Testimonials

"Having the opportunity to travel to Guatemala and not only be immersed in the language at a school, but also experience the culture increased my understanding of different cultures and their lives. Since the trip I am feeling much more comfortable speaking Spanish with my students, fellow staff member and community members. Our school is working on a school wide book read on immigration, and I am looking forward to being able to work with our staff and students and share experience that I got while in Guatemala."

Mary Richmond - IB Coordinator, Colorado 2014 Cohort

"Wow! What an amazing experience! I got so much more comfortable speaking and understanding Spanish during our daily 1:1 lessons and conversations with program leaders and participants, plus met an amazing group of people, enjoyed a lovely homestay, went on lots of fun adventures, and learned about the history and culture of Guatemala. Steve plans an excellent set of experiences, and Blanca, Sory, and Luis guide the way through an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended!"

Dr. Joanne Morgan - First Grade Teacher, Massachusetts Cohort #8 (2022)

"My experience in Guatemala helped me to learn about empathy on a new level. Educators make a difference in the lives of their students, and I feel stronger than ever that as long as I am paying attention and seeing with this new lens, then the families who I serve will benefit. This experience has reinforced my belief that we are all in this together!!"

Lindsay Vanzant - Family Mentor, Early Head Start 2014 Cohort

"My Spanish improved, and the Mayan women's cooperative in particular was a highlight. That extra week (extension) made a world of difference to me. While there is still so much more to see, I felt like I had time that first week to get to know the city, and the extra time in Spanish lessons helped as well."

Marianne Kershaw - Secondary ESOL Teacher, Maryland 2015 Cohort 

"I feel like it made me more compassionate and opened me to understand better what many of our students go through to reach the US."

Martha Petty - Teacher Librarian at a Dual Immersion Elementary School Colorado 2014 Cohort

"The interaction with the Guatemalan family was very special. Home stay immersion programs are the best way to understand a culture, particularly when the host family is open! Overall, the experience was wonderful and I still think about it every day. It was memorable and I miss it!"

Tony Espinosa - Spanish Teacher and Native Spanish Speaker Fort Collins, CO 2018 Cohort

"My experience in Guatemala has shaped me to be more understanding of individuals from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds. My Spanish language skills have improved and will be extremely useful when communicating with students and parents. "

Ashley Clementz - Speech Language Pathologist, California 2015 Cohort

We truly believe that you won't get a better experience as an educator who is looking for an immersion experience in Guatemala. As you can see below, our past participants agree with us! "This was the most valuable PD experience I have had in my educational career."

Justin Phillips - Principal - San Diego (CA) Elementary School 2019 Cohort