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Introduction Package for
ConeXion Xela & Quetzaltenango
8a Calle 1-71 Zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Telephone: 1-502-7761-0798
cxx@conexionxela.com
1. Office
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm. Closed on Weekends.
We ask students to pay their teacher and host family on their first day. If you decide to stay an extra week, you must pay by the Thursday before to be assured a teacher and a host family for the following week.
2. Telephone and Internet
Students can call direct to North America with an AT&T, MCI, Sprint or Bell Canada calling card. For an AT&T card, dial 9999-190 for the United States; with MCI and Sprint, the access codes to the US are 9999-189 and 9999-195, respectively. To reach Canada Direct, dial 9999-198. The cost of the call itself goes to your calling card. Please limit calls made from and received to 10 minutes. If you make calls from your Guatemalan home, even on your calling card, they will be charged about 0.75 quetzals a minute by the phone company.
Public phones in Xela are on a calling card system and the cards can be bought around town for 20 and 30 quetzals at many stores displaying the LADATEL sign.
Telgua, the national phone utility is an option for making direct calls. It is open longer hours and costs about $1/minute to call the States. There are two TELGUA offices: one on 4a Calle and 15 Avenida, and the second in the Democracia area at 15 Avenida 2-40, Zona 3. The office staff can make calls to other parts of the country for you. Calls cost Q1/ minute.
There are various places around town that offer internet service. The fees for all of them run between 2.5 - 12 quetzals an hour.
3. Changing Money
Local banks are generally able to cash dollars or travelers checks Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 p.m.; Bring your passport, copies are not accepted. Given the problem of changing large bills in local markets and tiendas, we suggest you request bills no larger than Q20 or Q50 when changing money.
There is an ATM machine next to Banco Industrial. It is located half a block up from the church in central park on 11 Avenida. There are two ATMs near the Mont Blanc building, one in the Banco Industrial and the other at Bancor. The machines are marked to accept only VISA and PLUS cards. If you only have a Mastercard or Visa, you can go to the Credomatic office in the mall in Zone 3 named Mont Blanc.
If you want to receive a Money Gram, you must use Banco del Cafe. The sender must go to an American Express office and provide them with your name (as it appears on your passport) , the name and address of the bank (Ban Cafe, 12 Avenida 5-50, Zone 1, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala). It is a good idea for the sender to call you with the money gram number. You can pick up your money within 40 minutes of when it is sent.
Many banks are now connected to Western Union and money can be sent from any other Western Union office in the world. You need the order number and the location it was sent from in order to pick the money up here.
There is a 10% service charge on all credit card transactions in Guatemala. Debit cards do not have this charge and we strongly recommend bringing some method of cash withdrawl other than just credit cards.
4. Teachers
All of the teachers at CXX are university educated. They have received extensive training teaching Spanish as a second language in a one-on-one format.
Our teachers use occasional examinations and weekly reports to determine each student's Spanish level and continuing needs, but we encourage you to offer suggestions in terms of what materials you would like to use, grammatical topics you wish to cover, or what percentage of each class you would like to devote to conversation versus drills and exercises etc.
We strongly encourage all teachers and students to take 30 minutes recess from 10:30 or 4:30 to relax. During the recess, please disengage from previous activity to refresh your mind. We encourage you to go take a walk outside or chat with the host family over a cup of coffee and snacks.
If you have special learning needs, or a learning disability please inform us or your teacher so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Your Spanish teacher will come to your guatemalan home on Monday to begin the class or you may be asked to meet with your teacher in front of the McDonald's at the Central Park.
Should you wish to take a trip during your class time, please advise your teacher one day in advance, and be aware that students are responsible for teacher expenses incurred during class time (bus fares etc.).
You are welcome to change teachers each week or stay with the same teacher a maximum of two weeks. Students evaluate their teacher on the weekly report form sent out out every Wednesday.
If you need to change your teacher before the end of week, you may call 7761-0798 or 5641-1118.
5. Host families
Host families provide one of the most memorable and practical environments for utilizing your Spanish and experiencing Guatemalan culture. Some of our families have been hosting students for as long as ten years and maintain address lists of former students.
All families provide a house key, a private room, bed, table, chair, adequate lighting, place to keep one's clothing and toilet paper. They also provide students three meals a day and purified drinking water.
Families are encouraged to involve the students in family activities as much as possible and converse with the students at mealtimes.
It is a good idea to close your room's door to avoid children playing with your things and any misunderstanding. It is always a good idea to keep your room closed when you are out. Some families have servants who operate businesses out of their homes which do not allow them to keep track of who is in the house at all times.
In most showers, the hot water comes out of the same tube as the cold water. The farther you open the faucet, the more cold water you are adding to the hot water. Try opening the faucet just enough to get a steady stream of water. If you can't get it to work, ask your family for help.
Students evaluate their host family on the weekly report form sent out every Wednesday.
If you need to change your host family before the end of week, you may call 7761-0798 or 5641-1118.
6. Cultural Awareness
Please be aware that you are living in another culture. We ask that you observe the same norms of behavior and respect as you would in any professional situation in your home country.
Although we expect certain standards from host families and we are happy to make adjustments if these do not exist, we can not import a "first world" or a Northern living environment to Guatemala and we ask you to understand this limitation. Although most of the families have been working with students for several years and have experience working with people from other cultures, it is important to respect your families beliefs. Inviting friends to sleep over is not appropriate. If you would like someone to eat at your house it is a good idea to ask your family first and offer them some compensation.
Also, if you choose to eat out it is polite and respectful to let your family know ahead of time. It is common courtesy to say "muchas gracias" when you get up from the table. The appropriate response is "buen provecho" which translates roughly as "good appetite."
7. Health
Stomach Aliments: One of the most common ailments students deal with is diarrhea and this usually occurs within the first week. Many times the body is simply adjusting to its new environment, food and fluids.
Flea bites: While most of people do not have any problem with fleas, some people tend to attract so much attention from fleas. If you happen to be one of them, let your family know immediately to spray your clothings and bed. You can also purchase the spray called Oko at pharmacies for around Q25.
If the problems persist more that two or three days, it could be evidence that the student has picked up bacteria, parasites or amoebas. To know what is causing the diarrhea, we recommend having a feces sample analyzed in the lab (Q16) at Bionalisis (17 Avenida 4-42 Zona 3). The lab is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m M-F, and for a limited time on weekends. A print out of your results will be available later the same day. It is advisable to then visit a doctor, (approximately Q50) to give you an exam, analyze the lab results and offer a prescription.
We recommend that you do not eat food sold in the streets or markets and that you do not drink tap water, eat salad or uncooked vegetables unless you believe they are safe.DOCTORS:
Dra. Ariadna Cifuentes 17 Av. 4-42 Zona 3 Torre Professional 11:00 to 12:30 and 2:30 to 6:00 767-4308
Dr. Oscar de León Anleu Hospital San Rafael 9a Calle between 12 & 11 Aves. Monday - Friday 10:00AM - 13:00PM 3:00PM - 5:00PM Tel: 761 2956
Dr. Juan José Maldonado Hospital de la Democracia Clinica Hours: Lunes a Viernes:12-1 pm,3:30-6:00 p.m.
7636671, 7635070 (RECOMMENDED FOR NIGHTTIME EMERGENCIES)PHARMACIES:
Farmacia Herrera: 6a Calle 7-67 Zona 1 Tel. 7612783 (least expensive)
Farmacia Roma: 1a Calle 14 Av. Zona 3 Tel. 7612107 (credit cards accepted)
Farmacia Xelajú: 11 Av. 8-07 Zona 1 Tel. 7614448
Farmacia Moreno: 12 Av. 5-44 Zona 1 Tel. 7614371
Farmacia Méndez: 15 Av. 1-20 Zona 3 Tel. 7630112 (2nd cheapest)Note: Malaria pills (cloroquina) are not necessary in Xela. However, you may want to consider them if you plan to go to the coast or the Petén. You may buy them over the counter in a local pharmacy; the dosage is customarily 500 mg at a time once a week, starting one week before your trip until three weeks after. Also taking vitamin B1 (Anything with Thiamin) five days before you arrive in an area that has mosquitoes discourages them from biting you, as well as other insects.
8. Safety
Theft in Guatemala is generally no more prevalent than most other places in the world. Like everywhere in the world, please take proper precautions, particularly in crowded places such as markets or buses. If students keep things in a money pouch, it should be under clothing. Note: We highly recommend carrying a copy and not your original passport so as to avoid paying $50.00 and waiting 3 days in Guatemala City to receive a new one in the case that you lose it! Keep your passport in a safe place. When travelling, carry with you a photocopy of your passport.
Xela is a relatively safe city, probably more than most in the U.S. or Canada. Students generally feel safe walking around until 9PM or later. However, after dark following the "stay away from deserted streets that aren't lit" rule is always a good idea.
Please remember to look both ways before crossing the street, as pedestrians do not have any manner of claim to the road. In fact, we recommend paranoia as a companion while traversing the streets here.
We encourage students to walk each other home after nighttime activities. Always remember that a taxi is a good value for the safety it can give.
9. Getting Around Quetzaltenango
Guatemalan addresses consist of the street/avenue on which the building is found, the nearest cross street/avenue and a building number.
Although disconcerting at first, it is pretty easy once you feel you way around. Local buses are good for long distances and only cost 1 quetzal. However, most places can be reached on foot in less than 30 minutes. The buses basically go in two directions: to the Minerva terminal or the Rotunda and all pass by Parque Central at some point. It is always best to ask. Buses going to Minerva terminal can be caught in 8a Calle at the intersection of 12 Avenida. They either go out 4a Calle (El Calvario) or up 14 Avenida and nearly all pass through or near La Democracia. Going to the Rotunda, buses stop at 10a Calle near 11 Av.
10. Trips to Places in and Around Queztaltenango
Los Baños: Refreshing and relaxing volcanic baths located 10-15 minutes from Xela by bus in Almolonga. The bus to the Baños leaves from the corner of 10 Calle and 10 Av. Z.1 near the Shell Station. Bus fare is approximately Q1 each way. Tubs for about Q 10. On the way back the bus will stop where you got on and will continue onto Minerva Terminal.
Zunil/Las Georginas: Zunil is a picturesque town in a gorgeous valley. It is also home to San Simon a local saint who is worshipped and receives offerings of Quetzalteca Especial and cigarettes. (Ask around town to see where he is kept). Fascinating! Above Zunil is Fuentes Georginas hot springs nestled in amongst a cloud forest. A gorgeous setting and very refreshing . So bring your swim suit. There is a restaurant next to one of the pools. But does not have much to offer vegetarians so you might want to pack a few veggies. There are bungalows complete with fireplaces for overnight stays, you need to make reservations 2 days in advance. A local honey moon spot. It is quite chilly at night so be prepared. Doubles cost Q120. Take a bus at the same place as buses to Los Baños (Almolonga/Zunil bus). Cost is approximately Q1.50 to Zunil. To find a pick up truck to the hot springs just walk towards the church. Many are parked there and people will ask you if you need a ride. The cost per pick up is around Q35 each way (or 5 quetzales per person, whichever is more) depending on how many people go.
El Parque y Zoologico Minerva: Located at the intersection of Calle Rodolfo Robles and Calle 4 in Zona 3. Nice park and a zoo. Try to visit the nearby fruit, vegetable and "everything else" market. Take bus #6 Santa Fe from 12 Avenida and 8a Calle.
Mercado de La Democracia: Large indoor and outdoor market around 15 Avenida and 2 Calle in Zona 3, near Benito Juárez park. Interesting and has everything. A good place to buy warm clothes for cheap prices in case you didn't bring enough.
Cemetery: In the El Calvario neighborhood on 4 Calle and 20 Avenida. Amazing!! Make sure you walk from the front to the back in order to notice the striking contrast. Do not go in the late afternoon. Always go in groups to avoid trouble.
Salcajá: One of oldest churches in Central America. Ask anyone for a "casa donde hagan tejidos". You can also buy Caldo de Frutas or Rompopo, which are fruity, potent liquors made here. Market day is Tuesday. Take a bus to the Rotunda and switch there. It is 65 centavos to the Rotunda and approximately Q1from there.
San Andrés Xecul: A very funky yellow church. It is painted with fruit and animals and is the main attraction of the town. Get a bus at the Minerva terminal or the Rotunda. Otherwise take a bus to the gas station beyond Salcajá and walk or take a pickup the extra 4 km.
San Cristóbal Totonicapán: Another small town with lots of hüipiles and other typical items. Interesting market on Sunday. Very old church with a silver and glass alter. Take a bus from same place as the buses to Salcajá.
Sunday Market: In the Central Park the first Sunday of every month. Blankets, woodcarvings, jackets, typical clothing etc.
San Francisco el Alto: Friday mornings, biggest market in Guatemala that sells everything from clothes to cows. Be very careful with valuables.!!!!!! Don't take passport, credit cards or a lot of money since pick pocketing is very prevalent here.!!!!
Museums: Cultural & History: 7a Calle &12 Avenida. (in front of the park) Q6.00; Art Museum: Entrance is on 7a Calle & 12 Avenida. (2nd level) Free; Train Museum. Entrance is on 7a Calle & 12 Avenida. (1st level) Q6.00
San Pedro la Laguna: La Escuela de la Calle offers a unique opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to trek for two and a half days from Xela to Lago Atitlán. Food, equipment and experienced guides included. Look for the information posters in Xela, or call Casa Argentina 7761-2470 and ask to speak with one of the guides working for La Escuela de la Calle.
11. Post Office and Mail Services
Regular Post Office: The post office is located at 4a Calle, 15 Avenida, Zone 1. It is a little slow to and from the US. It is managed by Canada Post. Many students send mail with students leaving on a Friday back to the USA.
Mail Services: Generally charging Q10-12 per letter. The mail services tend to be a little faster. (Although advertised 3-4 days it usually takes 7-8) and dependable. They are located all over town and are certainly not limited to the addresses listed below: Urgente Express: On the corner of 8th Calle and 12th Ave. Zone 1
DHL Express Service: There is an office located on 4a Calle 23-27, Zone 3 Comercial Plaza La Villa. They guarantee arrival in 3 days and charge $47.30 for packages from 0-2 pounds and an additional $9.90 for each 1/2 kilo there after. If you need to receive a package quickly, this is probably the best way to do it.
12. Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Ice Cream Shops, Supermarkets and Bakeries:
A. Coffee Houses
La Luna: Corner of 8 Avenida 4 Calle. This quaint little cafe has the best cup of hot chocolate in town!! Also serve coffee and great desserts. It is great for studying since the music is soft.
Café Baviera: 5a Calle 13-14, Zone 1, just off of the park. Good music and many types of coffees and desserts.
Blue Angel Video Cafe: 7a Calle 15-22 Zone 1. Coffee and light meals available. Movies shown in the evenings (usually English with Sp. subtitles) with a Q10 charge which includes delicious popcorn. Traveler's hang out.
Casa Babylon: On the corner of 5a Calle and 13 Avenida, Zone 1, just off the park. Nice atmosphere for studying - good music. Food is good too.
Los Balcones Café: 7a Calle 10-67 Zone 1. Typical Food and Fast Food. Classical and Contemporary Music. Great place to Study.B. Restaurants
Maxim's: 4a Calle between 15 and 14"A"Avenidas in Zone 1. All you can eat Chinese Buffet!!
Ut'z Hua: 12 Avenida 3-02 Zone 1. Typical Guatemalan food. For vegetarians they serve fruit, granola and yogurt. As well as delicious soup.
Cardinalli's Pizza: 14 Avenida, below the Teatro Municipal. Good pizza, Italian style and safe salads.
Guiseppe's: 15 Avenida 4 Calle. Second floor of the commercial center across from the post office. Great pizza, Italian food and safe salads.
Cafe Royal Paris: 3a Calle 14 "A"-32. It is on the corner of 3a Calle and 14 Avenida "A" up on the second level. Amazing veggie sandwiches & salads & all sorts of food. Whole Wheat bread for sale. Variety of wine and beer.
Hotel Modelo: 14 Avenida A, 2 blocks above 4 Calle, Zone 1. North American style coffee and breakfast. Try the pancakes!! Hours: daily 7:15-9 AM, lunch 1-3 PM, dinner 7-9 PM.
Pension Bonifaz: Corner of the Parque Central, fairly expensive Western style meals. Breakfasts are reasonable and the atrium is a nice place for a cup of coffee or tea.
La Taquería: On the corner of 5th Calle and 8th Ave, Zone 1. Very good, autentic Mexican food.C. Ice Cream Parlors
Helados Americano: 14 Ave 4-41 Zone 1. Great ice-cream and banana splits. They also sell Snickers, Butterfinger and other candy bars. A dangerously seductive place for the ice cream fanatic.
Helados Don Jose: 5a Calle between 14 Ave and 15a Zone 3. Good rich ice cream.
Helados Pops: 11 Ave 5 Calle Zone 1. Good ice cream too!D. Supermarkets: There are tiendas selling products all over town but the following are a couple of stores that sell regular supermarket items.
Paiz: This is Guatemala's answer to Woolworth, McCrory, Zayre all wrapped in one. In Zone 3 (19 Avenida y Calzada Minerva) located in the Mont Blanc Building.
Despensa Familiar: A smaller discount version of Paiz near central park at 7a Calle and 13 Av., Zone 1
Hiper Paiz: The same as Paiz but as the name would indicate, it's much larger. Located in La Pradera Mall. Zone 3 off of Avenida Las AmericasE. Bakeries
The panaderias are all over town but one is special. The Bake Shop, 18Av. 1-40 Zone 3 in the Centro Comercial Industrial, is a Mennonite Bakery selling whole wheat bread, glazed donuts, coffeecake, cookies to die for, various pies and granola. Open Tuesdays and Fridays (9:00- 5:00 but it's best to get there before 1:00 PM).
13. Other Miscellaneous Addresses/Information
A. INGUAT: (Tourist Office) 7a Calle and 12 Avenida, Zone 1
B. Bookstores
Vrisa Books: 15 Av. 3-64 Zone 1, New and Used Books in English and other languages.
Libreria Popular: 15 avenida, 1 Calle, Zone 1
Libreria Evangelica: 14 avenida, 1 Calle, Zone 1
Libreria Bellas Letras: 3a Calle 12 - 31, Zone 1 - Tel: 7763 16 80C. Photocopy Centers
Servi-copias: On the corner of 7 Calle and the diagonal in front of Blue Angel Café. Inside the store.
In front of the University Rafael Landiver on 14 Av. Is the cheapest, with many photocopy centers.D. Photo Developing Centers
Maya Color: 1a Calle, 12 avenida, Zone 1
Kodak Photo Club: 3 - 24 , 14 avenida, Zone 1
Quick Photo Konica: 15 avenida, 4 calle, Zone 1E. Travel Agency
Xela Sin Limites: 1a Calle, 12 avenida, Zone 1. (English spoken)
GuateMaya Intercultural: 14 Av. "A" and 3 Calle, Zone 1G. Discos
La Fratta 14 Avenida A - right next to the municipal theater. Wednesdays no cover - salsa and merengue. Fun place to go dancing.
El Duende: 14 Avenida "A" between 1a and 2a Calle, Zona 1. Tuesday to Saturday - DJ that plays Salsa, Merengue or any kind of music you want. Great place to hang out and have a good time. No cover charge.
Pasaje Colonial, 13 Avenida between 6a y 7a Calle, Zona 1. Restaurant and dancing bar. Music live.H. Movie & Video Theatres
Cinema Cafe El Paraiso: 14 "A" Av. 1-04 Zone 1-Videos
La Pradera: Avenida Las Americas, Zone 3.
Municipal Theatre:Plays, concerts, indigenous activities etc. 1 calle, 12 avenida, Zona 1J. Sports Complex
4 Calle, 26 avenida in Zona 3 near La Minerva bus terminal. Basketball, soccer, tennis courts, running track, badminton. Many people will let you join them in basketball etc.K. Bicycle Rental
VRISA Center on 15Av. near the Post Office on Zone 1, Q30 for 8 hours or Q100 a week.L. Churches
Cathedral Church: Just off Central Park (Catholic)
Bethania Church: 19 avenida and 6 Calle, Zone 3
Monte Sinai Church: Diagonal 16, 11 - 194, Zone 1, La PedreraM. First Class Bus Lines: Try to buy your tickets one or two days in advance.
Alamo: 14 avenida and 4 Calle, Zone 3. Tel: 7767-7117
Galgos: Calle Rodolfo Robles 17 - 43, Zone 1 Tel: 7761-2248
America: 7a Avenida 3 - 32, Zone 2. Tel: 7761-4587N. Hotels in Guatemala City
Chalet Suizo: 14a Calle 6 - 82, Zone 1 Tel: 2251 3786 Fax: 2232 0429
Hotel Spring: 8a Avenida 12 - 65 Zone 1 Tel: 2232 6637 Fax: 2251 4876
El Aeropuerto Guest House 15 Calle "A" 7-32 Zone 13
Tel: 2332-3086. 2362-1264O. Airlines:
American 23371177 2331-7468
Continental 2366-9985
Delta 2337-0642 2360-7954 to 56
Grupo Taca 2334-7722 2361-5812
Iberia 2332-0911
KLM 2367-6179 to 83 2337-4806
Lufthansa 2336-5526
Mexicana 2333-6001
United 2336-9900P. Newspapers: Spanish language papers; Prensa Libre, Siglo 21 and Nuestro Diario may be purchased in the Parque Central.
Q. Hairdressers etc.:
Ellis (Sala de Belleza), 4th story inside Mont Blanc, Zone 3. Men/Women - Cuts, manicures, perms, coloring, streaks, treatments, various products etc.
SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE - �X�y�C���ꎫ���K�C�h - SPANISH TEACHER & HOST FAMILY FROM QUETZALTENANGO - TEACH SPANISH / HOST A STUDENT IN QUETZALTENANGO - LEARN ABOUT GUATEMALA & QUETZALTENANGO (XELA) - SPANISH TEACHING METHODOLOGY - FAQ ABOUT CONEXION XELA - AFTERNOON CULTURAL ACTIVITIES - SPANISH LEARNING TIPS - WEEKEND TRIPS AROUND QUETZALTENANGO - CONEXION XELA INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION - ABOUT CONEXION XELA - DISCOUNTED AIRFARE TO GUATEMALA - INTERNET RESOURCES ON GUATEMALA & QUETZALTENANGO - REGISTRATION - CONEXION XELA SITE MAP