- (612) 353-1809
- info@cx.edu.gt
- Mon - Sun: 8:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Planning your Spanish immersion experience in Guatemala? Find answers about reservations, classes, accommodation, transportation, safety, daily life in Xela, and more.
Casa Xelajú is a Spanish immersion school in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. We offer Spanish language programs, cultural experiences, accommodation, transportation, hiking trips, and other services for international students.
Casa Xelajú was founded in 1987 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Casa Xelajú combines personalized Spanish instruction with cultural immersion, community involvement, and real-life opportunities to practice Spanish.
The school offers private classrooms for focused one-on-one instruction, internet access, cultural activities, community projects, and spaces with views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The school typically has an average of about 25 students during January and the summer, and around 10 students during the rest of the year.
Reservations can generally be made about two weeks before classes begin. January and summer programs can fill quickly, so booking as early as possible is recommended. During the low season, students may be able to start classes on any day of the week.
During the low season, classes may be started any day of the week. For busier periods such as January and summer, advance planning is recommended.
You can contact Casa Xelajú directly at info@cx.edu.gt or 612 281 5705.
Casa Xelajú can arrange transportation from Guatemala City Airport to Quetzaltenango. Students should provide their flight information when applying if they would like airport assistance.
If you cannot find the representative, contact them immediately. You can also visit the Tourism Office at the airport, where you can make a telephone call.
For airport assistance, the current FAQ lists Raquel at 5307-8336 and also provides the school number 612 281 5705
If your flight to Guatemala City is delayed, contact the airport representative as soon as possible. The current FAQ specifically asks students to call or text the airport contact when a flight is delayed.
Yes. Casa Xelajú offers private transportation and shuttle services, including airport transportation and transportation to other destinations.
Casa Xelajú offers a range of Spanish programs, including regular Spanish immersion, medical Spanish, college-credit programs, exam preparation, and online Spanish instruction.
Classes are generally offered in two sessions:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Each session includes a short break.
Your teacher will evaluate your Spanish through an interview and written assessment. Your lessons can then be adapted to your interests, goals, or professional vocabulary.
Yes. Students can choose to study Spanish without staying with a host family. Apartment accommodation is also available for students who prefer independent living.
Yes. Casa Xelajú offers online Spanish classes with native Guatemalan teachers, with flexible scheduling for students in different time zones.
Yes. Students can choose from homestay options with local families or furnished apartments, depending on their preferences.
Homestays provide students with the opportunity to live with a local Guatemalan family and practice Spanish as part of their everyday life. Meal arrangements and other details depend on the selected accommodation.
Yes. Casa Xelajú offers furnished apartments and houses in Quetzaltenango. Many are located close to the school and Central Park.
Casa Xelajú will first try to resolve the issue with the student and family. If a suitable solution cannot be found, the school can arrange a different host family.
Casa Xelajú reports that students have traveled between Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango by bus for many years without reported security problems.
As with travel anywhere abroad, there is no absolute guarantee of safety. Casa Xelajú provides safety orientation for students and states that the school uses controlled entry and video surveillance.
Comfortable clothing and layers are recommended. Mornings and evenings can be cool while afternoons are warmer, and a light rain-resistant jacket, walking shoes, and comfortable everyday clothing are useful.
Guatemala uses the same type of electrical system and outlets commonly used in the United States and Canada.
Yes. Casa Xelajú provides internet access at the school. Some host families may also offer internet, although availability and speed can vary by family.
There are hospitals and medical services in Quetzaltenango, and Casa Xelajú can assist students in finding appropriate care.
Most students come from the United States, with others coming from Canada, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Casa Xelajú welcomes students of different ages. The current FAQ reports students ranging from approximately 6 to 76 years old, with the student mix varying throughout the year.
Host families provide a variety of Guatemalan and regional foods, and vegetarian options are available. Quetzaltenango also has restaurants offering Guatemalan and international cuisine.
Yes. There are several ATMs in the city. The existing FAQ recommends checking that your debit card has the PLUS network before traveling.
Casa Xelajú recommends visiting Antigua on the way back to Guatemala City rather than before traveling to Quetzaltenango, because transportation can be more complicated when traveling through Antigua first.
Casa Xelajú will first try to resolve the issue. If a solution cannot be found, students can request a different teacher. The current FAQ also says students have the opportunity each week to request a new teacher or continue with the same teacher.
Students can contact Casa Xelajú for assistance with issues related to classes, accommodation, transportation, health, or other concerns.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Our team is happy to help you with your questions about studying Spanish, accommodation, transportation, or life in Guatemala.