break time every day,
- free access to the school's library
(over 1000 books and video library with near 200 dvds & videos and educational movies).
Laundry services and weaving lessons are available for an additional fee.


Casa Xelajú Spanish program is fully accredited by the Guatemala Ministry of Education. For a Course Description Catalogue, click here.

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Holidays - No Classes

January 1	Good Friday
May 1	June 25*
September 15	October 20*
November 1*	December 25

*Holidays falling on a weekend are celebrated the previous or next Friday.


Upon receipt of your e-application, you will have access to 20 pages of detailed information and tips on travel, dress, climate, recommended reading, etc.