IPSL’s partner community in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango—more commonly known by its Mayan name, Xela—is home to one of the country’s top Spanish language schools, renowned for its personalized instruction. In addition to Spanish language, X'iche Maya is also available. Set in a city steeped in Maya heritage, the school offers an immersive environment where students learn Spanish within a rich cultural and historical context. Xela is known for its vibrant markets, flavorful cuisine rooted in Mayan traditions, striking colonial architecture, and stunning natural surroundings—including the awe-inspiring Santa María volcano.

This unique setting enables students to not only build strong language skills but also gain a deep understanding of Mayan traditions and modern Guatemalan life. Each lesson goes beyond academics—it becomes a journey into the cultural soul of the region. In Xela, language learning is transformed into a truly meaningful and life-changing experience.

The IPSL Guatemala experience can be created as a customized, graduate, undergraduate, gap year, volunteer, or service-learning program. Financial Aid is available for eligible students. IPSL also accepts AmeriCorps Segal Education awards.

One Health: Ecology, Culture, and Justice is an immersive study abroad and service-learning program in Guatemala, available for academic credit or as a non-credit experience. Students explore the connections between human, animal, and environmental health through local food systems, agriculture, and Indigenous knowledge. The program combines expert-led lectures, service projects, and site visits to examine the cultural, social, and political impacts of agriculture, migration, and climate change. Topics include displacement, refugee experiences, and the legacy of political conflict. Additional course options include Community Organizing and Social Activism (COSA) and Maya Cosmovision & Health Systems. Participants also experience Guatemala’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, creating a deeper, more meaningful connection than traditional study abroad programs.

"A great experience. The program immersed me in Spanish language and Mayan culture. Everyone was very welcoming and inclusive." Hannah J. IPSL 2024 Guatemala

"Magical and charming. I felt extremely comfortable and not like a foreigner." Nicole B. 2022 Guatemala

*K'iche Maya word for Hello