Can't wait to start your lesson? Then, say ¡Hola! to our teachers!

Why don't you get to know our teachers before coming to Xela? Calling Guatemala is not as expensive as you think with the use of internet telephony services like Skype or Voipstunt. For example, their rates are only US$0.15 and US$0.11 per minute. The 15 minutes Spanish lesson on the phone is offered for $10 and 30 minutes lesson is offered for $20. Or you can write to our teacher for $5. Let us know who you want to call or write to and we'll send you his/her phone number, best time to call and payment instruction.

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Why do you like teaching Spanish and k'iche?
Not like Spanish, K'iche language has writing system that doesn't correspond with its pronounciation and it has other peculiarities. I like teaching that. Also I like teaching this language because ever though it has been one of the major language in Guatemala, it has been looked down as a minority language and it has very little influence in the public. I like teaching K'iche for the sake of next generation too.

What are the challenges of being a Spanish and k'iche teacher?
To teach K'iche well, I need to be on top of K'iche grammar. I need to make sure that my student will be able to write in addition to speak K'iche with solid general terminologies.

How do you make your class interesting?
I make sure that my student don't leave my class wondering with unanswered questions. I ask my student to ask questions and do his research to become familiar with grammar. We start by conversation and readings, and will get into translation too. We play games and visit rural communities where K'iche is more widely used. I expect my student to take initiative to do her homework to make our class better.

How was your favorite student?
My favorite student is the one that pushes himself. She needs to have her questions ready to ask and needs to practice and self-monitor her accent.

What do you do to grow as a professional and person?
Various. I climb mountains, walk in forrest, study philosophy, study K'iche teaching techniques with my colleagues and guide tours. And I enjoy having deep conversations with people from different culture because I think it really helps me grow as a person.

What is the best of Xela?
The best of Xela would be the diversity in languages. For example: Spanish, K'iche, Mam, Ixil, Zutujil, Pocomam, Achi, Kaqchikael, etc.

What would you do if you have only one more week of life?
I would goto a beach and swim against waves. Then I will walk through forest and volcanos. After my death, I'd like to be cremated in some mountains.

What were you doing 15 years ago?
I was attending a middle school in Triangulo Ixil.

What will you be doing in 15 years down the road?
I don't know. I would be spending my weekends in a home in a country side with my family. Or I might be traveling with them.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?
My mother has helped me by offering lots of advices like I need to be kind with others and to have good daily routines. She has passed away but what she taught me is what I live by now.

What is the Guatemala's biggest social issue?
Corruption that are seen everywhere.

What do you propose to solve the Guatemala's problems?
We all need to be different and begin fighting against corruption by doing what we can. It's difficult but each of us needs to contribute his or her share to solve this problem.

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Can't wait to start your lesson? Then, say ¡Hola! to our teachers!

Why don't you get to know our teachers before coming to Xela? Calling Guatemala is not as expensive as you think with the use of internet telephony services like Skype or Voipstunt. For example, their rates are only US$0.15 and US$0.11 per minute. The 15 minutes Spanish lesson on the phone is offered for $10 and 30 minutes lesson is offered for $20. Or you can write to our teacher for $5. Let us know who you want to call or write to and we'll send you his/her phone number, best time to call and payment instruction.