1. Do I need to be a teacher or social worker to participate?
No, you just need to have an interest in learning Spanish and in finding out about the Mayan culture and the Guatemalan educational system.
2. Do I need a passport?
Yes! If you don't have a passport, you should go to the post office and start the process right away. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid through the time that we plan to be in Guatemala. The State Department web site gives you all the information you need to start the process.
3. What is the weather like in Antigua when we will be there?
We will be in Guatemala during what they consider to be their “winter”. It’s not freezing, but since all of the houses are open to the outside with no insulation, it can feel chilly at night. It is cool in the morning and you might find that you will want to wear a sweater or sweatshirt. By the afternoon it will warm up to the upper 60's or low 70's (sometimes in the 80's) with lots of humidity. July will be their rainy season, so expect afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Make sure to bring either a jacket with a hood or an umbrella. Here are some graphs of the weather during July 2007.
4. Do I need to get any shots or take any medicine before going?
You should check with your doctor as to what you will need to do. The Center for Disease Control has a list of precautions that you should take as well as recommended immunizations. You might need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. In addition, you will need to make sure that your tetanus shot is up-to-date. You will need to bring over-the-counter anti-diarrhea pills, such as Imodium, in case you need them. Your doctor will also probably give you an antibiotic to use in case the over-the-counter pills do not work.
Make sure that you drink either boiled or bottled water at all times in Guatemala. Your homestay will provide you with safe water and the school provides bottled water free of charge. Bottled water can also be purchased in almost every store in Antigua.
There are travel clinics throughout the US that can give you the immunizations and advice that you need.
5. Are the people friendly towards Americans there?
We have found all the Guatemalans to be very friendly towards Americans. Guatemalans will speak with you in Spanish, no matter what your level.
6. Is it safe in Antigua?
Antigua is a safe city, although you should always be prudent in what you do. If you are going out after dark, it's better to do it in pairs and stay on the well-lit streets. Antigua is a small city that is very used to tourists and language school students. They have their own tourism police who do a very good job of protecting the citizens and visitors.
7. Are there places to use the internet so that I can keep in touch with my friends and family back home?
There is an internet cafe on practically every block. With all of the competition, the prices are very cheap - around a dollar an hour. You can also place an international call via the internet in these cafes and the price is very reasonable.
8. I understand that we will be living with families. What if I just can't get along with some of the people in the house? Am I stuck there?
If you feel that your living situation just isn't working, go immediately to the program director and he will arrange to have you moved to another family.
9. Should I bring a gift to the family that I'm staying with?
It's not required, but it is a very nice gesture. It does not have to be expensive. The hosts usually appreciate something that is unique to where you are from. For instance, those living in Oregon could bring jars of jelly or a picture book of the Pacific Northwest. Wherever you live, you can find lots of gift ideas here.
10. Can I get college credit for this trip?
Yes, for an additional fee you can receive 5 hours of graduate credit from Portland State University for either session. These are quarter hours. Five quarter hours are equal to approximately 3 hours of semester credit. Please contact us for details.
If you have more questions, please e-mail us
