GUATEMALA
Out of all of the countries covered in this article, Guatemala can be considered the poorest, with families here earning less in a year what many in the western world earn in a typical week. Nevertheless Guatemala is an amazing experience and is renowned for its Language schools in Antigua and Mazatenango. Both of these towns are up in the Guatemalan Highlands with their colourful markets and Mayan villagers and are very pleasant places to stay.
Guatemala like Mexico is home to some of the most stunning Maya sites and a trip to at least one of these is a must. The majority of Guatemala’s population is actually Maya and there is 24 different Maya languages spoken. Guatemala is a popular for backpackers and escorted tours but the typical vacation that is to be found in say Florida, Spain and the Gold Coast in Australia is no where to be seen.
The chance to experience the culture of the lovely and welcoming Maya people is one which we at Travel Llama consider a highlight to any visit and there is even a chance for those with an advanced knowledge of Spanish, to take lessons in traditional Mayan beliefs and in some of the languages.
While going to visit the temples at Tikal and Ceibal is a popular excursion there is plenty more to do as well. The Livingston area on the coast of the Caribbean Sea is very different to the rest of the country with its Carib/Creole feel and the rainforest in the north of the country offers the perfect environment for those interested in Wildlife and hiking.
There is a chance to volunteer in most of the Latin American Countries covered in this article, but Guatemala has the most opportunities. Volunteers can be seen teaching English to school children, helping to rebuild a school, working at a home for the elderly and in some cases helping to preserve Mayan ruins. It can be very rewarding to volunteer and there is no better way to practice your Spanish then to work with the locals.
Guatemala is recommended for those who don’t mind having to miss out on the comforts of home and the chance to speak Spanish with the locals is very good. The history and beauty of Guatemala is fantastic, but it’s the people who make this a glorious destination.
MEXICO
Mexico is a favourite place for people wanting to learn Spanish in Latin America with lots of things to do and see when outside of the classroom. Favourite locations are Cuernavaca (near Mexico City), Playa Del Carmen and Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast. The fact that these locations are high up on the visitor’s wish list for sights and beaches anyway, makes them especially popular. The popularity of the resorts also help with the infrastructure and activities available for students, but some people are put off by the fact that English is widely spoken and that the need to speak Spanish to communicate is not necessary.
The good points about learning Spanish in Mexico, is the regular flights to the country from all around the world and the amount of activities and excursions available to the visitor. As previously stated, the tourist infrastructure is well built and this makes Mexico the perfect option for those beginning in their studies.
Those who do come to Mexico to learn to speak Spanish are usually looking for a resort vacation that offers that little more. With most of the schools being in internationally recognized Tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, the chance to relax on a white sand beach in the morning, Jet Ski in the afternoon and then have a Spanish lesson in the evening is very high.
Whether you decide to study in the resorts along the Yucatan Peninsula, the Pacific Coast or in the hill towns around the capital, their will be plenty to keep you occupied. Those interested in the pre-Columbian history of the region will enjoy the many Mayan and Mexica sites scattered around the country, especially in the Yucatan.
Mexico is recommended to those who want to mix the typical Beach vacation with learning the language and still want to have the creature comforts of home.
