Our City

Originally a Maya-mam city known as Kulaja (a water pass), subsequently it was ruled by a group of Maya-Quiche that gave it the name Xelajuj-noj (Under ten mountains). And later in the year 1524, the Spaniard Pedro de Alvarado found the city with the current name, Quetzaltenango (Land of the Quetzales). Because of the large number of mountains around it, they city was a Quetzal sanctuary, which is the sacred bird of the Mayans and of the Guatemalan people, symbolizing liberty.

Located in the highlands of Guatemala, with a temperate climate and a rich culture; different ethnic groups interact, like indigenous and mestizos (those of mixed decent). A city characterized for the quality and friendliness of its people commonly known as, Xela.It's the second most prominent city after the capital city of Guatemala, because its the center of economy, architecture, sports, and industry in our country.

It's a city of customs, generosity, and activities that you can enjoy like strolling the narrow colonial streets of the historic center with various cafes. There you can sample the best coffee in the world, or a delicious hot chocolate from the proud Quetzaltenango people.

The city of the romantic moon has old fashioned houses contrasted by modern ones along with sophisticated buildings. It's the ideal place to involve yourself in the real life of a Latin American town and in the marvelous world of the Spanish speaking people of Latin America. (In Xela there are very few people that speak English)

Family

As part of our total immersion program, we provide you with the opportunity to interact with a traditional Guatemalan family characterized by the quality and hospitality of the Quetzaltenango people. The family offers you a comfortable and private room, three fresh and delicious meals each day, hot showers and a familiar and friendly environment where you will be able to practice your Spanish.

Volunteer Work

If you are interested in doing volunteer work during your stay in Xela, we can help you contact all types of organizations, including medical, ecological, social work, micro-financing for single moms, etc. The non-profit organization Entremundos offers information and contacts for volunteer work. www.entremundos.org

Activities and Excursions

As part of our intensive program, daily activities allow students the opportunity to practice the knowledge acquired in class. Activities include, weekend trips, ecotourism, volcano hikes, archaeological site visits, hot springs and rural indigenous communities that seek opportunities for development.

Cultural Center

At the Guatemalan Linguistic Center Tierra Maya, we feel proud of our cultural heritage, and as Quetzaltenango is considered the cradle of Central American culture, we provide cultural activities and we support all types of artistic expressions. This includes expositions from local artists from all over Guatemala: painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, and folkloric groups. We also show films about Guatemala and Latin America.

Social Projects

At the Linguistic Center we know that Guatemala is a beautiful country, rich in natural resources and above all, friendly. However, historical events have led to suffering, and many social problems. For this reason, we jointly promote and support students who chose to involve themselves in social projects in the rural indigenous communities such as in: primary schools, women's organizations, orphanages, centers for victims of domestic violence and others.