Discovering Guatemala through Classes, Exploration, and Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The university classes were wonderful and the teaching methods worked really well for me. The Spanish class was designed for full immersion which didn't work for me, since my university classes were everyday and in English.

On-site administration of your program

The director of Casa Herrera is an amazing person who is extremely capable and understanding. I felt very comfortable with the accessibility of the director and of the facility, though the facility should be available to students later in the day and on weekends. The size of the classes were perfect, and all of my expectations (except weekend accessibility) were met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to switch home stays in the middle of the program. The first home stay was OK, until I started to get sick due to too much corn in my diet, after which it got very uncomfortable very quickly. My second home stay was lovely. My host had several rooms available to volunteers and travelers to Antigua. I met several international people and made many friends. I was provided with three meals a day 6 days a week, and the room I stayed in was clean and comfortable; sheets and blankets were cleaned for me once a week.

You can't drink the tap water in Guatemala. I would suggest not brushing teeth with it either. The food was fresh and delicious, though extreme diet change can make you sick; I was eating too much corn and got sick because of it. Anywhere in Antigua is a good place to eat (Except street food!!) but I highly suggest being adventurous and trying restaurants which specialize in Guatemalan foods, rather than sticking to tourist restaurants.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were in Guatemala for Dia de los Muertos, and in Guatemala (Santiago Sacatepéquez to be exact) there is a giant celebration with huge kites and hundreds of people. We went as a class to the celebration and had a wonderful and informative experience!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Antigua is a bubble of safety. I felt very secure in the city, though there are some safety issues that travelers should be aware of if they are traveling around Guatemala. The hospitals and doctor care are very good through this program; I got sick and received excellent care.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced Spanish with the other students and my host family, as well as the director of the Casa Herrera program. The language classes I took did not work for me as they were designed for full immersion and I could not do that do to the university classes which were in English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• International Students
• Americans

• Field Trips
• Volunteer Opportunities
• University Classes

• Facility hours
• Travel Restrictions
• Spanish classes (for beginners)