Set in beautiful grounds with excellent teachers and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Celas Maya is a great Spanish school. Arriving as a complete beginner three years ago, my Spanish was ... to unexpected heights throughtout my 6 week stay. One-on-one classes and living with a local family has been the perfect recipe for both learning and improving my Spanish. Xela also has the ideal location for weekend getaways to Lago Atitlan, Chichi and numerous volcanoes. With my second visit coming to an end I already can´t wait to come back a third time!

Alice Anderson-Gough, July 23rd 2011

Celas Maya has been such a wonderful experience. I came to Celas Maya as a Spanish major at the University of Virginia and hoped to improve my conversational skills. Reading, writing and conversing with my teacher Gloria allowed me to dramatically improve my Spanish more than I thought I would. The Celas Maya teachers are very good at pinpointing exactly what a student knows and doesn´t know in order to effectively cover new material and make learning Spanish a worthwile experience for students at all levels. Celas Maya is wonderful!

Peta Douglas, July 9th 2011

Richmond, Virginia, USA

Celas Maya has been the ideal place for me to study Spanish. All the teachers I had were very knowledgeable and skilled at teaching. When I arrived, I barely spoke a word of Spanish (having never studied it really), but I feel that I can communicate reasonably well after only 4 weeks.

Socially, the people here (fellow students, staff, teachers) are great. The activities let you have fun, visit places around Xela, and really get to know people.

I would highly recommend Celas Maya to any student interested in learning Spanish and getting to know Quetzaltenango.

David Chen, June 17th 2011

Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

The learning experience at Celas Maya is unsurpassed. It met and exceeded my expectations. The staff and teachers are fantastic in every way, professional, kind, helpful and understanding (especially when a student is struggling with trying to say something in Spanish!). It´s hard to identify one highlight, but I would encourage every student to take advantage of 2 important learning experiences outside the "traditional" classroom:

1. Fieldtrips with your instructor (one-on-one). These are invaluable for learning how to behave in real-life situations – like going to a store and asking about items, or having a conversation with someone you meet. In addition, you will learn a lot about the culture of Guatemala in ways you can´t just by talking about it.

2. Really, really try to speak Spanish all the time. I heard many students resorting to English when they encountered another student who spoke English. There is no replacement for using the language in conversation, and you will learn better and faster by making mistakes and learning from them 

Learning a language can be (and was for me) very intimidating, frustrating and a bit overwhelming at first, but the experience at Celas Maya was an incredible way to jump in feet first and really get "into the swing" of a new language and culture. I could only be here for a week, alas, but I wish I could be here for at least one more and maybe two. After one week, I feel as though I can get by quite adequately in Antigua, where I will go next (by myself).

Elizabeth Leverage Hilles, June 3rd 2011

Crozet, VA, USA

Tengo que decir Celas Maya es una escuela de Español EXCELENTE!! Los maestros aquí son profesionales y amables. Las actividades son muy variadas y divertidas. A mi me encantó estudiar en el aire libre con las flores bonitas y arboles verdes.

Siento que mi Español es mas fortificado ahora.

Jin Young Park, June 17th 2011

Busan, South Korea

After weeks of researching several countries, cities and language schools, I chose Celas Maya for a variety of reasons. I'm a teacher, I'm serious about learning spanish, but I was traveling alone and I wanted to get immersed in local culture and meet other like minded travelers. I also wanted to feel safe. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and Celas Maya was a perfect fit for me. First, as a spanish school, it is very professional with well-trained teachers who have been loyal to that school for many years. Everybody I met was happy with their teacher. One-on-one instruction occurs at tables set around a lovely courtyard and adjacent to the internet cafe. It's amazing how fast five hours can pass and how much I learned each day! The school became my study center, meeting place and space for relaxation. The staff was friendly and helped me make plans to arrive early, leave late, and when I wanted to travel solo, I felt very safe booking with the travel agency connected with the school. My host family was very attuned to my needs and my schedule at the school, sometimes arranging meal times around the various school activities. Each day there was always something fun to do: cooking classes, tours of nearby towns or markets, hiking, biking, historical walks, movies, dancing. Somedays it was hard to fit my homework in! The only bad side about my trip was that I only stayed for two weeks! But in that time, my confidence in spanish conversation blossomed. I saw more of everyday Guatemala life (thanks to Celas Maya's activities) and I made some great friends (thanks to Celas Maya's relaxing atmosphere.) I hope to return to Guatemala someday and without a doubt, Celas Maya will be my first stop. I know that I will have another wonderful experience.

Becky Wandell, July 18th 2011

Portland, USA

 I studied at Celas Maya for seven weeks during the months of June and July of 2010.  The experience was outstanding for me.  My requirements for a language school included high quality and atmosphere.  The first day started with a short orientation about the school and then I was assigned an instructor.  We talked, in Spanish, for about 45 minutes until the instructor had a good feel as to my level of Spanish.  The next stage was a discussion on working out a plan for the week.  I needed to review many of the basic tenses and grammatical structures and soon we were on our way with the lessons.  I was struck with the patience and knowledge of the instructor.  I had been concerned that five hours of one on one instruction might be too much for me but the easy going nature of my teacher made it seem like I was talking with a friend.  The time passed quickly and then I had my homework assignments.  I looked forward to each day as I progressed and soon I had a substantial number of pages of notes.  I realized that my notes were more important to me than any souvenirs that I might bring back from Guatemala.  I requested the same instructor week after week.
The city, Xela, is perfect for study.   There are many cafes and restaurants close to the school.  I found myself doing most of my homework at the school in the inner courtyard and where I could have a cup of tea or coffee as I worked.  The ambience, or atmosphere, of the school was very comfortable.  The building includes a very nice internet café and a travel agency.  These departments work very closely with each other and often it is hard to distinguish the school from the other businesses.  The other really notable fact about Celas Maya was the activities.  I have been to other language schools and this school is great in the sense that it makes a huge effort to come up with interesting, relevant activities.  I had to choose among many types of outings, cooking classes, and conferences.  If you are trying to choose the right Spanish school, I strongly suggest Celas Maya.  I hope to continue my studies there in the near future.

-Tom Niehoff, Mathematics professor, 
Denver, Colorado, United States
July, 2010

You will be impressed by the level of dedication and devotion of the teachers here. Whether your goal is to be able to navigate the city or have a long conversation in Spanish, this school will provide the tools and more. I really enjoyed that some of the staff was bilingual especially when I needed help with some tough parts of the grammar. Everyone here was very kind and helpful. If you want to have a wonderful time in Guatemala and also learn Spanish, then come here. You won´t regret it.

-Adam John Waters
Flagstaff, USA
July 2010



Two weeks of studying Spanish at Celas Maya belong to the most exciting experiences of my trip to this beautiful country. At an age, where other people think probably more about golfing and reading a book in a hammock I dared to challenge my rusty brain with a new language. My first impression of coming to Xelas Maya was that of a wonderful warm and welcoming environment. I didn't feel a moment out of place, made easily contact with young people from all over the world, connected with a great teacher and wonderful staff, who helped me every moment  and took away my uneasiness of speaking Spanish. I loved the most welcomed coffee breaks with delicious cookie and sweet breads, where I always communicated with other students and teachers. 
A very important part of being involved in a school community have also been the high quality afternoon activities, where I learned about culture, politics, indigenous people and many more of Guatemala.
I left this school with the hope of coming back. Learning here was a lot of fun, and how can you learn better than enjoying every moment of your time being there? Thanks again

 

-Christel Kleinewillinghoefer
Vancouver Canada
March 2010

Having studied at Celas Maya was a rewarding experience and a memory for life. A teacher at Celas Maya helps you to improve your Spanish but besides that you also get to know your teacher as a real person. Someone who is interested in your life but also someone who can tell you the most beautiful stories.  You can laugh and even cry with your teacher. It becomes a real friend.  As everyone at the school is very interested, you can practice your Spanish all day long. I didn’t felt uncomfortable making any mistakes since the teachers and the staff were really friendly. The atmosphere at the school made me feel like I was home and as the school is a meeting place for students I made many new friends. The school and the culture of Guatemala made a big impression on me and I am positive that I will come back one day.

-Simone van Eijk
Breda, The Netherlands 
February 2010

My experience at Celas Maya was extremely positive. The school provides teachers and resources for all skill-sets—from those who don’t know basic phrases, to those who are looking to perfect their spoken Spanish. The staff, host families, and other students are warm, which means you meet incredible Guatemalan and international friends quickly. The school itself has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a number of convenient services (Internet, a café, etc.). Celas Maya is also well connected with local businesses, organizations, and host families and is very dedicated to creating the most meaningful and comfortable experience possible. 
Celas Maya is located in the beautiful, central historic district of Xela. It is the “smallest” big city I have visited. Open-air markets, dance competitions, and public plazas display the vibrant Xela community. Students also have great spots to study and meet up after class with the best cafes, bars, and music venues just blocks from the school. Xela is tucked in the rural countryside and surrounded by the volcanoes of the Western Highlands, offering opportunities to trek and visit more traditional Guatemalan communities. It was a gorgeous home for the summer, and somewhere I want to bring friends and family to in the future.

-Katie Talbot, 
Seattle, USA 
July 2009

 "I spent an amazing six weeks studying in Celas Maya. I stayed with a fantastic family, really felt I got to understand Guatemala and made huge strides forward with my Spanish. The school itself is very professional and the teachers I had were so well structured that you could literally chart your progress. I have also studied in Spain where it was too expensive to have one-on-one classes and Nicaragua where the schools were nowhere near as professional or effective. And once you're done studying for the day, Xela is a great town with so much around it to see and do that you cannot fail to have a great time!!"

-Andrew Cockburn
London, England
26 January 2005

"I traveled to Xela during the "slower" season of September and October when many schools struggle to have more than five students. Indeed, I met several folks that were the only student in their school. Celas Maya always had a consistent 15-20 students. Despite the large size, the office and teachers do a great job of still making the experience very personal to you. I also like the bigger school size because I was able to easily meet people from throughout Europe, Australia and the Americas...many of whom I still stay in contact with. I spoke very little Spanish when I came to the school, so I was very relieved that an International Coordinator was in the office to guide my transition. The school is very close to Parque Central, as well as a number of bars and night spots for those looking to experience Xela after dark. If you have any questions about Celas Maya, feel free to email me. Jim Elfers  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Enjoy your travels in Guatemala!"

-Jim Elfers
Cincinnati, Ohio USA
26 January 2005

 "As someone who wanted to build upon the Spanish I had learned in high school and college, I decided to study Spanish in a foreign country. I spent a great deal of time researching my options online throughout Central and South America. After deciding to study in Guatemala, and then specifically in Quetzaltenango, Celas Maya stood out as the only option for me. Through my six weeks of study, my decision was reinforced time and time again. Through a combination of great teachers, a knowledgeable and professional school staff, a welcoming learning environment and a friendly host family, I felt that not only did my Spanish improve dramatically, but I also learned a great deal about the Guatemalan culture. By tracking weekly progress, the students are encouraged throughout their learning and if a student's style did not match that of the teacher, they are free to switch to gain the most out of their time at the school. The additional activities offered by the school, as well as the convenient location of Quetzaltenango for weekend travel to other communities, allowed me to explore the culture beyond the school walls. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to spend time at Celas Maya and look forward to the possibility of returning in the near future."

-Megan Callan
Chicago, Illinios USA
26 January 2005

 "Our four weeks of study at Celas Maya were excellent. The best way to learn a language is one-on-one, and all of our instructors were competent and highly adaptable to our specific needs and interests. The wide variety of optional presentations, cooking and dancing classes, and excursions helped us learn a lot about Guatemalan life and culture as well as language. Celas Maya is systematic in its operations and very effective in improving Spanish language skills."

-Kent Macaulay and Thomas Knutson
Saskatoon, Canada
31 January 2005

''I studied three weeks at CELAS Maya with a focus on Spanish conversation to attain greater fluency. However, I also wanted to learn something about Mayan culture and Guatemalan history and politics. The conversation with my teachers ranged from Mayan food customs and marriage practices to the present political situation, the role of women in the community, education, and the effect of the low price of coffee on the Guatemalan economy. Besides, the school invited experts to come and talk, organized field trips that were both educational--e.g. a visit to Abaj Takalik, an archeological site--as well as useful--e.g. working on houses for Habitat for Humanity. The school is well-organized and the staff is very professional yet takes an interest in the well-being of each student.''

- Nell Mascall, ESL Teacher
Seattle, WA, United States.

 "Hola- just had to drop you a line to let you know just how much we loved the experience at Celas Maya. Our home stay was exceptional. The family we stayed with - Guadelupe Del Carmen and family have become fast friends and they included us in everything for the whole week, includking taking us to their daughters 15th birthday quince años celebration- a huge and very special affair. Because this family interacted so well with us, we felt that you should know how pleased we were. We felt very much at home the whole time we were there. Thanks again for everything- we were certainly impressed with how well run everything was at your place and I am sure we will return."

''My time in Guatemala was definitely highlighted by my Celas Maya experience. Whether it was learning Spanish in class, hanging out with other students outside of class, or experiencing Guatemalan culture with the activities planned by the school; Celas Maya was a great place for me. Being able to work one-on-one with a teacher, in Xela, is the only way to learn Spanish and the teachers at Celas Maya were wonderful. Not only did they work hard to teach me, they were interested in who I am and were excited about the activities as well. The activities varied every week, but they were always interesting. Some of my favorites were hiking up Volcán Santa María, a discussion about the economical climate in Guatemala, and a trip to Fuentes Georginas (a natural hot spring). Outside of class, the school had a wide variety of resources. The internet café in the school is very useful to have nearby and be able to use for a few minutes here and there. There is also a small library of books to read and a good variety of movies to watch at the school. There is even a ping pong table and I definitely enjoyed watching movies about Guatemala, like 'La hija del puma' at the school with other students. Even without knowing all this, when people from other schools visited I constantly heard: 'wow, your school is nicer than mine.' Most people based it just on the fact that there is a beautiful garden and that we study in an open air outdoor patio, rather than inside a building. It is definitely very nice, I would recommend Celas Maya to anybody and hope to return sometime soon.''

"First of all I must say that I’m really enjoying my time here. The school has a very central location and also its architecture itself is very nice: the little garden in the centre of the building with its open corridors around are suggesting openness in communication and encountering. This corresponds to the school’s climate: one has the possibilities – besides of learning a new language - to meet people from all over the world, to discuss or just socialize. The teachers are all very nice and friendly, extra-qualifications to their language skills. Since you are changing your teacher every week (if you want to do so), you’re getting a broader insight in Guatemala’s history, society and culture. The director-staff is always trying to solve problems, if there arise some. The living situation is also a very positive and enriching experience because you have the choice to live with a Guatemalan family, share their life a bit and of course practice your Spanish! Finally I must say that I can hardly find anything to criticize. So I can only recommend this school to everyone who wants to learn a new language and get an insight into a country which is worth to be explored and experienced."

- Daniel Sanin
Austria

Si no hubiera venido a Celas Maya, siguramente no habría podido escribir esto en español. Mi agradecimiento viene del profundo de mi corazón. El mérito es de mi maestras KAROL, MIRIAM, KARLA y maestro CARLOS que con mucha paciencia, ánimo y psicologia supieron inculcar las reglas en mi cabeza dura. El primero contacto con esta escuela fue con LINDSAY por correo electrónico y jamás olvidaré su ayuda preciosa en contestar inmediatamente todas mis preguntas con abundancia de detalles. Esto me dio una óptima impresión. La eficiencia de Lorena y de Martin con sus sonrisas perennes, la cordialidad de Leslie y de todos los maestros, de Doña Isabel, Juana, la presencia de Dona Rafaela, los miembros de la oficina del Internet, crearon un ambiente único donde me sentí feliz. Doña Doris contribuyó en modo particular a esto bienestar. Además, no aprendí solamente una nueva lengua, pero también la historia y las costumbres de un pais maravilloso. Sobre todo me siento muy honrada que algunas personas compartieron conmigo recuerdos personales tristes y felices. A todos muchas gracias, mi augurio que los deseos de cada uno se realizen y, con mucho cariño, hasta la próxima vez.

-M.L.-Toronto, Canada
23 March 2005