If you would like to have a more concise idea about what experience awaits you studying at El Nahual, pleased read the 'personal experiences' of past students below. Please note that these students are happy for you to contact them with any questions or concerns you may have about coming to El Nahual. |
|
Name: Hanna Sanneuss |
"Before coming to Guatemala and Quetzaltenango, I knew that I wanted to work with children. Finding good, inexpensive language schools isn't hard but what made me chose El Nahual was their project “Manos de Colores”, an afternoon school for kids in the area. Knowing that the money I'm paying goes to support the community feels really good. This program couldn't continue without the help of its volunteers and the funds from the Spanish school. I've been combining studying in the mornings (8-12) with teaching English three days a week, which has been just great. I didn't have any experience teaching before but seeing the children so eager to learn is the best inspiration you can ask for. And I'm sure that the kids have taught me just as much as I have taught them. I'm really happy to have been a part of the work at El Nahual, and warmly recommend it to those searching for a project with a welcoming atmosphere and where you feel that you are a part of something important. " |
Name: Sarah Lemon |
" I'm an English as a second Language teacher in Vancouver Canada and have really enjoyed the time I've spent teaching the kids at Manos de Colores. In the two months that I've been here so far I have met a lot of great people who are new to teaching ESL and have tried hard to give them advice and pointers on teaching English to children. Myself and the other teachers at the program have been working on a teaching guide and curriculum for new volunteers so that there will be something to work from when you get here. As for El Nahual's Spanish language program I am thoroughly impressed with the level of instruction I have received and the progress I have been able to make with the help of my teachers as well as the staff at the school. The teachers and the director are highly dedicated to the students, improvement in their language skills, their happiness and their awareness of Guatemalan culture and history. " |
Name: Tommy Hickey |
"El Nahual, located in the outskirts of Quetzeltanengo, differes from the other Spanish schools in Xela that are all packed tightly within a 4 block radius of the Parque Central. In the mellow neighborhood of pacaja, the the school makes its presence felt by the multitude of social progams it offers to the community. Not only a great place to chill out and learn spansh, it ' s also the best place to give back to a community that definately will appreciate your help." |
Name: Mary Rose |
"When I first came to Xela and to El Nahual, I had no idea what to expect. In my two months here I have found a community of people devoted not only to expanding their own language skills and cross-cultural understanding but, even more importantly, to working side by side with the people of this community in the shared goal of improving education, increasing opportunities, and fostering social development. Coming to know my students through teaching art classes at La Cuchilla, I've been offered a brief glimpse into their lives and their worlds. Knowing them has only reaffirmed my commitment to the work that El Nahaul does here. Having the opportunities to interact with both foreign volunteers and local community members who so freely give of themselves is both affirming and inspiring. El Nahual is the kind of place that, once you get here, no matter the occasional frustrations or daily struggles, you can't imagine being anywhere else."
|
Name: Bob LaRocca |
"El Nahual gave me the opportunity to improve my Spanish and work closely with an energetic and committed group of people. My host family was both welcoming and warm; My students were enthusiastic. In only a short period of time, I felt invested in the El Nahual community. It is an experience I deeply valued and will never forget."
|
Name: Brendan O'Farrell |
"With four hours of intensive one-on-one study with a native speaker and authentic cultural immersion, my Spanish improved four times as fast as it would in a U.S. classroom. Yet, for me, the real joy of El Nahual was the human connection I made with the other students and staff, the young children that I taught three times a week, and my wonderful host family who opened their home to me and treated me as one of their own. I can't wait to go back."
|
