First Day at The School

1 First Day & Class Schedule

On Monday, we divide new students into 3 groups, as we typically welcome 15–25 new arrivals on their first day and want to ensure a smooth onboarding experience for everyone. Please pay close attention to the schedule assigned to you alongside your host family details. If you are not staying with a host family, the default start time for morning classes is 7:30 AM.

We truly appreciate your understanding and punctuality on your first day—our priority is to provide you with the best possible service.

The schedule on your first day is slightly adjusted depending on your assigned group. For instance, if you are in Group No. 3, your class will run from 8:15/8:30 AM until 12:15/12:30 PM. Starting Tuesday, you will meet your teacher directly at 8:00 AM at the same table you used the day before. We recommend pinning our location on Google Maps so you can easily find your way back on Tuesday morning.

If you have afternoon classes, there is generally only one group, starting at 12:30 PM, as fewer students begin their program in the afternoon on Mondays.

If your very first day of class falls midweek (Tuesday through Friday), please arrive at the school office at 7:50 AM.

2 Host Family Meals

Meal schedules are provided directly by each host family. Please pay close attention to meal times as well as your host family's address. If you have any trouble locating the house, remember that we have provided a direct Google Maps link to guide you.

3 Afternoon Activities

Afternoon activities are complimentary for students enrolled in morning classes:

• Monday (5:00 PM): Group salsa class with Nancy at New Sensation.
• Tuesday (2:00 PM): Guided tour of Antigua or the surrounding areas with Professor Mario.
• Thursday (3:00 PM): Cultural activity in the small garden with Patricia.

If you would like more details about any of these activities, please feel free to ask your teacher on Monday; they will be delighted to guide you.

4 Course Payments

Tuition payments are due on Monday (or in advance). Please settle your payment on Monday morning, before your class begins. For subsequent weeks, payments should be made every Thursday or Friday prior to the upcoming week to help us stay organized. We accept payment only in our local currency, the quetzal (GTQ).

5 Teacher Changes

If for any reason you do not feel completely comfortable with your assigned teacher, we are happy to arrange a change for the following day. It is very important that you let us know as soon as possible so we can ensure you have the best experience.

6 Host Family Adjustments & Alternatives

If you are not entirely satisfied with your host family placement, a change can be arranged, though it typically takes 1 to 2 days to coordinate. Alternatively, you may choose to switch to a hotel or hostel and simply pay for the nights you spent with the family. Please note that the per-night rate for host families is higher, as families normally work on a weekly rate structure.

7 Illness & Travel Policy

If you fall ill or have a trip planned, we require at least 24 hours' advance notice before your class so we can accommodate any schedule changes. Please note that if you pay on a daily basis, the tuition rate is $68.00 per 4-hour day. This policy ensures that our teachers receive a full weekly salary. Consequently, the total tuition for 3, 4, or 5 days of classes within a week is equivalent to the full weekly rate.

8 SIM Cards & Mobile Service

If you need a local SIM card for your phone, you can purchase one at La Bodegona supermarket (easy to find on Google Maps). There are two main providers in Guatemala: Tigo and Claro. Both are comparable in price, though we recommend Tigo, as it generally offers better coverage and signal strength.

9 Dining Out

Antigua Guatemala offers a wonderful variety of dining options, with meal prices ranging from $7.00 to $45.00 USD. We suggest exploring Google Maps to discover nearby restaurants and bars.

10 ATMs, Currency Exchange & Banking

There are numerous ATMs throughout Antigua; the highest concentration can be found around Central Park.

ATMs: The primary network operators are 5B, BI, and BAC. Transaction fees range between $6.00 and $8.00 USD. Withdrawal limits vary based on your home bank and country, but as a standard benchmark, daily limits range from Q2,000.00 to Q4,000.00 (with most cards limited to Q2,000.00 per day).

US Dollars: If you bring US dollars to exchange, please bring $50 and $100 bills in pristine condition, as local banks will not accept worn or damaged currency. The maximum exchange limit is $500 USD per month per person. There are several banks throughout Antigua; if you need to exchange larger amounts, you may visit different branches. Generally, Banco Azteca offers the most favorable exchange rates (you can easily locate it via Google Maps).

11 Study Materials

We provide complimentary study booklets, typically 2 to 4 booklets per week depending on your schedule and proficiency level, each containing 10 to 15 pages. Please bring your own notebook and pen for taking notes and completing homework assignments.

12 Refreshments & Environment

Coffee: Complimentary coffee service is available at school from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Purified Water: Purified water is available free of charge from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

To help us protect the environment, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug.

13 Friday Excursions

On Fridays, we recommend taking advantage of outdoor learning: teachers and students often head out from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to explore different parts of Antigua for a practical, real-world language experience. This outing is optional, and any associated entry fees or personal costs are covered by the student.

14 Host Family Accommodations & Alternatives

Our host families offer warm hospitality in modest, authentic homes located in Antigua, approximately a 10- to 20-minute walk from the school. If host family accommodation is not for you, Antigua offers a wide array of alternative options. Hotel prices range from $15.00 to $300.00 USD per night, depending on location and desired comfort level.

15 Weekend Travel & Local Agencies

To explore other regions of Guatemala, there are roughly 65 travel agencies spread across Antigua, each offering different tour packages and pricing. While we do not officially endorse specific agencies, two well-regarded options located close to the school and frequently recommended by students are:

• Club de los Viajeros
• Yellow House

Popular weekend destinations include Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and El Paredón Beach. Travel agencies can provide full itineraries for these trips.

16 Dietary Restrictions & Allergies

If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, please communicate them directly to your host family upon arrival.

17 Nightlife & Safety

Nightlife in Antigua is vibrant, typically running from Thursday through Sunday. While walking around Antigua is generally very safe, we advise taking standard safety precautions if walking alone after 11:00 PM.

18 Airport Transportation

If you reserved an airport shuttle service through us, your driver arrangements are coordinated by Martha Godoy. She will contact you by email 2 to 3 days before your arrival with detailed instructions on how to meet your driver.

19 Host Family Check-In/Check-Out

You may check in to your host family's home at any time on your arrival day. On your final day, check-out time is before 12:00 PM (noon).

You will receive your homestay family details and profile between 3 and 15 days before your arrival in Antigua, depending on your reservation date. Since student schedules frequently change—with extended stays, date changes, and occasional cancellations—we confirm room availability and assign families closer to arrival. This ensures we match you with the best available home, usually about a week before you arrive.

20 Local Coffee Shops

Antigua is famous for its coffee culture. A few local favorites worth visiting include Café Condesa, Café Fernando's, and El Viejo Café.

21 Contact & Communication