WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT TO LEARN IN A WEEK IN THE GENERAL COURSE?
ACCOMMODATION
STUDENTS LOVE STAYING WITH A FAMILY
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
THESE ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES WE DO OUR STAFF
GUATEMALA
THE COUNTRY OF ETERNAL SPRING, HEART OF THE MAYAN WORLD. HOW TO GET TO XELA?
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT
QUETZALTENANGO
OUR GARDEN OUR
VALUE
Celas Maya Spanish School
CELAS Maya: Center for Linguistic, Anthropological, and Social Studies Maya offers highly effective Spanish courses that accelerate language learning. Founded in 1999 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, it blends tradition and modernity for a unique educational experience.
The school is known for its exceptional quality and welcoming atmosphere, backed by student testimonials. CELAS Maya is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes and serves as an official examination center for DELE and SIELE certifications.
It works with university groups, international organizations, companies, and individual learners, including students, professionals, retirees, and high schoolers. It also provides accommodation with Guatemalan families for a full cultural immersion.
To enhance learning, the school organizes daily extracurricular activities, helping students explore Guatemala’s rich culture while improving their language skills in practical settings.
Uno a uno, más humano, más efectivo
Celas Maya
What Inspires Us?
We take pride in seeing how our methodology quickly builds our students' confidence and language skills. The effectiveness of our one-to-one classes and the careful organization of our courses is further enhanced by the preparation, experience, and passion of our dedicated teaching team.
It’s equally inspiring to witness our students engaging with people from Guatemalan communities—whether on trips, through fun and educational activities, or while volunteering with social aid organizations.
Accredited center
Being an Accredited Center by the Instituto Cervantes is an achievement we deeply value at Celas Maya and represents a solid commitment to excellence in Spanish language teaching, which is not only a responsibility but something we are passionate about.
This prestigious accreditation endorses our educational quality and commits us to continue offering exceptional teaching standards to our students, something that we take great pleasure in.
For our students, this accreditation signifies reliability and quality in all facets of their learning experience. It ensures that our study programs adhere to the most stringent international standards, guaranteeing our students receive comprehensive and effective language training.
Furthermore, it denotes precision in our information and ensures the security of our logistical operations.
Celas Maya
METODOLOGÍA COMUNICATIVA
UNO A UNO 75-25
This methodology focuses on assisting students in using a language other than their native one in diverse contexts. The Communicative Methodology 'One-on-One 75-25,' developed by Celas Maya, features one-on-one classes Teachers create an environment where students ideally speak 75% of the time, while the teacher uses the remaining 25% of the class to explain grammar rules, correct, and engage in conversations on a variety of topics.
The academic program
The Celas Maya academic program, divided into six levels (A1-C2), is thoughtfully designed in alignment with the curricular plan of the Cervantes Institute and the Common European Framework of Reference for languages This structured approach ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education in Spanish language proficiency, covering the essential skills of oral interaction, listening, writing and reading
In addition, we take a meticulous approach to curriculum development by translating the descriptors of each level into practical communication skills. This means that our students not only grasp the theoretical aspects but also acquire the ability to effectively use the Spanish language in real-life situations Our commitment to this comprehensive approach sets us apart and reflects our dedication to providing a holistic language learning experience.
Celas Maya
We start the day with a coffee! espresso, americano, cappuccino, mochaccino...
At Celas Maya, we care about excellence in all aspects of our educational experience, and that includes the quality of every cup of coffee we serve.
Our coffee comes from the renowned coffee growing regions of Guatemala, such as Antigua, Huehuetenango and San Marcos Whether it's an Americano, a cappuccino, a latte or expresso, they are delicious every morning
Celas Maya
Celas Maya
General courses
University credits
Medical spanish
Legal Spanish course
Spanish for teachers
Spanish for business
Celas Maya Programs
Courses for DELE or SIELE
preparation
Online courses
Summer camp
Mayan languages
DELE EXAMS
SIELE EXAMS
High School Students
We warmly welcome high school students and collaborate with organizations that prepare them for admission to prestigious universities in the United States. As part of this comprehensive program, we include volunteer opportunities and guided trips across Guatemala.
This enriching experience allows young individuals to gain firsthand insight into the life and dynamics of our society. They interact with friendly locals, explore captivating destinations, and benefit from personalized one-on-one classes tailored to their needs.
Celas Maya
University students
For many years, we have had the privilege of welcoming students from universities in the United States and around the world to Celas Maya. These students, representing diverse academic disciplines, come to strengthen their Spanish language skills We are proud to say that their experiences have consistently been exceptional and rewarding
Our students frequently highlight the outstanding quality of our service. With a personalized approach and individualized attention, each student progresses at their own pace and addresses their specific learning needs This success is largely attributed to our highly qualified teachers, whose dedication to educational excellence and emphasis on effective communication in the classroom are key to our students' achievements.
The quality of our courses also plays a central role in our reputation Many students have told us they achieved in just one week what they couldn’t accomplish in traditional group classes. Our focus on immersion, continuous practice, and active communication in the target language ensures rapid and effective results
We are delighted by the positive feedback from our students and remain committed to providing high-quality Spanish education for those looking to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding.
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GENERAL ONE-ON-ONE COURSES
General Courses at Celas Maya
PLAN A 15lessons
PLANB 20lessons
PLANC25lessons
At Celas Maya, we offer a wide range of general courses designed to meet your specific Spanish language learning needs.
Objective: Our primary focus is to provide you with the language skills necessary to communicate effectively in everyday situations in Spanish. We strive to help you achieve fluency and confidence in your use of the language.
Intended for: Our general courses are designed for people of all ages and levels of Spanish proficiency. We tailor our programs to meet your personal goals, whether you're interested in learning the language for work, travel, study, or simply to enrich your life.
Start Date: Our general courses can commence at your convenience, with Mondays being the preferred starting day.
Celas Maya
Transferable university credits
As part of our collaboration with the Rural University of Guatemala, Celas Maya offers courses that grant university credits These credits are certified by the university and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, making them easily transferable to universities in the United States.
Our intensive Spanish program is designed to meet international credit hour standards, providing 25 hours of instruction per week, along with assigned homework and practical activities. In four weeks, students complete a total of 100 contact hours, which typically corresponds to 4 academic credits based on widely recognized international frameworks, such as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) or similar systems. Each additional week adds 25 instructional hours, allowing students to earn 1 extra credit per week.
This structure ensures alignment with global academic standards, offering a rigorous and immersive learning experience. The program’s intensity and focus not only facilitate rapid language acquisition but also provide a transparent framework for institutions worldwide to evaluate and award transferable credits. This makes the program an excellent choice for students seeking cultural and linguistic immersion while earning academic recognition.
MEDICAL SPANISH PROGRAM
The Medical Spanish Course is a specialized program designed for healthcare professionals who wish to acquire language skills in the medical context.
Objective: To provide participants with the necessary linguistic tools to effectively communicate in Spanishspeaking medical environments.
Intended for: Nurses, medical staff, doctors, and Physician Assistants (PAs) looking to enhance their competence in medical Spanish.
When do the courses start? The courses can start on any day, as classes are one-on-one, but it is preferable that it be on a Monday.
Includes: Clinical simulations
Materials
Lecture on a topic related to your program
Visit & observation of a helth center
Celas Maya
Legal Spanish
The Legal Spanish Course is a specialized program designed for legal professionals who wish to acquire language skills in the legal context.
Objective: To provide participants with the necessary linguistic tools to communicate effectively in Spanishspeaking legal environments.
Intended for: Lawyers, law students, and legal professionals looking to enhance their competence in legal Spanish.
When do the courses start? The courses can start on any day, as classes are one-on-one, but it is preferable that it be on a Monday.
Includes:
Legal hearing simulation
Materials
Lecture on a topic related to your program
Visit and observation of a hearing at the court
Celas Maya
Spanish for Business
The Business Spanish Course is a tailored program created for professionals seeking to enhance their language proficiency in the realm of business, with a particular focus on marketing, human resources, finance, and market analysis studies.
Objective: Our goal is to equip participants with the linguistic skills required to communicate effectively in Spanish within the context of business and corporate environments.
Intended for: Business executives, marketing professionals, human resources specialists, financial analysts, and anyone eager to bolster their expertise in Spanish for business interactions.
Course Start Date: You have the flexibility to commence your one-on-one courses on any day that suits you, though starting on a Monday is preferable for a smooth progression.
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Includes:
A presentation offered to the company's staff by the student. Materials.
Lecture on a topic related to your program.
Visit and observation of a manofactury.
SPANISH FOR TEACHERS
The Spanish for Teachers Course is a specialized program designed for educators and teaching professionals who wish to acquire language skills in Spanish with a pedagogical focus.
Objective: To provide participants with the necessary linguistic tools to communicate effectively in a Spanishspeaking educational environment. Intended for: Teachers, educators, and teaching professionals looking to enhance their competence in Spanish with a specific focus on the educational field.
When do the courses start? The courses can start on any day, as classes are oneon-one, but it is preferable that it be on a Monday.
Includes:
To teach one or several classes at a school.
Materials.
Lecture on a topic related to your program.
Offer a lecture on a topic from your school.
EXPLORING THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF CENTRAL AMERICA: LIVE FROM GUATEMALA ON ZOOM
The center offers online conferences designed to take students on an immersive journey through the culture, history, and landscapes of Guatemala. We cover topics such as the Mayan worldview, traditional clothing, Mayan languages, rural life, and significant historical events in the country. These sessions provide a dynamic connection to Guatemala's cultural richness, offering an engaging context to better understand Latin America.
We are convinced that a live conference has a significant impact on students' learning, sparking their interest in social topics and fostering a more inclusive global perspective. This virtual journey does not aim to replace the teacher's work but to complement it, providing an educational tool that enhances classrooms and promotes learning through a more testimonial and, consequently, memorable experience.
It is aimed at Middle School or Junior High School 8th grade and High School.
Celas Maya
What do former students say about Celas Maya?
“An absolutely excellent school - I initially signed up for 2 weeks and ended up extending twice because I was making so much progress Structured, personalized 1:1 learning with excellent teachers, full immersion, cultural activities around the area and a great community This is likely one of the best, if not the best schools in Central America, highly recommend”.
Rio Hart
...”The quality of the spanish lessons were excellent, with a focus on both conversation and the grammatical structure of the language. Wendy also took me on walks around Xela to show me the culture and social issues that exist; it was eye opening and I greatly appreciate it. At the end of my two weeks, I made a presentation in spanish which was a great experience.
Finally, Xela is an excellent place to learn spanish as there a very few English speakers. I stayed at an excellent homestay organized by the school (I highly recommend doing a homestay) and facilitated my language learning. I highly recommend Celas Maya to serious spanish learners”.
Tre Ngo
If you want to learn Spanish, this is the place to be! Every single person I’ve interacted with at Celas Maya has been so kind and encouraging!...
Nicole Stewart
ENJOY GUATEMALA! SUMMER CAMP 2025
The summer camp is a great opportunity for young people to enjoy, learn, and become acquainted with the language, culture, and beauty of western Guatemala.
What does it include?
Fun Spanish language learning
Travel throughout Guatemala in private transportation
Airport transportation
Extracurricular activities
Volunteering program
Accommodation with host families and 3 to 4-star hotels during the trips.
All the details are on our website.
Celas Maya
Preparation courses for DELE & SIELE diplomas.
Celas Maya offers preparation courses for any of the DELE exams This course helps you understand the exam structure, address grammar topics, expand your vocabulary, and practice with sample exams.
The teachers providing this preparation are also examiners, so they have extensive experience
Diplomas internacionales
DIPLOMA DE ESPAÑOL COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA
What level would you like to get?
A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 o C2
Which SIELE modality do you wish to obtain:
SIELE GLOBAL or S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
Celas Maya
Online courses
While many aspire to be in Guatemala for a total immersion course, it's not always feasible due to various factors Recognizing this, Celas Maya has adapted its programs for online learning
We make every effort to minimize the sense of separation created by screens We ensure excellent connectivity and tailor the study program to the student's specific goals.
Our class packages are highly flexible, allowing students to arrange their lessons to suit their availability These plans are perfect for those who wish to learn Spanish at their own pace, as you can select the package that aligns with your schedule.
We recognize that the more students immerse themselves in the Latin American context, the more effectively their brains acquire the Spanish language. That's why, as an additional extracurricular activity, we organize lectures featuring individuals who are experts in various subjects.
These presentations delve into topics related to Guatemalan culture, including the history and experiences of the Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996) and Mayan Cosmovision
Online open courses
10 classes
Create your own schedule
Ideal for preparing any presentation or exam
Homework assignments for reinforcement.
PLAN LUNA
30 classes
Ideal for enhancing conversational skills with some grammatical explanations.
PLAN LUNA PLAN LUNA
50 open classes.
Ideal for students seeking improvement in speaking and listening skills.
Thorough review of grammar and pronunciation.
Focus on enhancing all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish.
Volunteer and Volunteer and Volunteer and IInternship Internship nternship Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities
Guatemala is home to 21 Mayan languages, along with Xinca and Garifuna. We offer classes for all these languages, with some available exclusively online, while most can be taken either online or in person.
For many years, CELAS MAYA has been dedicated to advancing the education of Mayan languages in Guatemala. We not only provide language instruction but also facilitate immersive experiences for our students by arranging stays with local families and within communities where these languages thrive.
Our typical program includes three weeks of study in Quetzaltenango, followed by one week in a community where the target language is predominantly spoken. This immersive approach allows students to put their newfound language skills into practice.
On our website, you can access audio recordings and texts for all the Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala. Beyond language classes, we also offer translation services from English to any of these languages, as well as transcription and interpretation services.
What will students typically learn in a week of the general course?
If a student starts from scratch and has intensive one-on-one classes for 5 hours a day for one week, they could expect to make significant progress in their level of proficiency. Here are 10 specific advancements they could achieve:
Learning how to greet and introduce themselves in the target language. Being able to engage in simple conversations about personal topics, such as family and interests.
Acquiring a basic vocabulary to describe common objects and situations. Learning to count and discuss quantities.
Understanding and responding to simple questions
Being able to read and write simple sentences in the target language. Learning basic aspects of the culture and customs of the country where the language is spoken.
Understanding and using the simple present and future tenses.
Gaining knowledge of essential verbs in the language to express actions and needs.
Being capable of using everyday phrases, like ordering food at a restaurant or giving directions.
This gives you an idea of how you would progress depending on your current level. It's important to note that our syllabus is divided into 6 levels and 18 sublevels, with each sublevel typically completed in one week.
Medical Care
At Celas Maya, we deeply care about the health and well-being of our students. For this reason, it is important for you to know that having health insurance is a mandatory requirement during your stay in Quetzaltenango (Xela). To ensure that you are properly supported in times of need, we strongly recommend that you have appropriate medical insurance.
Furthermore, for minor medical needs, you can rely on the services of Dr. Luis Angel Díaz, a kind and professional internist located just two blocks from our school, whom we have always referred our students to. In cases that require more comprehensive medical attention, we utilize the services of the Private Hospital Quetzaltenango, where you will receive quality healthcare. Your health is our top priority, and we want to ensure that you are in good hands while enjoying your experience with us.
Celas Maya
Celas Maya
Accommodation with a Guatemalan family
Celas Maya provides accommodation with carefully selected host families. The selection process adheres to stringent criteria, prioritizing the safety and comfort of our students These criteria include:
Location
Total immersion environment
Attention to detail and dietary requirements
Our host families are subject to ongoing evaluation to ensure the highest quality of service The primary goal is to offer students an authentic experience of living with a Guatemalan family and using Spanish in a natural and immersive environment
Celas Maya
Students love staying with a family
Comments about host families, taken from our weekly evaluations.
Sobre Miriam De León “What a great experience it was to stay with a family They encouraged me to speak about topics in Spanish with me and were quite patient The meals were always delicious ”
Michael Mallahan
Doña Eunice es maravillosa - no puedo imaginar una mejor homestay!”
Rebekah Stewart
“We love Monica and family!! They are the BEST host family!!”
Calli Vocke
About Ana María y Mito “I am very lucky to be with this family They have taught me a lot about the culture and history They are so kind and attentive The room is very comfortable and the food is delicious ”
Darcy Thompson.
Celas Maya
Extracurricular activities
The Celas Maya extracurricular activities program contributes to developing the communicative approach to the learning and teaching process in a fun and pleasant way. The students explore, learn and speaks in Spanish while visiting wonderful and meeting new people.
Celas Maya
Our staff
In Celas Maya we know that the roots of our activity is our staff. Their commitment, capacity, but above all, passion defines the quality of our services. Passion requires talent, passion requires intelligence, passion involves commitment to others and to oneself and our staff.
Our team of teachers is composed of instructors who are trained by University of San Carlos, Celas Maya and the Cervantes Institute. All with extensive experience in teaching one-on-one, young students, children, adults and older adults.
Guatemala
The country of eternal spring, heart of the Mayan World.
Guatemala is located in the northwest corner of Central America and is bordered to the north and west by Mexico, to the east by Belize, to the southeast by Honduras, and to the south by El Salvador. It has a diverse geography that includes mountains, rainforests, coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and a series of lakes, including Lake Atitlán
Guatemala is known for its cultural diversity, it has approximately 18 million inhabitants. With a population that includes a large number of ethnic and linguistic groups. Indigenous peoples, such as the K'iche', the Kaqchikel and the Q'eqchi', preserve their cultural and linguistic traditions
Guatemalan culture is characterized by a rich heritage of the Mayan civilization, which is reflected in architecture, art, music and gastronomy. Traditional weaving, pottery and ceramics are examples of craft skills that have been passed down from generation to generation
How to get to Xela? Transportation from the airport
Guatemala City is 200 km away from Quetzaltenango, the city where we are located
We arrange transportation for our students from the airport to Celas Maya Our representative awaits our students at the airport and drives them to our city.
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish and is located in the western part of Guatemala. It was the capital of what was once the Sixth State of Los Altos (1940-1942) and has witnessed countless historical events over the years.
The cobblestone streets and impressive colonial churches serve as constant reminders of its colonial past. The centuries-old buildings and picturesque squares evoke nostalgia for a bygone era. Xela was also an important center during pre-Columbian times, having been a territory conquered by the Kichés.
Today, Quetzaltenango is a melting pot of cultures and a fascinating blend of ancient and modern influences. It offers all the services that visitors may require, including a variety of national and international cuisine, travel agencies, banks, reliable internet connectivity, churches of different denominations, cafes and restaurants. It is said that Quetzaltenango is always in celebration, as it has strong Catholic roots, and many saints are commemorated, providing a good reason for festivities.
Our neighborhood
We are located just one block from the Chocoyos bridge and three blocks from Central Park. Our surroundings are rich with services and businesses, including restaurants serving Indian, Spanish, French, Guatemalan, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine, as well as various cafes, banks, and travel agencies, among others.
Our neighborhood exudes tranquility and beauty, evoking a sense of days gone by. The scenic mountain landscapes complement the smiles of today.
Our garden
Celas Maya is situated within an antique house constructed at the end of the 19th century. In keeping with the architectural style of that era, the rooms are arranged around a central garden. Students particularly appreciate this garden as a setting for their classes. Not only does it offer a variety of natural colors, but the intense sun also dispels the cold during the months of December, January, and February.
It's a radiant garden that infuses you with energy, especially when accompanied by a cup of delicious coffee.
Celas Maya
Celas Maya
Our history
In 1999, Leslye Rivera and Federico Velásquez founded Celas Maya with a vision of establishing a top-tier, professional Spanish school. Despite several existing schools in the city, they identified an opportunity to provide a more dynamic alternative Celas Maya aimed not only to teach the basics of the language but also to embrace academic challenges in Quetzaltenango.
From the outset, fortune smiled upon us as we discovered the perfect location a family house dating back to the late 19th century, boasting the architectural charm of that era The building featured rooms arranged around a beautiful garden and stood just three blocks from the Central Park, with the legendary Los Chocoyos bridge a mere block away
We meticulously designed a study program, driven by our aspirations for global recognition, aiming to reduce learning time while immersing students in Guatemalan culture. Our dedicated team of passionate teachers and the inclusion of delicious coffee enhanced the overall experience
Many years have passed since then, and we now look back with joy and gratitude
We've not only met our initial goals but also achieved other milestones, including accreditation from the Cervantes Institute, becoming a DELE and SIELE Exam Center, and offering an even higher quality of coffee.
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Value Chain of Our Courses
The various stakeholders in the value of the final product that Celas Maya delivers to its students share a common goal: to ensure the quality of their services and products, with the aim of positively impacting the student's experience.
For us at Celas Maya, it is a great source of satisfaction to contribute to our city's economy and, consequently, our country's, by generating economic benefits through the trust of our students.
In this value chain, various entities take part, including transport providers, restaurants, cafes, travel agencies, local businesses, markets, and supermarkets. Additionally, organizations that provide assistance and clinics where students engage in volunteer work are involved.
Of course, our language tourism company, our teaching staff, host families, and our extensive network of direct suppliers of coffee, chocolate, office supplies, and equipment all directly benefit from this collaborative effort.
Celas Maya Revista informativa, versión electrónica. Todos los derechos reservados de Celas Maya E-mail: info@celasmaya.edu.gt www.celasmaya.edu.gt Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Octubre 2023 Page 44
Come and immerse yourself in the world of Spanish, there will be a family waiting for you here in Xela. Enrroll now: https://www.celasmaya.edu.gt/enrollme nt2022/
