FAQ: Miscellaneous

What volunteer opportunities do you have?
What is there to do in Antigua? What about the nightlife?
Can my son/mother/uncle/etc. (not a student) participate in the school activities with me?
What about the Internet?
Are there a lot of tourists in Antigua? Is it hard to learn Spanish there?
I am coming to Guatemala to volunteer. Can you help with lodging?
Is Guatemala safe for female travelers?
Is Antigua safe?
Can you supply references from former students?
Are activities included in the price?

What volunteer opportunities do you have?

There are many volunteer opportunities in Antigua, especially in the medical field or working with children. The academic director (Juan Carlos) helps you to find a position on your first day at school. Arrangements are usually set up through the school in order to give the future volunteer a clear view of all possible volunteer options. On your first day at school, we can take you to see the various locations. There is a hospital in town where you can work with children who are physically ill, or with those with mental health problems. The choice is entirely yours. There is also an orphanage nearby that has a school as well, so working there is another possibility. Other volunteer opportunities include building houses, working on environmental projects, and teaching. For long-term projects, we can help you to find the right volunteer option for you somewhere in Guatemala after the completion of your studies.

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What is there to do in Antigua? What about the nightlife?

Antigua is a wonderful place to get away, as it is a beautiful colonial town with a rich culture and a wonderful historical past. The weather is always temperate to warm (Guatemala is known as the “Land of Eternal Spring”). Students come year-round because of the climate and the opportunities for adventure both locally and around Central America. Every day there are different activities. In addition, there are many places to explore around town, from markets to museums and ancient ruins. Students also meet at cafés, and sometimes go to watch either foreign films or films about Guatemalan culture. Many restaurants and pubs have theme days, where there are various sorts of parties. We have many tourists of different age groups, and the nightlife, although a little less lively than in other major cities, is still vibrant with many restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Most cater to the international community, so there is no problem meeting new friends. Antigua is also a popular location during the many holidays that Guatemala has. Within Antigua there are many sites to see: ruins, churches, Mayan vendors, etc. There is no shortage of fun.

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Can my son/mother/uncle/etc. (not a student) participate in the school activities with me?

Family members may accompany students on activities at no extra charge.

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What about the Internet?

We have our own Internet café! If you study a minimum of 20 hours a week (morning or afternoon), we provide 1 hour of free Internet service per week.

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Are there a lot of tourists in Antigua? Is it hard to learn Spanish there?

As far as avoiding tourists, they are pretty much everywhere now. There may be more in Antigua at certain times, but it is really a matter of discipline. Antigua is the preferred choice for many because it offers the chance to only speak Spanish, yet for those moments when one misses the conveniences oof other areas of the world, there are many restaurants, cafés, and bars that have English-speaking staff will cater to one’s wishes. To avoid speaking English, simply avoid these places. If you are not the type of person who adheres to a program without help, then there are certain things that you can do such as stay with a family with no other English speakers (we can arrange this), do not go to the places where foreigners frequently go, etc.

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I am coming to Guatemala to volunteer. Can you help with lodging?

Yes. Our services are available to anyone, but our students receive first priority and frequently enjoy extra rate reductions.

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Is Guatemala safe for female travelers?

We have had many female students between the ages of 18 and 60, and no one has reported any problems. Generally, the key is common sense: try to travel with someone, stay alert, do not travel to remote places at night, and do not wear expensive jewelry, or act rudely or with arrogance.

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Is Antigua safe?

Certain parts of Guatemala have seen some problems, but mainly in certain areas in Guatemala City. Most problems involving tourists are due to lack of caution on their part, or traveling alone to remote areas. The common sense rule applies. Antigua is a large tourist destination, and few people experience any problems. The city has a separate police force for tourists, which is highly respected. They can even accompany tourists to remote areas upon request.

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Can you supply references from former students?

Yes. We are happy to provide references and e-mail addresses of former students, often from your own country, if desired.

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Are activities included in the price?

Yes! All weekday activities, except such things as museum entrance fees, are included in the cost. Weekend excursions are arranged upon student requests for a nominal fee. Please see Activities.

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