FAQ about Celas Maya

General Info about Celas Maya Spanish School

1. Can I call Celas Maya by phone or by Skype?
   • Yes, you can call us via telephone at: (502) 7765-8205 or via Skype: celasmaya

2. When and how should I make a reservation?
   • You can make your reservation whenever you decide that you want to study with us. To reserve your place, fill out our online enrollment form: CELAS MAYA ENROLLMENT FORM
   • Advance registration gives us time to pair you with the teacher and family that we think will be the best match for you according to your interests and preferences. If you book 3 weeks on beforehand, it is enough time, but we can also accept last minute reservations!

3. How do I pay a registration fee?
   • For students who register in advance online, a US$49.00 registration fee is required. Registration is available online via our online enrollment form. The payment of the registration fee can be completed safely through our website.
   • Payment of the registration fee guarantees a space for the applicant and gives us time to make the best match possible between the new student and the teacher and host family. The fee also helps to cover the maintenance of the web page, promotion, brochures, mailings, phone calls and other general expenses. Students who choose not to register in advance are welcome to visit our office for registration; space is granted on an as-available basis.

4. Do I register by the week or is there a longer period to register?
   • If you are certain about the amount of time that you want to study with us, we encourage you to sign up for a Complete or Specialized Course. If you are not sure, you can enroll for a Weekly Course.

5. Where exactly is CELAS MAYA located?
   • Celas Maya is located at 6a. Calle 14-55 Zona 1, Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala 09001
   • Celas Maya is located 3 blocks west of Central Park

6. Is Celas Maya a cooperative or collective?
   • Celas Maya is an establishment that is managed by its founding members.

7. What are the holiday days that the school does not work?
   • Celas Maya offers classes all year long; however, we do observe 3 holidays and are closed for: Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year´s Eve.
   • Students can stay with their homestays during holidays even when the school is closed.

8. How long has the Spanish school CELAS MAYA been in operation?
   • Celas Maya was founded in February 1999. All of our permanent teachers have 4 to 20 years of experience. Our school maintains a very good reputation, as we have the satisfaction of having had thousands of students participate in our different programs.

9. Is the CELAS MAYA Spanish School registered in the Ministry of Education of Guatemala?
   • Yes we are.

10. I prefer to stay in a hotel. Can you make arrangements for me?
    • Yes, there are plenty of hotels in Xela (Quetzaltenango), from low-cost hostels to high-end hotels, and we’d be happy to make a reservation for you. Just let us know what kind of accommodation you’re looking for and what your budget is.
    • We also have an on-site Guesthouse called, El Puente, here at the school. Email us for more info: info@celasmaya.edu.gt

11. What else can I do to prepare for my trip?
    • Once students register at our online enrollment page, we send an information packet with everything you need to know about what to bring and how to prepare for a great trip. You can also work on your Spanish in advance by taking online lessons with us; you can study through Skype face to face with one of our teachers. Check our website: https://www.celasmaya.edu.gt/spanish-courses-online/
    • General tips for preparing for your trip:
      
      • Remember to pack light; you will have access to laundromats whenever you need them and we have weekly laundry service at the school each Wednesday.
      • The rainy season is from May to November, in which most days it rains for a few hours.
      • Bring a rain jacket, rain boots/shoes, and umbrella and a flashlight.
      • Temperature drops to low 30s but it can feel like mid 20s because of altitude, houses have no heat or great insulation. During the day it is very hot and sunny. Bring clothes you can layer, at least one heavy sweater, a fleece, a jacket.
      • If you plan on doing some hikes, bring gear for that.
      • If you plan on going to the lake or the beach bring clothes for warm weather as well. Guatemala is amazing when it comes to weather in different regions, you can travel about an hour from Xela and be at the beach or you can hike and temperature can feel like 20 or less.
      • We have cobble stone streets and so rolling suitcases are not recommended, try to pack light since you will be walking from Celas Maya to your homestay when you arrive.
      • Bring any medications you may need (especially if you have allergies and/or suffer from motion sickness).
      • Bring a towel for activities such as hot springs, etc. (If you are staying with a homestay, there is no need to bring sheets, pillows, or a towel for bathing).
      • One or two large bags with handles (for laundry).
      • Flip-flops for the shower.
      • Small backpack or drawstring bag for hiking, trips, everyday use.
      • Sunscreen .
      • A small mirror (sometimes home stays don’t have one).
      • Bring something to take notes with (pen, pencil, highlighters, etc.).
      • Bring comfortable shoes for walking (you will be walking a lot and Xela has cobblestone streets).
      • Bring a bathing suit (you may go to the lake or the beach while here).
      • Bring your camera and batteries/charger if needed.
      • Do not exchange more than $50 at the airport; rates are not the best there. So wait until you get to Xela, where you can use your ATM card or exchange dollars if you have them.
      • Celas Maya has Wi-Fi. If you do bring your laptop and/or smartphone, you can use it at most restaurants/coffee shops as well.
      • If you would like to buy a present for your host family, you can bring something for the house or you can wait till you come and buy them flowers, take them out to lunch, etc. A lot of families like things that have to do with where you are from.
      • If you have any allergies (dust, pets, fabrics, etc.) please let Celas Maya know so that we can make all the necessary arrangements or if you have any dietary needs.
      • The ride from Guatemala City to Xela will be about 4-5 hours, if you suffer from motion sickness bring your medication.
      • Banks are no longer changing traveler’s checks. You can bring a credit/debit card and use it at the ATMs here, please call your bank and let them know you will be in Guatemala and specify the dates to them.

Classes at Celas Maya

1. What is the schedule of the classes?
   • We have a morning schedule from 8:00am-1:00pm and afternoon schedule from 2:00pm-7:00pm.

2. What will my one-on-one classes be like?
   • Before starting your first class you will have orientation (in English) with our International Student Coordinator to go over important information regarding your studies and stay here in Xela. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. After orientation you will be introduced to your teacher.
   • During your first class you will be evaluated to determine your approximate Spanish level according to the CEFRL (levels A1-C2).
   • Your teacher will then create a plan with you for the week according to your level and also in line with your interests and goals for your studies.
   • Your weekly plan is based on 5 areas of Spanish study:
     
     • Oral Interaction
     • Oral Expression
     • Listening Comprehension
     • Reading Comprehension
     • Written Expression
   • Your teacher will utilize different types of resources and will plan various activities with differing evaluations for each area to ensure that you are progressing at a satisfactory speed.

3. Can I follow my university’s program?
   • Yes, just send us the program of your university course.

4. Can I request a specialized course with specialized vocabulary?
   • All of our teachers have at least some university courses. Some of them have degrees in fields as diverse as psychology, food science, and pedagogy. We can assign the teacher(s) that best suit your needs. We also have teachers who volunteer with a medical clinic, so classes can include a component of medical vocabulary (with a specialized textbook) and role-playing of clinical situations. In addition, we can help you contact organizations and people that can give you information or volunteer opportunities according to your experience and training.

5. Can I have classes on Saturday and / or Sunday?
   • Most students study Monday through Friday but it is possible to also study on the weekends although you may have a different teacher for your weekend classes.

6. Can I receive college credits for my studies at Celas Maya?
   • Yes, because of the quality of CELAS MAYA, many universities accept our certificates and grant University Credits, which can be either a Certificate issued by Celas Maya or a University of Guatemala. Here is the process:
     
     • Ask your college if they accept our credits (we can send you a personalized letter if necessary. To request the letter, contact us at: info@celasmaya.edu.gt)
     • Send us the program of your course.
     • We adapt your course to the program.
     • You accumulate a grade for class attendance and course work and at the end you will have a final exam.
     • All documentation is sent to your university.
     • The credits issued by the Guatemalan university are sent with the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

7. Can you accommodate large groups of students?
   • We have the experience and administrative capacity to host large groups of students to study Spanish. Each year, CELAS Maya hosts groups of students from different universities and organizations:
     
     • University of Virginia, USA
     • University of St. John’s and College of St. Benedict, USA
     • University of Colorado, USA
     • Duke University, USA
     • Utrecht University, Holland
     • Jefferson University, USA
     • JICA, Japan
     • GPSA, USA
   • For large groups, we can arrange homestays with two or three students per family, and communicate with a group leader prior to the group’s arrival to plan special activities. Airport pick-up service and practical services such as laundry can also be arranged. Write us at info@celasmaya.edu.gt to ask about possibilities for high school and university credits.

8. Do I have to start my course on Monday or can I start on any day of the week?
   • It is best to try to start your course on a Monday but if it is not possible you can start classes on another day although you may be scheduled in the afternoon for the first week if starting on a day other than Monday.

9. How often do language courses start and how long do they last?
   • Because lessons are one-on-one, you can start your lessons any day of the week, though we prefer that you begin on a Monday. If you start mid-week, we’ll likely schedule you in the afternoon for your first partial week. The length of the courses depends on how much time you have available to commit to language acquisition. Students let us know each week if they will continue the following week via our Weekly Evaluation, and payment is made weekly, so it’s fine to be unsure of how long you’ll study here. Most students stay about 3 to 5 weeks, but others stay 2 to 5 months. Often students study for a few weeks and later come back after doing some travelling.

10. Do you have programs for children?
    • We have had many families come to CELAS Maya, and we’re glad to arrange one-on-one instruction for children with teachers who are experienced in working with children and young people. We recognize that Spanish learning must be enjoyable to be effective for students of all ages. For children especially, classes are designed to make learning Spanish fun, with games and excursions incorporated into the program.

11. Do you have classes for beginners with little or no prior knowledge in Spanish?
    • Many of our students have no previous knowledge of Spanish. Our teachers have the training and the experience to teach beginners and the total immersion system allows you to learn Spanish very quickly. We have a Spanish/English translator as part of our staff, who will be glad to help you communicate if you have any questions for the administration.

12. How is the syllabus since the classes are one-on-one?
    • We follow the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) with levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
    • Your personalized course plan will follow your appropriate level according to the CEFRL.

13. Is it possible to have 3 or 4 hours per day?
    • Study schedules of less than five hours a week are possible; we have schedules of 10, 15, and 20 hours. If you study fewer than 25 hours, you will probably be scheduled in the afternoon, between the hours of 2:00pm-7:00pm.

Teachers at Celas Maya

1. Do you have teachers who can teach around issues similar to social work?
   • All of our teachers have knowledge of the social issues that are salient in Guatemalan society. Some of them also have experience in social work.

2. Can I change my teacher if we do not get along?
   • Yes, if you are not comfortable with your teacher we can switch you to another one. Just come by the office and we will make the necessary arrangements.

3. Can I have the same teacher I worked with when I was in Xela last time?
   • Yes, if that teacher is available, we are happy to schedule you with a requested teacher.

Materials for Classes

1. Do I need to buy textbooks and a dictionary?
   • Celas Maya has a large library with textbooks, dictionaries, and novels, all of which are available to both teachers and students. However, if you do have some materials that you would like to use, please feel free to bring them. We also encourage students whose first language is other than English to bring their own dictionary. If at the end of your stay you would like to donate your books, we will be glad to accept them.

2. Do I need to carry my laptop or electronic devices?

Some students find it helpful to have a laptop or tablet for doing homework, etc. but it is not required for your course.

Exams at Celas Maya

1. How do I sign up for a DELE exam?
   • Celas Maya Spanish School offers the DELE-exam, to obtain the only official and internationally recognized Spanish diploma; the ‘Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE), issued by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of the Spanish Ministry for Education and Social Policy. The exam takes place several times a year. In 2018, the exams take place on February 9^th, April 6^th, May 18^th & 19^th , July 13^th, September 14^th, October 5^th, and November 9^th & 10^th at Celas Maya Spanish School. The exam comes in 6 different levels; you can choose which one is appropriate for you: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2.
   • Come to the Celas Maya office for more information, or visit our web page regarding DELE exams: https://www.celasmaya.edu.gt/dele/.
   • In order to enroll for a DELE Exam, you need to fill out an application and submit it along with a copy of your passport and complete payment of the exam. This process can be done via email. To request a DELE Application or for more information, please contact us at: info@celasmaya.edu.gt

2. How much does a DELE exam cost?
   • Prices for 2024 DELE Exams

The costs vary according to the levels, which are detailed in the following Link:

Price 2024

3. How do I sign up for a SIELE exam?
   • You can book your SIELE Exam at the following link: BOOK YOUR SIELE EXAM

4. How much does a SIELE exam cost?
   • The cost for a SIELE exam is between 55-145 EUR, depending on the exam that you choose.

SIELE Global = 145 EUR

• Reading Comprehension
• Listening Comprehension
• Written Expression and Interaction
• Oral Expression and Interaction

S1 = 55 EUR

• Reading Comprehension
• Listening Comprehension

S2 = 75 EUR

• Reading Comprehension
• Written Expression and Interaction

S3 = 85 EUR

• Listening Comprehension
• Oral Expression and Interaction

S4 = 70 EUR

• Oral Expression and Interaction

Volunteering through Celas Maya

1. Volunteer work, how does it work?
   • If you are interested in doing volunteer work, we can provide you with a complimentary consultation to help find the organization that is right for you and we can plan everything for you from there.
   • If volunteering while taking Spanish classes at Celas Maya, there is an additional fee of Q500 per week, which covers administrative costs and includes a weekly donation to the volunteer site.
   • If volunteering without taking Spanish classes at Celas Maya there is a weekly cost of Q1125 per week.

Activities at Celas Maya

1. What is the program of activities?
   • Our program of activities changes every week and we have activities both during the week and on the weekends.
   • Typical weekly activities include:
     
     • Movie nights (Spanish films) with free hot chocolate
     • Cooking classes (typical Guatemalan dishes such as tortillas, tamales, chocolate etc.)
     • Cultural conferences (i.e., Maya Cosmo vision, Guatemalan Typical Clothing, etc.)
     • Yoga classes
     • Salsa classes
     • Guitar classes
     • Zip-lining
     • Volcano hikes
     • Coffee plantation tours
     • Tours of textile plants (traditional Guatemalan textiles)
     • Bicycle tours
     • Themed Graduation parties – every Friday night for the students that are graduating from their program (example of themes: talent show, traditional Guatemalan dinner, pasta night, salad night, pastry night, etc,)
     • Beach trips
     • Tours of local towns
     • Church tours
     • Market tours
     • Famous cemetery tours
     • Group soccer games
     • Trips to natural sulfur hot springs
     • Trips to natural saunas
     • Trips to the largest Water Park in Central America, Xocomil

…to name a few.

2. Are the activities planned during the school week done in groups?
   • The activities are planned for the students, so all of them are done in groups. Some also include the participation of teachers.

Homestay with Celas Maya

1. What will my host family be like?
   • The living conditions of an average family are equivalent to a working class U.S. family. Based on your needs & preferences we will match you with a family that is most compatible.
   • Our host families have been receiving students for many years and enjoy the cultural exchange from hosting foreign students.
   • You will have your own private room and most likely a shared bathroom.
   • You will receive 3 meals per day, 7 days per week with your host family.
   • Your homestay will be within walking distance from the school.

2. How far from the school are the host families?
   • All of our homestays are within walking distance (30 seconds – 15 minutes on foot) from the school in Zone 1 of the city.

3. When I get to the city, should I go to school or to my host family’s house?
   • Because we like to give our students a small introduction to the school and some recommendations, we prefer that you come directly to the school. Once you are here, we will have the host family pick you up at the school.

4. Can my host family provide vegetarian meals?
   • Yes, we receive many vegetarians, vegans, and students with specific dietary needs. Just let us know in your enrollment form.

5. Can you place me with a host family that has children?
   • Yes, we do our best to meet all student requests. If you have a preference such as a host family with children, simply include this request in your enrollment form.

6. Will my host family provide access to the Internet?
   • Not all host families have internet in their home. If you need Wi-Fi at your homestay, please mention this preference on your enrollment form and we will arrange a homestay that has Wi-Fi for you at no extra cost.

7. I’m allergic to cats. Can you place me in a home without pets?
   • Just make sure that you mention this preference on your enrollment form.

8. Will my host family provide laundry service?
   • Celas Maya offers a laundry service on Wednesdays. You may bring your laundry at 8am and pick it up at 1pm. It costs Q14 per load, which you can pay when you pick up the laundry. Please bring exact change; we generally aren’t able to break large bills. If two machines are required to wash all your clothes, that constitutes two loads which costs Q28, for example. We ask you to either use this service or take your clothes to a lavandería (laundromat) rather than washing them at your host family’s home.

9. Can the host family receive me the weekend before school starts?
   • Normal move-in day is Sunday before you begin school. However, we can arrange for the family to host you as many days before this as you need for only Q71 (approx. $9 USD) per night. Please be sure to indicate that you need this service before you arrive, so that the family can prepare to receive you.

10. Can I change my host family if I do not like the place?
    • Yes, if you are not comfortable with your host family we can switch you to another one. Just come by the office and we will make the necessary arrangements.

11. Can I request a specific host family with which a friend of mine has stayed with and recommended?
    • Yes, if that host family is available, we are happy to reserve a specific host family for you.

12. I’m traveling with a friend and we would like to stay together in the same house. Is this possible?
    • Yes, you can certainly stay with the same host family as your friend. Just specify this request in your enrollment and let us know if you’d like separate rooms or a shared one.

13. If I live with a host family, will I have a private room or will I have to share my room with other students?
    • Host families provide a private room for each student.

14. I travel in a car or motorcycle; will my host family have a garage to put my vehicle in?
    • If your host family does not have space, we can make arrangements for you to store your vehicle in the school’s garage. Just let us know in advance so that we can make sure there is space.

Cost/Payment

1. I would like to know how much Spanish tuition costs without the host family.
   • For more info you can contact us through the e-mail: info@celasmaya.edu.gt

2. Do I have to pay a registration fee?
   • For students who register in advance online, a US$49.00 registration fee is required. Registration is available online via our online ENROLLMENT FORM. The payment of the registration fee can be completed safely through our website.
   • Payment of the registration fee guarantees a space for the applicant and gives us time to make the best match possible between the new student and the teacher and host family. The fee also helps to cover the maintenance of the web page, promotion, brochures, mailings, phone calls and other general expenses. Students who choose not to register in advance are welcome to visit our office for registration; space is granted on an as-available basis.

3. Why is CELAS MAYA a bit more expensive than other schools?
   • CELAS MAYA is one of the most expensive Spanish schools in Quetzaltenango for several reasons:
     
     • We pay our teachers and host families well.
     • We are the only school in the city certified by Instituto Cervantes of Spain and an Accredited Testing Center for the internationally recognized DELE and SIELE Exams.
     • Top quality coffee.
     • Fast Wi-Fi.
     • Certified tour guides that in charge of the activities.
     • Our central location.
     • Our high-quality facilities that are perfect for learning, with beautiful gardens and a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
   • But what really justifies our price are the high quality courses, with well-trained and experienced teachers that guarantee a return on your investment.

4. How can I pay for my course? Do you accept credit cards?
   • At Celas Maya you can pay your tuition with a debit or credit card with an 8% fee.
   • If you prefer to pay in cash you can take out cash from an ATM. The daily limit for ATMs is Q2000 per card, per day.
   • If you have a VISA card you can take out cash at the BAC bank in Central Park. You will need your passport for this transaction and you can take out up to Q3900 per day. You would need to go inside the bank and see a teller to do this type of transaction.
   • You can also exchange USD at some banks. The monthly limit is $500 and the yearly limit is $1500. You will need your passport for this transaction.
   • Contact us for more specific information about payments at: info@celasmaya.edu.gt

5. How can I pay for my online lessons?

You can pay for online lessons securely through our website with either a credit or debit card.

Transportation

1. If I book the pick-up service at the airport, how will I recognize the person who finds me at the airport?
   • There will be a representative of the school waiting just outside the airport exit with a sign with your name on it.

2. How do I organize transportation after my studies?
   • We can help you organize your transportation after your studies. Just come by our office and we can help you arrange everything and/or make recommendations.

3. Do I need to spend the night in Guatemala City when I arrive?
   • If your flight arrives after 11:30 AM we recommend staying the night in Guatemala City with Patricia’s Bed and Breakfast or Villa Toscana. The reason is that if you can’t make the 12:30 PM bus, the next bus for Xela leaves at 3:00 PM, which means that you will arrive after our school closes and at night. So it is better if your flight arrives too late to take the 12:30 PM to stay in Guatemala city for the night and then take a bus first thing the following morning to arrive in Xela during the day and so we can arrange for your host family to pick you up from the school.

4. Where do I get off the bus?
   • You should wait until the bus arrives at the terminal to get off. Taxis are generally available at the bus stations or you can request ahead of time for Celas Maya to arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Here is the address of the school: Celas Maya is at 6a calle 14-55 Zona 1, three blocks to the west of Parque Central.

FAQ about Xela (Quetzaltenango)

1. Are there ATMs that I can use while in Xela?
   • There are many ATMs in Xela that you can use to take out cash. The daily limit for ATMs is Q2000 per card, per day. We recommend using ATMs that are inside of buildings as opposed to the ones that are on the street. There is a mini supermarket 2 blocks from the school with ATMs inside.

2. What is the weather like in Xela (Quetzaltenango)?
   • Xela has an altitude of around 2,300 metres / 7,545 feet above sea level, in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. Although the daytime climate can be mild, the temperature often drops to freezing, especially in the winter months and evenings, and early mornings can be cool at any time.
   • Xela has two seasons: rainy and the dry. The rainy season is from May to November, with heavy rainfall lasting two to three hours occurring daily, typically in the late afternoon. During the dry season, which is from December to May, there is often no rainy weather at all in the region for several months. Overall, the city’s climate is referred to as temperate, with warm days and cold nights.

3. How do I get to Quetzaltenango from the airport?

• Transportation from the airport
  
  Guatemala City is 200 km away. from Quetzaltenango, the city where we are located. Therefore, we can organize your transportation from the airport to your host family´s house or Celas Maya. This is how it works: David, our representative, would be waiting for you at the airport, with a sign with your name written on it. He would then take you to the bus station. This bus usually takes about 4 hours to get to our city. At the Quetzaltenango station, one of our representatives would be waiting for you, with a sign with your name written on it. He would then take you to the host family´s house or the school, depending on the time you arrive.If your flight arrives after 2pm to Guatemala City, you need to stay one night in Guatemala City, so David, instead of transferring you to the bus station, would take you to the hostel where you will have a reserved room. The next day, the taxi driver would take you to the bus station. The cost of this service is $ 50.00 USD or $ 100.00 USD if you need to stay one night in the capital. This amount must be paid along with your registration.The third option is, if you arrive in Guatemala before 5pm, David could personally drive you from the airport, to your host family´s house, hotel, or AirB & B in Xela. The cost of this service is $ 150.00 USD.

4. Where can I play sports or exercise?
   • Celas Maya provides many opportunities to be active as part of our regular schedule of activities with hikes, dancing, yoga, and soccer matches.
   • If you are interested in going to a gym or fitness classes while you are here, we can help you with suggestions of where to go in the office.

5. What is there to do for entertainment in Xela?
   • Apart from our Weekly Activities at Celas Maya, students will find lots ways to be entertained while they are here. In Xela we have cafes, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, shopping malls, fitness classes, theatrical performances, musical events, and much more.

6. In what part of Xela will I stay?
   • Celas Maya and all of our homestays are located in Zone 1 of the city.

7. Is there zika, malaria, or Chingunguña in Xela?
   • There is no need to worry about these illnesses if travelling to high-altitude areas such as Guatemala City, Xela, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, where there are no mosquitos.

8. Is Xela safe for travelers?
   • While it is always important to take proper safety precautions, Xela is a friendly city for students and travelers to come to.
   • We give safety recommendations in our Welcome Packet and also during our new student orientation.

FAQ about Guatemala

General Info about Guatemala

1. Will my phone work Guatemala?
   • Your phone will most likely work in Guatemala but it would probably be expensive to use your regular service internationally unless you have a special international plan.
   • We recommend that you either arrange an international plan with your phone company before your departure, purchase a SIM card once you are here (make sure your phone is ¨unlocked¨), or purchase a cheap ¨frijolito¨ phone to use while you are here.
   • If you get a Guatemalan SIM card or purchase a phone here in Guatemala, you can reload minutes as you go. You can purchase ¨saldo¨ at any tienda.

2. Do I need a visa to get into Guatemala?
   • Most likely no. North Americans and citizens of most European countries can enter Guatemala without a visa and stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days. They get their passports stamped at the airport or border crossing upon entry to Guatemala. If you are in doubt, you can visit the website of the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry and check the entry requirements for citizens of your home country at the following link: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

3. What official document can I obtain with my studies in Guatemala?
   • Each student that studies at Celas Maya receives a certificate at the end of their course.
   • Students can request a letter of enrollment from Celas Maya that is a document stating the details of your course that you completed.

Students can take a DELE or SIELE exam through Celas Maya, which are internationally recognized.

Money

1. What is the best way to get access to my money from Guatemala?
   • Many stores here only take Quetzals in cash. At Celas Maya you can pay your tuition with a debit or credit card with an 8% fee.
   • If you prefer to pay in cash you can take out cash from an ATM. The daily limit for ATMs is Q2000 per card, per day.
   • If you have a VISA card you can take out cash at the BAC bank in Central Park. You will need your passport for this transaction and you can take out up to Q3900 per day. You would need to go inside the bank and see a teller to do this type of transaction.
   • You can also exchange USD at some banks. The monthly limit is $500 and the yearly limit is $1500. You will need your passport for this transaction.
   • Contact us for more specific information about payments at: info@celasmaya.edu.gt

2. How much spending cash should I budget??
   • If you are on a tight budget you should be able to get by on about $50-$75 a week. With that you will easily be able to participate in all the school-organized activities, and still have money for snacks or coffee once in a while. However, if you are someone who likes going out to cafes or bars often or if you are planning on doing a lot of travel on your own on the weekends you will need a little more than that.

3. Will I need cash?
   • Yes, you will need cash in Quetzales for most things.

Health

1. Should I have health insurance?
   • Yes, you should acquire international health insurance before leaving your home country.

2. Do I need vaccinations for my stay in Xela?
   • Although no vaccinations are required to visit Guatemala, we strongly encourage you to consult your physician and visit your local travel clinic to learn about recommended vaccinations for travel in Guatemala.
   • Excellent information is available on the US Center for Disease Control website, http://www.cdc.gov/travel. However, please do not use this information as a substitute for consulting a physician.

3. Do I have to take malaria pills while I am in Guatemala?
   • Malaria is not a threat in Xela, but it is a good idea to have a few weeks’ worth of anti-malarial pills in case you travel to the coast or lowlands. Chloroquine or Paludrine is the recommended type in Guatemala. But again, in the areas of Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Quetzaltenango and Chichicastenango, it is not necessary to use malaria medication. Only in the more tropical or coastal areas.

4. What if I get sick?
   • It is very common for foreigners to experience stomach problems while here. Even though families take precautions, you can still be sensitive to all the new bacteria. The most common problem is traveler’s diarrhea, but you can also easily pick up some friends in the form of parasites, amoebas, or other bacteria. Therefore it might not be a bad idea to come with a few anti-diarrheal pills (like Pepto Bismal), but you can also get those anywhere in Xela as well.

There is also always the risk of contracting a parasite here from the water or food you eat if it is not purified or properly cleaned. With the proper precautions, such as only drinking purified water, not eating food sold on the street in little food stands, and always washing your hands before you eat, you should be able to avoid this. However, in the event you do contract a parasite, we have an excellent doctor we work with who can give you a prescription that will clear it right up.