About Eco-Escuela Spanish Language School
The school is situated in the community of
San Andrés along the shores of beautiful Lake Petén
Itzá and is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, a 24,000,000
acre protected area spanning Northern Guatemala's Petén
region, the largest protected tropical forest reserve in Central
America.
We are a group of Maya Itzá men and
women, descendents of a unique culture with local, national
and international recognition. We work together through self-organization,
productive activities and in collaboration with neighboring
communities based on the sustainable use of natural resources
to conserve our cultural identity and natural heritage and
to better our living conditions and for future generations."
The
Eco-Escuela de Español was initiated by Conservation
International to promote alternate economic activities
for the local people living in the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
In 1996 the Eco-Escuela became an independent community
business, locally owned and managed by 50 families, providing
Spanish
instruction and home stay accommodations.
Our mission is to immerse students in the language,
culture and ecology of the Petén region of Guatemala, an
area renowned for its tropical forests and ancient Maya ruins.
The
Teaching
The
school focuses on teaching the Spanish language to foreign
students. Our program presents an opportunity
for travelers
to live and study among the Maya Itzá community, a
group of people known to be friendly and inviting. In addition
to learning Spanish, students learn about the community,
management of the Reserve and its conservation methods, traditional
use of medicinal
plants as well as the cultural traditions and customs of
the Maya Itzá people.
Today, the school relies on 12 trained teachers who
provide personalized Spanish instruction on a one-to-one
basis. Additionally,
the school relies on 35 local host families who provide housing
and meals for students as well as the opportunity to practice
their Spanish and to share in a cultural exchange. Learning
Spanish
Living with a local host family is an essential part of
the Eco-Escuela experience. In addition to daily language
interaction outside the classroom, homestays also provide
a unique opportunity to participate in the lives and customs
of the people of San Andrés. Family
Homestay
Generally, classes begin at 8am and last until 12 noon,
however, those students who would like more hours of instruction
can
arrange
for
additional instruction for a nominal additional cost. Tuition
Costs.
Why Choose the Eco-Escuela?
- Recommended by the
"New York Times"
- We are legally authorized by the Minister of Education
(INGUAT) to teach Spanish classes in San Andrés.
- Become immersed int the language and culture of traditional
pueblo seldom visited by tourists.
- Surround yourself with natural and archeological wonders.
The world famous Maya ruins of Tikal is only an hour
away, while other Mayan ruins are within walking distance
from the school.
- Gain a grater understanding of the threats facing Guatemala's
tropical forest and traditional cultures.
- Take advantage of the unique opportunity to participate
in an innovative conservation project.
- Percentage of school proceeds are reinvested for local
community projects through out the Petén region.
- Convenient base to arrange trips to remote jungle and
archeological sites. See Excursions.
Take a Virtual
Tour of our School! |
