Spanish Language Instruction and Mayan Language Instruction

Instituto Central America (I.C.A.), is an innovative Spanish language school located in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. I.C.A. offers you the opportunity to learn Spanish quickly while becoming acquainted with Guatemala's rich cultural heritage.

We have provided Spanish language classes to students of all levels since 1976. I.C.A. is fully accredited by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education and INGUAT (the Guatemalan tourist institute). In addition our instructors are university educated and are part of a small group of instructors in Guatemala to hold the Diploma: "Teaching Spanish as a Second Language to Foreigners." A diploma given by San Carlos University of Guatemala, Loyola Empresarial University in Florida, U.S.A., the Ministry of Education and INGUAT.

Additionally they have received an 8-week intensive training course and pass a comprehensive examination before being hired. The teachers participate in refresher courses every 6 months and frequent workshops and seminars in teaching techniques. Instructors adjust the level and topics of discussion to the pace and interests of their students.

We are one of the only schools in Xela with permanent teachers who have a contract to teach exclusively in I.C.A. and do not teach in other schools as seasonal teachers. We believe that our teachers are our most valuable resource and so they are well paid, receiving 40-44% of the $110 you pay in tuition (depends on experience), two bonuses per year, Medicare and three weeks of paid vacation.

Our learning program features one-on-one personalized Spanish language instruction. You are immersed in the language from the beginning of your time at I.C.A. Classes take place in I.C.A.'s attractive school building, which features a classroom for each teacher, larger meeting rooms for movies and conferences, modern restrooms, and a central patio with a kitchenette for recreational activities and breaks. I.C.A.'s teachers use visual materials, pronunciation drills, dialogues, role-playing and oral exercises to keep the classes interesting. We use our very own textbook, researched and written by our teachers. We also encourage you to bring your own textbooks or literature. (Click here for a list of recommended texts.)

We emphasize spoken Spanish and devote most of the class to oral practice using conversations and drills. A variety of written exercises, compositions, and vocabulary lists are used for homework. You can arrange with your teacher to include trips to cafes, restaurants or local cultural facilities to enrich your class experience.

I.C.A.'s classes are organized on a weekly schedule, although you can schedule less than a full week on request. When you meet your teacher for the first time, he or she will evaluate your Spanish skills and together you will set up an instructional plan for the week. Your class time is spent in grammar instruction, oral and written practice, conversation, and exercises, and other educational activities according to your needs and preferences. Each week we select a new teacher for you, as we have found that changing teachers improves overall understanding and offers students valuable experience with a variety of Spanish accents.

In addition, we are dedicated to educating our students about the complex political, social and economic situation in Guatemala, using a unique blend of resources, activities, and contacts. I.C.A. is the ground-breaking Spanish school in Xela that began offering daily excursions during the 1980´s and we have continued to develop our activities to offer you a profound experience of our culture and traditions. Whether you study at I.C.A. for a week or for a year, you can count on a satisfying experience.

I.C.A. also offers classes (and homestay) in Quiché, one of the Mayan languages currently spoken in Guatemala.