Ratings and Comments for Casa Xelaju
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Student ratings for Casa Xelaju
Overall Ratings:
Evaluation from sjones:
Evaluation from fmiller:
Every student should study abroad. The personal growth that I have undergone in the past month is tremendous.
Evaluation from vsharris:
I now see life from a different perspective and I have a greater appreciation for the local culture, people, and language.
Evaluation from rjackson:
When I arrived, I was not sure of what to expect. I am more than satisfied. I found the instruction to be precisely what I needed.
Evaluation from kpthomas:
My time here has been both challenging and fulfilling. This program is both professional and comprehensive.
Evaluation from bjpenttila:
I attended Casa Xelaju three times between 2009 and 2013. The instruction has always been excellent and comparable to much more expensive schools I have attended in Ecuador and Argentina. I would recommend Casa Xelaju to any serious Spanish student. Studying in Xela avoids the over-touristy atmosphere of Antigua and the Lago Atitlan area.
Evaluation from scottynugget:
I spent one week at Casa Xelaju (I was going to stay 2, but after one decided I was done), and I also took a trip to Tikal organized through the school. I had been impressed with their website, and thought they had a lot of interesting options and extras. The school was very crowded when I was there in July--about 90 students. The staff was obviously overworked, and they made it clear that we shouldn't bother them unless absolutely necessary. I also had requested morning classes multiple times so I could volunteer in the afternoon; they gave me afternoon classes with no explanation or apology. I felt like they were much more interested in my dollars than my experience, and the staff was unhelpful--at times unfriendly. The trip I took with Casa Xelaju was also a disaster--they overcharged my friend and I (and have yet to return the balance of $60 despite many requests), and gave us confused and contradictory information multiple times regarding where we were staying, what times our flights were leaving/returning, which meals were included in our travel package, etc. Despite the fact that I speak Spanish quite well, we never got a clear answer--we ended up having to continually clarify what our trip itinerary was at each step along the way. The problem wasn't communication--it was basic organization and management. Despite these negatives, I did really like my teacher--he was knowledgeable, patient, and I enjoyed our class time very much. I also LOVED my family. They were very welcoming, generous, inclusive and fun, and I felt like part of their family. Overall, I would recommend against Casa Xelaju (especially during the high season) when there are so many other good schools to choose from, and DO NOT use them as a travel agency!!!
Evaluation from bstudent:
The school does not have a curriculum and lessons can be very unstructured and haphazard. Many of the claims made on the website are not accurate. However, the facilities are nice and my homestay was excellent.
Evaluation from sofia123:
I spent six weeks studying Spanish at casa Xelaju. My teacher, Maria, was wonderful I recommend this School if you really want to learn or improve your Spanish . Please see their Video program http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3798140688159377975&q=Spanish+Immersion+Program+For+High+School+Students+End+Teens...+&ei=AWlISPKZOpy2rAKgyJC0DA&hl=eN
Evaluation from susana_mejia-bustos:
Great school!!!! Didn't spend much time with the family - unfortunate.
Evaluation from danawilsey:
I have had an INCREDIBLE experience at Casa Xelajú, and you can take my word because I studied there for ten weeks! My teacher, Anabella, was unbelievable and worth recommending!!! There are daily activities offered to the students (salsa classes, small hikes, and weekend trips to other cities and ruins)! I even lived in the apartments and I think I might have been the most comfortable person in the city (with wifi AND hot showers). The school is right in the center of Xela, and the instruction is one on one. I couldn't recommend it any more than I do!
Evaluation from dionoreilly:
Evaluation from awariebi:
I studied Spanish at Casa Xelaju for 6 weeks last summer. It was one of the best experiences ever! The school staff is very sweet and go above and beyond to make your stay there feel like home. I took classes 5 days a week from 8-1pm which may seem daunting, but actually helped my Spanish to improve ALOT. It's also especially helpful since you won't find too many Guatemalans who are proficient in English. My teacher Judith was very good at teaching the language, and we often mixed up our routine by spending some classes exploring the beautiful city of Xela. Casa Xelaju also placed me with a host family that was incredible. I would definitely recommend doing a home stay especially since many of the families have worked with Casa Xelaju for several years. After school and on the weekends Casa Xelaju organized activities for us which usually involved traveling to other parts of the country. The school staff that accompanied us to these activities were very well informed and not to mention lots of fun! Casa Xelaju also offers students the opportunity to volunteer at a local school called La Pedrera. Definitely take advantage of this! I had some of the best times working with the students, who were very excited to spend time with us. Casa Xelaju really does offer its students a genuine and unforgettable experience in Guatemala!
Evaluation from tecun1955:
Having only a 4th grade Spanish level of "Hola, me llamo Jose", my tutor had a lot of work to do. I really wanted to learn Spanish, but I was not certain if I could at my age. My tutor's style was so reassuring that she made it easy to learn Spanish. I looked forward to going to all my classes and spending time with her. Within a very short time, everyone was commenting on how much my Spanish had improved!
Evaluation from Lees2015:
Casa Xelajú is the best school in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Teachers and families have very much experience for the student to enjoy your time, learn and practice your Spanish. It also has a new methodology to teach special courses OPI, DELE, FSI, K'iche program, MAM program, Spanish on skype, Spanish Immersion Program, among others. My time at Casa Xelaju was excellent and I want to return soon! Visit www.casaxelaju.com and www.casaxelaju.com/rent
Evaluation from sarahcooper2093:
I studied Spanish at Casa Xelaju for 3 weeks last January. It was one of the best experiences ever! The school staff is very sweet and go above and beyond to make your stay there feel like home. I took classes 5 days a week from 8-1pm which may seem daunting, but actually helped my Spanish to improve by many levels. My teacher Judith was very good, sweet and professional at teaching the language, and we often mixed up our routine by spending some classes exploring the beautiful city of Xela. Casa Xelaju also placed me with a host family that was incredible. I would definitely recommend doing a home stay especially since many of the families have worked with Casa Xelaju for several years. After school and on the weekends Casa Xelaju organized activities for us which usually involved traveling to other parts of the country. The school staff that accompanied us to these activities were very well informed and not to mention lots of fun! Definitely take advantage of this! I had some of the best times working with the students, who were very excited to spend time with us. Casa Xelaju really does offer its students a genuine and unforgettable experience in Guatemala!
Evaluation from realsaviola:
I noticed that Casa Xelaju was well organized since day one. I volunteered for 6 weeks at "Proyecto La Pedrera". I had a great experience there working with kids. I highly recommend Casa Xelaju and Proyecto La Pedrera
Evaluation from justinb:
I spent just under 6 weeks studying at Casa Xelaju and I had a wonderful time. My teacher (Judith) was amazing. I was preparing to take the CSET tests in California. Every day we would talk a little in the morning to get warmed up. After that we would start in with grammar exercises. I was also taking an online course through a community college in my home town, we talked a lot about my homework and read some of the material I had to work on together. There is an activity at the school every day and I really enjoyed the ones I participated in. I would whole-heartedly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning Spanish and spending some time in a lovely town in Guatemala.
Evaluation from limaso:
We loved Casa Xelajú! My husband and I studied here for 2 weeks with Marlen and Lucia and we had a great time! I was studying to take the Spanish OPI and I took the test immediately after we got back from Quetzaltenango. I passed with flying colors! I achieved the proficiency of Advanced Mid when before I was receiving Intermediate High. The staff was friendly got to know us very well and the activities at the school were amazing!
Popular Phrase: gustar verb | Free Spanish Podcasts | Conjugated Verb: diseñar - to design [ click for full conjugation ]
I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent here. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly.