• Money should be carried in U.S. dollars or U.S. traveler's checks, as other currencies are very difficult to change in Guatemala. You can use VISA or MASTERCARD to pay for classes at I.C.A. or to make cash withdrawals of quetzals in Xela, with a small service fee.
  
• The International Airport in Guatemala is in the Capital (Guatemala City). If you are traveling from Guatemala City to Xela, we recommend that you take Galgos bus lines. The school is less than 2 blocks from the Galgos station in Xela, so you will not need to take a taxi. The address for Galgos in Guatemala City is 7a. Avenida 19-50, Zona 1. Phone: 2232-3661.
  
• Xela is a quiet and safe city, but you should always be careful when traveling in Guatemala. Foreigners are sometimes targets for pickpockets. It is advisable to carry your money in a money belt or a pouch worn under your clothes. Fanny packs are not recommended.
  
• Click here for details about Xela's climate. (link to section in about Quetzaltenango on climate) Due to its southern location and high altitude, the sun is strong in Xela. We recommend you bring sunscreen.

- Puntos de Partida (Random House) for beginners

- En Contacto (Houghton Mifflin Co.) for beginners and intermediates

- El Arte de la Conversación (Harper & Row) for intermediates and advanced students.