PLFM is the oldest of the Spanish language schools in Antigua, Guatemala and one which teaches Spanish and, various Mayan languages. PLFM was founded in 1969 by linguists and indigenous Guatemalans to support and preserve Mayan languages. The Proyecto, a non-profit Guatemalan foundation with a 100% Mayan board of directors, serves two causes: the preservation of Mayan languages and culture, and the teaching of Spanish. In addition to Spanish courses, PLFM offers courses in a number of Mayan languages such as Kaqchikel, K’iche’, and Mam. Profits from the Spanish program go toward the preservation of the Mayan languages, specifically the production of dictionaries and grammars, so your tuition serves a very good cause. PLFM is an accredited school with the Ministry of Education of Guatemala. It is a non-profit, non-political, lay association, legally constituted as a cultural development entity. It is the only language school in Antigua trained to administer a U.S. Foreign Service style language proficiency exam.
The school is located very near the church of La Merced. Because all the classes are one on one, there are many open air cubicles where a teacher sits at a table across from his or her student.
The Spanish program is all private classes, one teacher to one student. Classes are conducted completely in Spanish. Teachers are experienced with all levels, including beginners, and all students benefit from the complete immersion techniques. The aim of complete immersion is to enable you to speak Spanish from the first minute. The all private classes allow you to work at your individual level. Flexibility is vitally important. You can pick the area you wish to emphasize such as conversation, comprehension, writing, or specialized fields such as medical or business terminology. The courses are designed to begin with minidialogues as a total system for learning grammar, vocabulary and survival skills. Course work focuses on daily life, and your assignments might include reading the local paper, listening to the news, or discussing politics, local entertainment or current events. To ensure quality, all Spanish teachers are native Guatemalans who have taken courses in education. All teachers receive 100 hours of intensive training in teaching Spanish as a second language, and the training is updated every six months. In a one-on-one learning situation, the skill and ability of the teacher are of utmost importance, and PLFM’s teachers are highly regarded.
If you need documentation of your study including contact hours, the school will be pleased to do this upon request. They can grant a letter grade if necessary and provide a written evaluation of your skills and areas of study. PLFM is an accredited school with the Ministry of Education of Guatemala.
All levels of Spanish ability are accommodated. After an orientation on Monday morning, you will be given a brief oral exam by your teacher to determine your strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the course, students interested in having their Spanish competency evaluated may choose to take a half-hour interview, a Foreign Service Institute (FSI) style exam to determine Spanish competency. You may also request a written exam.
All classes are private. Classes are held for 7 hours daily Monday through Friday (a 4 hour daily program is available in the mornings), from 8:00 am to noon, and then again from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. There are two 30 minute breaks.
Textbooks used have been developed by PLFM and are available on loan with a deposit.
Pricing
Full-Time Schedule | US$200.00 (Spanish)* |
Part-Time Schedule, Mornings | US$150.00 (Spanish)* |
Part-Time Schedule, Afternoons | US$120.00 (Spanish)* |
Full-Time Schedule | US$250.00 (Mayan Languages)* |
Part-Time Schedule, Mornings | US$200.00 (Mayan Languages)* |
Accommodation
Shared Bathrooms: US$110.00
Private Bathrooms: US$130.00
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