hopefulist

Hi, all -
I hope this isn't considered inappropriate advertising since my motive isn't money.

I have a few spots left in the Spanish study trip I'm planning to Guatemala this summer and, though I won't have trouble filling the spots, thought there might be an interested Fodorite friend or 2.

The trip will be July 19th through August 2nd, 3rd, or 4th and will include a week each of Spanish study in Antigua and San Pedro La Laguna, Atitlán. We'll visit Chichicastenango overnight the week-end between and there's an optional extension to Tikal at the end. We'll be living with host families and lots of activities and volunteer opportunities are included; there's an option of up to 10 college credits.

Cost for everything but the optional credits and Tikal extension, week-end meals, and souvenirs will be $1000 plus airfare. Similar but independent programs to Guatemala or Honduras for credit are also possible.

I've set up a blog for the trip if you're interested. Let me know if I can answer questions. Happy trails!

http://liveandlearninguatemala.blogspot.com/

cgenster

Hi Hopeful,

I would love to join a trip to Guatemala. If I were to check into airfare would I fly into Guatemala City? How soon will you know the departure date?

chu

Hi Hopefulist,

I am a professional educator with a need and desire to learn Spanish. I have been researching Mexico and Costa Rica; haven't thought about Guatemala. I would like to know more!

hopefulist

Yes, GUA. Most of the folks in my local group are flying Continental, arriving mid day on July 19th and leaving mid day on August 4th after the Tikal extension. A few of us are extending the trip before or after so you have flexibility if you want to travel more. In any case, arriving before evening on July 19th would be best. Keep me posted!

hopefulist

Hi, chu - I just responded to your other post.

Check out the blog link for more info. This trip will be well suited to someone who is motivated to learn Spanish (the schools are highly rated and all of us are motivated), likes the idea of traveling with a group as opposed to independently (mostly other educators), and is looking for a rich cultural experience.

I'm arranging all the details from schools to activities to homestays to ground transportation. I also developed the program from credit and oversee the additional assignments required for that. Expect rustic (by US standards) housing and local food for the most part. My group trip last year (to Copán, Honduras) was a BLAST and very productive.

Keep me posted!

cgenster

Hi again,

I am also an educator, 8th grade math, but trying desperately to get back to 6th grade where I would teach S.S. again with our main emphasis being Latin America. We also have quite a population of hispanic 'chicken farm' families in our school district. The parents do not speak English, and I am committed to being able to speak with them concerning their children's progress. I can usually make them understand what I am saying, but I have extreme difficulty in understanding what they are saying back to me.

I studied in Costa Rica last year, Spring Break. It was 2 to 1 ratio, and I enjoyed it very much and learned quite a bit. I also took a group of 8th graders back to Costa Rica in June, which was a remarkable experience. But I think your trip with a homestay for two weeks would be greatly beneficial to my being able to understand the Spanish language. Also I have always read your Guatemala posts and you make it sound so wonderful, I have longed to go see it for myself.

I have a few more questions. How many people are going in the group?
Do you have a ball park figure for the Tikal extension? When do you have to have a definite commitment?

Thanks again hopeful for opening this up for Fodorites.

cgenster

P.S. I am reading from your website now and found the answer to the Tikal extension, but is ground transportation from the airport and to Antigua and then from Antiqua to San Pedro La Laguna additional?

Thanks again. I will try not to ask too many additional preguntas?

hopefulist

There will be a total of 15 of us in the group, mostly educators but 2 of my friends locally are taking their (really great) teenage kids along. My own 24 year old son who works with special ed kids will be in the group as well. He was born in Guatemala and joined us through adoption when he was 4.

The Tikal extension includes flights from GUA to Flores and back and should be $400-450. If you choose to take the night bus instead that would cut the cost roughly in half.

The sooner the better on the commitment. I just have 1-3 spots left, depending on how folks who expressed an interest before you decide. I keep the list in order so there's room for you (and probably chu) if you're willing to commit soon. I'm wanting to finalize the list so I can complete reservations with the schools, local airlines, ground transport, etc. Paperwork and meetings for my day job (directing centers for kids with autism and multiple disabilities) reach terminal velocity in the spring and I'm wanting to wrap up arrangements for the trip before that part of my life gets crazy.

Feel free to call or email. Happy trails!

hopefulist

The Tikal costs have gone up since I originally priced them last summer. All ground transportation is included in the package including transportation and hotel for the Chichi week-end.

I like answering questions.

hopefulist

I just had a couple back out of this trip due to a health crisis. If anyone else in Fodorland is interested, let me know as soon as possible. Only fun, openminded people need apply.

hopefulist

Still looking for one more person - great trip, anyone interested?

rivet

I would love to join you.... your comments and of course your "hopefulist" have helped me lots in the past. Already have a trip planned during your time frame, but maybe you will do another next year. Keep us posted.

Happy Trails to you!

hopefulist

Thanks, rivet - maybe Panamá.