Each student is placed with a Guatemalan family, chosen according to the student's needs and preferences. Our families are typical middle class Guatemalans and enjoy opening their homes to foreigners. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your conversation and comprehension skills with your family. In addition, you will observe and participate in everyday Guatemalan life and culture.

Homestays are very rewarding experiences because the Guatemalan culture is very warm and friendly, and your family will treat you like a family member. Families are experienced in meeting the individual needs of foreign students. Only one student is placed in each family (although exceptions are made upon request). Your family will provide you with a private room, three meals a day, and a hot shower. They are also experienced with special dietary needs (vegetarian, non-dairy, etc.).

In addition to providing language practice and a comfortable place to live, your Guatemalan family is available to answer your questions, advise you about activities and recreational options, and help you to understand Guatemalan culture. You might accompany your "host mom" as she does her shopping in the market and learn how to bargain for prices, or watch cartoons in Spanish with the children. Living with a local family provides a unique view of everyday life in Xela.