
WHY STUDY SPANISH IN QUETZALTENANGO?
Guatemala is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, and the Spanish spoken here is clearly enunciated and easy to understand. Quetzaltenango is commonly called by its original K´iche name “Xelaju” or simply “Xela.” It is situated at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by rugged hills and volcanoes. It is the second largest city in Guatemala with 800,000 inhabitants and ten universities. The city is a never-ending source of striking, fascinating contrasts: adobe huts with dirt floors and shopping malls selling frozen yoghurt, trendy internet cafes on centuries-old cobblestone streets, men in Italian suits using cell phones and traditionally dressed Mayans carrying home stacks of firewood on their backs. Unlike postcard, touristy destinations for Spanish study, Quetzaltenango provides an authentic environment and is a great place to learn Spanish while learning about Central American culture, past and present.
El Quetzal Spanish School is owned and operated by Glenda Lopez Ximin de Cajas. She was born and raised in an indigenous family in Xela and graduate from university in 1993 with a degree in Education. Glenda has over 13 years experience in teaching Spanish as a second language to foreigners. She opened the school in 1998 with a desire not only to follow passion for teaching but also to create a school that could fund scholarships for local children who lack the funds necessary for their education.
Glenda hopes that all of El Quetzal´s students will not only have a chance to learn Spanish but also gain an understanding of Guatemala through learning about the culture, history, politics and social realities of the country.
Guatemala is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, and the Spanish spoken here is clearly enunciated and easy to understand. Quetzaltenango is commonly called by its original K´iche name “Xelaju” or simply “Xela.” It is situated at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by rugged hills and volcanoes. It is the second largest city in Guatemala with 800,000 inhabitants and ten universities. The city is a never-ending source of striking, fascinating contrasts: adobe huts with dirt floors and shopping malls selling frozen yoghurt, trendy internet cafes on centuries-old cobblestone streets, men in Italian suits using cell phones and traditionally dressed Mayans carrying home stacks of firewood on their backs. Unlike postcard, touristy destinations for Spanish study, Quetzaltenango provides an authentic environment and is a great place to learn Spanish while learning about Central American culture, past and present.
El Quetzal Spanish School is owned and operated by Glenda Lopez Ximin de Cajas. She was born and raised in an indigenous family in Xela and graduate from university in 1993 with a degree in Education. Glenda has over 13 years experience in teaching Spanish as a second language to foreigners. She opened the school in 1998 with a desire not only to follow passion for teaching but also to create a school that could fund scholarships for local children who lack the funds necessary for their education.
Glenda hopes that all of El Quetzal´s students will not only have a chance to learn Spanish but also gain an understanding of Guatemala through learning about the culture, history, politics and social realities of the country.
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