Escuela de la Montana

Unexpected brilliant experience. Much respect for the people that started this school, still operating it today ~25 years later. Comfortable environment, lovely garden where you learn spanish, kind and generous host families share their home for meals, and rich experiences after class. A quiet one-road village in the jungly coffee mountains. Community programs were really amazing to see. I stayed a week but others for three or four weeks. The folks who go here to learn are worldly and tapped in, making the whole experience top notch.

So glad to hear the school is reopening this summer. An amazing immersion experience! Perfect for anyone wanting to spend a week in the beautiful mountains while working on their Spanish. You'll learn more Spanish during your stay here than you can imagine because everyone else around you also wants to work on their Spanish. The people in the communities are friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. The teachers are fantastic in their ability to both be patient and push you.

I have been to rhe school several times over the years, but not since the pandemic started. Each teacher I have been paired with has been happy to go on field trips with me while I learn Español. The school, the communities, the surrounding area and Xela have all became some of the most rewarding places I have ever visited. The school is just the beginning to discovering a new country and meeting new people. I hear that it is opening back up.

I had a wonderful visit to the Mountain School - it's an incredible place to study Spanish.

There are many Spanish schools throughout Guatemala, but the Escuela de le Montaña centers the lives of "everyday Guatemalans" in a unique a critically important fashion, provides a setting that attracts people committed to doing good, and provides an amazing setting to learn or further develop your Spanish. Throughout my two weeks at the school, the experiences and stories of Guatemalans were centered by the school, and included a talk by a former guerilla fighter about his experience during the war, a domestic worker, a rural health advocate, and a traditional medicine expert. The stories that these people told - alongside eating with rural families and talking to school staff, many of whom also live in the rural community the school is located in - provided a window into the lives of Guatemalans that would be best to impossible to aquire over the span of two weeks. The unique setting of the school attracts a unique group of people with a common desire to better the world, and I was grateful to meet teachers, social workers, organizers, nurses, and a variety of people committed to bettering their Spanish to aid their efforts to make the world better. In addition, the teachers at the school are also deeply committed to their work and the cultural exchange that the school allows for. I learned a great deal about Guatemalan politics, history, and culture over the span of two weeks. That's saying a lot because my Spanish (while greatly improved) is still not that strong. The teachers excel at level appropriate communication, and teaching tough grammar while they help provide a window into Guatemalan life. I loved my experience at the school, hope to return in the future, and recommend it highly

Wonderful place to learn Spanish and experience Guatemalan culture. One on one Spanish instruction for 4 hours a day. Meals at a local family. Sleeping in dorms at the school. The only downside I thought was that the lessons were the little unstructured for someone at a beginners level.

There are many Spanish schools throughout Guatemala, but the Escuela de le Montaña centers the lives of "everyday Guatemalans" in a unique a critically important fashion, provides a setting that attracts people committed to doing good, and provides an amazing setting to learn or further develop your Spanish. Throughout my two weeks at the school, the experiences and stories of Guatemalans were centered by the school, and included a talk by a former guerilla fighter about his experience during the war, a domestic worker, a rural health advocate, and a traditional medicine expert. The stories that these people told - alongside eating with rural families and talking to school staff, many of whom also live in the rural community the school is located in - provided a window into the lives of Guatemalans that would be best to impossible to aquire over the span of two weeks. The unique setting of the school attracts a unique group of people with a common desire to better the world, and I was grateful to meet teachers, social workers, organizers, nurses, and a variety of people committed to bettering their Spanish to aid their efforts to make the world better. In addition, the teachers at the school are also deeply committed to their work and the cultural exchange that the school allows for. I learned a great deal about Guatemalan politics, history, and culture over the span of two weeks. That's saying a lot because my Spanish (while greatly improved) is still not that strong. The teachers excel at level appropriate communication, and teaching tough grammar while they help provide a window into Guatemalan life. I loved my experience at the school, hope to return in the future, and recommend it highly

Magical place and excellent 1-1 Spanish instruction. Curriculum focuses on teaching students about Guatemalan history and the political and economic struggles of local communities. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a Spanish language program.

Outstanding Spanish immersion program. Would strongly recommend it if you're wanting to learn Spanish quickly away from the hustle and bustle and English speakers of the bigger centres. Great charitable work for the local community.

Excellent language immersion. 4 hours of 1 to 1 tutoring and 3 meals a day with a local family. Maestros muy bueno.

This school has changed my life! This coming October will be my seventh time studying at the school and I am forever grateful for having the pleasure of knowing these amazing people! I've seen this place transform and become the most magical Spanish school on Earth. Anyone learning Spanish must come here and experience the incredible magic you feel when studying here. I cannot wait to go back!

I studied at the mountain school in June. It was a formative experience because of the teachers, hosts, community and fellow students. The program is structured in a way that allows all students at all levels to succeed. I came in with a background in Spanish and still left with great knowledge and discussions. I would absolutely recommend spending at least 3 weeks here. Thank you!