Business Details
31 Years
experience
Intensive Spanish Language School in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Founded in 1995 by four experienced Spanish educators, MAA Spanish School US Office has established itself as a leader in immersive language education. Our founders, Edna Godinez and Juan Herrera, continue to oversee operations, ensuring our programs maintain the highest standards of quality and cultural engagement. We specialize in intensive Spanish instruction tailored to diverse needs, including medical Spanish, business Spanish, and volunteer humanitarian projects. Our curriculum combines personalized one-on-one teaching with cultural immersion through homestays, community activities, and volunteer opportunities. Certified by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education (Mineduc) and the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), we are also a founding member of the Association of Spanish Schools of Quetzaltenango (ACEEQ).Our facilities feature spacious classrooms, a comprehensive library, and outdoor learning spaces designed to create an optimal environment for language acquisition. With over 25 years of experience, we have helped thousands of students achieve fluency while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our programs include 25 hours of weekly instruction, optional college credit, and unique experiences like rural medical clinic placements and micro-business volunteering. We pride ourselves on small class sizes, experienced instructors, and a holistic approach to language learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the testimonials of alumni who describe their time with us as 'life-changing' and 'the most rewarding experience of my life.'
Services
Intensive Spanish Classes
Medical Spanish
Business Spanish
Homestay Accommodation
Volunteer Programs
University Credit Options
Cultural Activities
Rural Immersion Programs
Online Spanish Courses
Private Tutoring
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in immersive Spanish education
- Our certified instructors provide personalized one-on-one instruction
- Unique medical/business Spanish programs with practical experience
- Homestay options with Guatemalan families included in tuition
- Founding member of the Association of Spanish Schools of Quetzaltenango
Associations and certifications
- Guatemalan Ministry of Education (Mineduc)
- Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT)
What people say
Life-changing experience
Learned quickly and deeply
Supportive instructors
Amazing cultural immersion
Rewarding volunteer opportunities
Services
Intensive Spanish Classes
Our core program offers 25 hours weekly of personalized one-on-one instruction with experienced native speakers. Students progress rapidly through tailored curricula focusing on conversation, grammar, and cultural context. The program accommodates all proficiency levels from absolute beginners to advanced learners seeking refinement.
Medical Spanish Program
Designed for medical professionals, this specialized program combines language instruction with clinical shadowing in rural clinics. Students gain practical vocabulary and cultural competence through hands-on experience in human, pharmacy, and veterinary medical settings while working with local healthcare providers.
Homestay Experience
Live with Guatemalan families who provide three daily meals and authentic cultural exchange opportunities. This immersive experience accelerates language acquisition while offering insights into local traditions, with dietary accommodations available and family-friendly arrangements for students traveling with children.
Volunteer Programs
Combine language learning with meaningful service through teaching, healthcare support, or construction projects. These no-cost opportunities allow students to practice Spanish in real-world contexts while contributing to community development initiatives across education, health, and infrastructure sectors.
Business Spanish
Tailored instruction for professionals focusing on business vocabulary, workplace communication, and cultural etiquette. The program includes practical experience through company visits and internships, preparing students for commercial contexts in banking, trade, and corporate environments across Latin America.
People
Edna Godinez
Co-Founder & Director
Co-founder of MAA Spanish School US Office with over 25 years of experience in language education. Specializes in curriculum development and cultural immersion programs, maintaining the school's commitment to personalized instruction and community engagement.
Juan Herrera
Co-Founder & Director
Co-founder and lead instructor with extensive expertise in Spanish pedagogy. Continues to teach advanced conversation classes while overseeing faculty training and program quality assurance since establishing the school in 1995.
Questions
What Spanish proficiency levels do you teach?
We accommodate all levels from absolute beginners to advanced speakers, with personalized instruction tailored to each student's specific needs and goals.
Are college credits available for your programs?
Yes, we offer optional university credit through partnerships with accredited institutions for both language courses and volunteer experiences.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
Students can participate in teaching, healthcare support, construction, or micro-business projects with local organizations at no additional cost.
Do you offer medical Spanish specialization?
Yes, our medical Spanish program includes clinical shadowing in human, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine with rural healthcare providers.
What's included in the homestay package?
Homestays include three daily meals, cultural immersion with local families, and transportation to school from your host family's residence.
How are instructors selected?
Our teaching staff undergoes rigorous selection based on formal education, teaching experience, and cultural knowledge to ensure high-quality instruction.