I was able to submerge myself in the language while meeting students from around the world.

I am grateful the school is attempting to improve the lives of the poor families.

The views from the school are superb.

My teacher had no idea how to teach me anything, and instead just talked to me the whole time, with me barely understanding a word she said. She never tried to explain anything. Just talked about her life. My homestay was with a family who could barely speak Spanish (they spoke a Mayan Language) and did not have running water. It was not pleasant. When I was there, there were only two other students so there were not any activities. Just classes. Their library is good. They had snacks during the break which was nice.

I've been studying Tz'utujil Maya (through a special arrangment) at the Corazon Maya spanish school this summer. My experience at this school has been terrific. The Tz'utujil teacher Antonio and Marta (the owners) arranged for me is exceptional and all the other teachers I've interacted with seem both friendly and helpful. The students I've known this summer have been really happy at Corazon Maya. One of the reasons I chose the school is that it has been in operation for over a decade; one of the first spanish schools in San Pedro. They run a professional and friendly place having had years of experience. If you come to San Pedro, be careful not to sign up at one of the countless new schools. Always ask how long they've been in business. Another reason I chose to study at Corazon Maya because it's located in a much quieter part of town. It's just a ten minute walk to the nice bars and restaurants of "gringolandia" so it's easy to enjoy those places without living in the middle of the noise. I've found Corazon Maya's location to be very good for studying and for sleeping. They offer a few cabanas for rental, which is what I've done this summer. It's been nice to have my own place but I've heard good things from those students who have chosen to live with local families nearby, which is also an option the school offers. Additionally, Marta, who runs Corazon Maya, encourages visiting students to help teach language classes to a dozen or so local children that meet at the school three afternoons a week for the free classes she offers to them. This provides those interested with a really nice opportunity to do some work in the community and get to know some of the local families. All in all, Corazon Maya offers a great experience!

Last May, the Weber State University (UTAH) Foreign Languages Dept. brought 16 students plus 2 faculty members to Corazon Maya School. Accommodations, food, activities that included volcano climbing, excursions to Santiago, Panajachel, Nariz de Indio and adjacent towns, plus presentations by a native midwife, a curandera de huesos, a Mayan priest who officiated in a live ceremony, Mayan Calendar instructions, etc. were top quality and part of everyday schedule. Owners and staff provided personal attention along with instruction. As a humanitarian project, students came prepared to teach the microfinincing program to indigenous women the school had chosen among the most needy in the community. We highly recommend this school for its quality of service. Dolores Jasmer Adjunct Faculty WeberStateUniversity

As a college professor who has sat in on many "Spanish" classes. I must say that attending Corazon Maya was one of the best language learning experiences I have ever had. The teachers are wonderful and you can't beat the environment. One thing participants must remember is that the teaching here is via IMMERSIAN. This means that your instructor will not speak English. The best way for you to learn in this environment is to speak during your one-on-one lessons with your teacher. I took 21 hours of instruction over 7 days and am able to carry on simple conversations with people. I still have a lot to learn but I am more capable than I was before I took my courses. The school also has a project for Mayan Girls from the San Pedro area. I was able to meet the girls and I also decided to sponsor one of these young women when I Marta told me more about the program. Maria L. Hamlin, Assistant Professor, UW Milwaukee.

Our family studied here for 3 months last year. We all really enjoyed it. All of our teachers were excellent. We enjoyed the family feel and the environment very much. We left for a couple of weeks to study some where else but returned because we missed our teachers and the family that runs the school. After studying for 3 months, our two teen age kids were able to come back home and pass the college clep test with high scores. Which got them each 12 college credits. After we returned home we moved to Mexico to work in an orphanage here. All that we learned there has been invaluable for our work here. I don't know what we would have done with out it. We can not recommend this school more highly, we loved everything about it.

This school is situated about 10 minutes walk from 'Gringolandia' and is quiet, beautiful and backs onto the Lake Atitlan. In terms of the quality of teaching, this will vary depending on who your teacher is and how you 'bond' with them. There is a brief test to ascertain your level of Spanish and it is up to the teachers discretion with what they do with this. Teaching is tailored to your needs and wants. I had a teacher who taught Spanish grammar in a structured way, using exercises and homework to reinforce learning. I would recommend this teacher (Magdalena) if you would like to gain a good grasp of grammar and basic verbs as she is experienced and has an adequate level of English to deal with any questions. If you require a teacher who speaks English well, ask for this and you will be accommodated here. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with no Spanish to begin with. In terms of value for money it is probably the cheapest in the area along with several other establishments - $75 for 5 days of 4 hours of teaching (- time for a break for coffee) and $60 for a homestay (includes 6 days of food per week). It is possible to learn for cheaper but not in a school. The facilities here are good with wifi, computer for internet access, kitchen, garden and seating area. If you prefer your own space, there is an option to rent a bungalow in the garden (complete with hammock) for $25 a week. The bungalows have cooking facilities but obviously you miss out on the cultural immersion: living and eating in a homestay. In terms of fun I found there are activities in the week but people do not seem to attend them. The student friendly rating is vague but I think that if you ask for something, it will be sorted out for you. On a personal note, I felt I could trust the family who ran the school and was happy to support their enterprise. In summary it's a great school to relax, focus on studies and immerse yourself in the local culture. There are many others but at the end of the day, the most important thing is getting a good teacher and studying in a place you're comfortable.