CELAS MAYA SPANISH SCHOOL
QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA
CELAS MAYA
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WHAT INSPIRES US
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CELAS MAYA PROGRAMS
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UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Celas Maya
INDEX CELAS MAYA SPANISH SCHOOL
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WHAT INSPIRATION US!
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ACREDITED CENTER
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METODOLOGÍA COMUNICATIVA UNO A UNO 75-25
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THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
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WE START THE DAY... COFFEE!
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CELAS MAYA PROGRAMS
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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
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UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
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GENERAL ONE-ON-ONE COURSES.
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TRANSFERABLE UNIVERSITY CREDITS
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MEDICAL SPANISH PROGRAM
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LEGAL SPANISH
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SPANISH FOR BUSINESS
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SPANISH FOR TEACHERS
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WHAT DO FORMER STUDENTS SAY ABOUT CELAS MAYA?
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SUMMER CAMP 2024
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PREPARATION COURSES FOR DELE & SIELE DIPLOMAS.
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DIPLOMAS INTERNACIONALES
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ONLINE COURSES
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ONLINE OPEN COURSES
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VOLUNTEER AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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LEARN A MAYAN LANGUAGE
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WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT TO LEARN IN A
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WEEK IN THE GENERAL COURSE?
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Celas Maya MEDICAL CARE
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ACCOMMODATION WITH A GUATEMALAN FAMILY
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STUDENTS LOVE STAYING WITH A FAMILY
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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THESE ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES WE DO
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OUR STAFF
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GUATEMALA
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THE COUNTRY OF ETERNAL SPRING,
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HEART OF THE MAYAN WORLD. HOW TO GET TO XELA?
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TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT QUETZALTENANGO
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OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
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OUR GARDEN
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OUR HISTORY
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VALUE CHAIN OF OUR COURSES
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WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!
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Celas Maya
Celas Maya Spanish School Uno a uno, más humano, más efectivo Celas Maya, with a commitment to providing highly effective courses that expedite the process of learning Spanish as a foreign language, was established in 1999 in the city of Quetzaltenango. The school is renowned for its exceptional quality and welcoming atmosphere, as attested by testimonials from previous students. Furthermore, it holds accreditation from the Instituto Cervantes and serves as a testing center for DELE and SIELE examinations.
Celas Maya works with groups from universities, international organizations, and companies, as well as individuals: university students, high school students, professionals, and retirees. In addition to classes, it offers accommodation in a Guatemalan family and an attractive program of extracurricular activities for each day.
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Celas Maya
What Inspires Us? We love to see that our methodology develops the confidence and language skills of our students in a short time. The one-to-one classes, the good organization of our courses allow us this effectiveness, along with the preparation, experience and passion of our team of teachers.
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Celas Maya
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.
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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.
Celas Maya
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.
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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.
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Celas Maya
Celas Maya Programs
EXPLORE EACH OF THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS WE OFFER AND FIND THE ONE THAT BEST SUITS YOUR INTERESTS. General courses University credits Medical spanish Legal Spanish course Spanish for teachers
Spanish for business Courses for DELE or SIELE exams Online courses Summer camp Mayan languages
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Celas Maya
High School Students
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We warmly welcome high school students and collaborate with companies that prepare them for admission to prestigious universities in the United States. As part of this comprehensive preparation program, we also incorporate volunteer opportunities and guided trips throughout Guatemala. This experience is enriching for young individuals, allowing them to firsthand observe the life and dynamics of our society. They engage with friendly locals, explore enchanting destinations, all while benefiting from personalized one-on-one classes.
Celas Maya
University students For many years, we have had the privilege of welcoming students from different universities in the United States and other parts of the world to Celas Maya. These students come from a wide range of academic disciplines and have sought to strengthen their Spanish language skills. We are proud to say that our students' experience has been exceptional and rewarding. One of the aspects that our students most frequently highlight is the high-quality service we provide. Our personalized approach and individualized attention allow each student to progress at their own pace and address their specific learning needs. Our highly qualified teachers play a crucial role in this success. Their commitment to educational excellence and their focus on effective communication in the classroom have been essential for our students' progress. Furthermore, the quality of our courses is an essential component of our reputation. Students often inform us that they have achieved in one week what they had not been able to in more traditional group classes. Our focus on immersion, constant practice, and active communication in the target language provides them with fast and effective results. We are delighted to hear that our students have had such positive experiences at Celas Maya, and we look forward to provide quality education in the Spanish language field for those seeking to enhance their language and cultural skills.
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Celas Maya
GENERAL ONE-ON-ONE COURSES
General Courses at Celas Maya At Celas Maya, offer a wide range PLAN A 15we lessons PLANcourses B 20 lessons of general designed to meet C 25 lessons yourPLAN 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.
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Celas Maya
Transferable university credits As part of our collaboration with the Rural University of Guatemala, Celas Maya offers courses that provide university credits. These credits can be easily transferred to universities in the United States as they are certified by the university and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala.
25 hours of classes per week, along with homework; four weeks earn you 4 credits. For each additional week, you get an extra credit.
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Celas Maya
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
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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
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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. Page 18
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.
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.
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.
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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
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ENJOY GUATEMALA!
SUMMER CAMP 2024
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.
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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.
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Celas Maya
Diplomas internacionales DIPLOMA DE ESPAÑOL COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA
OBTEN UN DIPLOMA EN CELAS MAYA Page 23
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.
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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.
Celas Maya
Online
open courses Plan Luna 10 classes. Benefits: Create your own schedule. Ideal for preparing any presentation or exam. Homework assignments for reinforcement.
Plan Sol 30 classes. Ideal for enhancing conversational skills with some grammatical explanations.
Plan Estrella 50 open classes. Ideal for students seeking improvement in speaking and listening skills. Key Features: Thorough review of grammar and pronunciation. Focus on enhancing all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish.
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Celas Maya
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities The volunteer program at Celas Maya includes an orientation and introduction to Guatemalan
Internship Opportunities: 1. Hospitals. 2. Health Centers. 3. Companies.
culture, the local context, social
4. Businesses.
values, and key cultural events in
5. Universities.
Quetzaltenango. Additionally, it provides various logistical services and facilities.
6. Chambers. Volunteer Opportunities: 1. Organizations. 2. Communities.
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Celas Maya
LEARN A
MAYAN LANGUAGE Guatemala is home to 21 Mayan languages, as well as Xinca and Garifuna. We offer classes for all of these languages, with some available exclusively online, while most can be taken online or in person. For many years, CELAS MAYA has been dedicated to the advancement of Mayan language education in Guatemala. We not only provide language instruction but also facilitate our students' immersion experiences 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 of 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.
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Celas Maya
What can one expect to learn in a week in 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.
By this, you can get an idea of how you would progress if you already had a different level. It's important to remember that our syllabus distinguishes 6 levels and 18 sublevels. Normally, one sublevel is covered in a week.
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Celas Maya
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. Page 29
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.
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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.
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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.
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Celas Maya
These are some of the activities we do Hotspring
Canopy
Sport games
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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.
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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.
Celas Maya
Guatemala
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Celas Maya
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.
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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.
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Celas Maya
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We are waiting for you! 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/
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 43
CELAS MAYA 6a. calle 14-55 zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Tel: (502) 7765-8205 E-mail: info@celasmaya.edu.gt www.celasmaya.edu.gt
(502) 4679-4661