Below we have listed the questions we are most frequently asked and you might find the information you are looking for right here. If your question is not answered here, you are most welcome to get in touch with us anytime!
How long has Ixchel Spanish school been in business?
Ixchel Spanish School was founded in 1999. In just a few years we’ve become one of the leading Spanish schools in Antigua Guatemala due to the quality of our Spanish courses, our innovative teaching techniques, and our professional organization.
Is Ixchel Spanish School registered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Education?
Yes, the school is registered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Education (registration number 125-2002) and with INGUAT (registration number 640-2002-D).
Where exactly is Ixchel Spanish School located?
The school is located on 9a Calle Oriente #5. The Central Park is only five city blocks away and just about any place of interest in Antigua is within easy walking distance.
How do you pronounce “Ixchel”?
ee-CHEL. Pretty much like “eat shell” spoken rapidly.
Can I call you on the phone or on Skype?
Certainly! Our phone number is (+502) 7832-3440 and our Skype name is customerserviceixchel. You can reach us from 8 am to 5 pm Central Standard Time Monday through Friday.
How can I pay for my course? Do you accept credit cards?
You can pay with US dollars, travelers checks or Guatemalan Quetzals. We also accept all major credit cards, but due to the high bank fees in Guatemala credit card payments carry an 8 percent surcharge.
How can I pay for my online lessons?
The easiest way to pay for your lessons is by PayPal. We also accept payments by Western Union and bank transfer.
Online Spanish Courses
At what time can I have my lessons?
You can take online lessons anytime between 7 am and 9 pm Guatemalan time. We are on Central Standard Time (GMT -6:00 hours) year round. Guatemala does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Can I have lessons on Saturday and/or Sunday?
Yes, you can take online lessons on any day of the week.
Family Homestay and Other Accommodation
If I live with a family, will I have a private room or will I have to share my room with other students?
We arrange a private room for each student and you won’t have to share your room with anyone unless you want to. We do have double rooms available for couples, though.
Is there a curfew when staying with a family?
No, there is no curfew. You will get a key to the house and your room and can come and go as you please.
Traveling to Antigua Guatemala
Which airport is closest to Antigua Guatemala?
The closest airport is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (airport code GUA), which is about 45 km (30 miles) from Antigua. Do not book a flight to Antigua Bird International Airport (airport code ANU) – that one is located on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean.
How do I get from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua?
The easiest way to get here is to give us your flight details on the registration form and we’ll send our driver to pick you up at the airport. We can pick you up anytime, day or night, and take you directly to your accommodations in Antigua. Please see the price list for the current price of the airport pickup service.
MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I change my teacher if we don’t get along?
Certainly! We want you to be happy and enjoy your classes. While our teachers are well-trained and very competent, we recognize of course that there are personality conflicts occasionally. Requests to change teachers are quite rare at our school, but if you want to change, we can usually give you another teacher from one day to the next.
Do I need to bring textbooks and a dictionary?
We provide all the class materials you need, so bringing textbooks is not necessary. A dictionary is something no Spanish student can do without; we can lend you one for the duration of your classes if need be, but we recommend you get your own dictionary and bring it. You can also buy one in Antigua, but while Spanish-English dictionaries are readily available, other languages are hard to find here.
Can I have the same teacher I worked with when I was in Antigua?
Yes, we can normally assign the same teacher for your online lessons, provided your teacher is available at the time you want to take your lessons.
Can I change my teacher if we don’t get along?
Certainly! We want you to be happy and enjoy your lessons. While our teachers are well-trained and very competent, we recognize of course that there are personality conflicts occasionally. Requests to change teachers are rare at our school, but if you want to change, we can give you another teacher from one lesson to the next.
How far from the school are the host families?
Most of our host families are located within five city blocks from the school. At peak times it might be necessary to place you with a family that’s a little further away, but in any case your family will be within easy walking distance.
Can my host family provide vegetarian meals?
Certainly. Just let us know when you fill out the registration form and we’ll advise your host family accordingly.
Can I change my host family if I don’t like the place?
We work with a variety of host families and if you are not comfortable with the one we place you with, we can move you to another one from one day to the next. Our host families are carefully selected and provide good service, however, and requests to change families are quite rare.
If I book your airport pickup service, how will I recognize the person who meets me at the airport?
Our driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the arrival area (there is only one), holding a sign with your name. In case your flight is delayed, he will wait for you.
Which airline do you recommend I use to fly to Guatemala?
Several U.S. and international airlines offer direct flights from cities in the U.S., Europe and Latin America to Guatemala. Which one will be most convenient for you will depend on where you live. We have listed all airlines with direct flights to Guatemala on one of our resources pages so you can check them out yourself. Your travel agent will also be able to recommend the most convenient connections.
Do I need a visa to enter Guatemala?
Probably not. North Americans and citizens of most European countries just get their passports stamped at the airport or border crossing, which allows them to stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days. If you are in doubt, you can visit the website of the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry and check the entry requirements for citizens of your home country.
Contact us for more information:
If the answer or information you need is not in this page please reach us, we will be glad to provide you with the information you need.
