La Unión Spanish School “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
“Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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La Unión Spanish School was created in 1996 by a few experienced Spanish teachers who taught Spanish to Peace Corps Volunteers. They decided to open a Spanish School to share the Spanish language and Guatemalan culture with tourists. “MI CASA ES TU CASA” is the vision that La Unión has had now for 18 years. Juan Carlos Martinez, the founder and director of the school, is also the President of the Chamber of Tourism of La Antigua Guatemala. La Unión is a Spanish school located in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala. It has accumulated many years of experience in teaching Spanish to students from all over the world. The oneon-one classes with certified teachers benefit students whose specific needs and goals are always taken into account. In Centro Lingüistico La Unión, flexibility is our strength. We can accommodate the beginning student who has no experience speaking Spanish, as well as the more advanced speaker who seeks cultural immersion and mastery of the Spanish language. Not only do students learn advanced grammar but they also develop conversational skills that enable them to speak fluently within a short period of time. Yet, La Unión is more than just a school. Throughout the years, it has built a strong expertise in implementing encompassing programs including language classes, volunteer work, cultural activities, trips, and lodging in Guatemalan families. Whether you are an individual, a group, a university, or an organization, La Unión can plan for you the best experience abroad. Keep on reading to learn more.
Keep in touch! Email: info@launion.edu.gt | Website: www.launion.edu.gt Facebook: La Unión Spanish School
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La Unión Spanish School
Table of Contents: Spanish Classes…………………….……………………..........… page 4 Lodging………………………………………….………………...... page 10 Volunteer Work…………………………….…………............... page 12 Vuelta Grande Community…………….…………….……….. page 15 Travel……………………………………………..……………..…… page 17 Activities……………………………………….……………..……… page 18 Why Antigua, Guatemala?...…….……….………………..…. page 20 How to Find La Unión…………………………..….………...… page 21 Spring Break 2016…………………………….…….………….… page 22 Reservations…………………………………………..………….… page 23
“Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Spanish Classes System One to One
La Uni贸n offers a diverse range of programs with a system of one teacher to one student in order to maximize what is learned by each student. We focus on intensive and individualized Spanish instruction for students that is personalized according to their needs and desires. Teachers design special programs based on the level and interests of each student; no matter your age, we have techniques and systems that can help you learn quickly. Our typical program utilizes half of the time to learn new vocabulary and grammar, and the other half for practical application. These studies include written and oral exercises, as well as music and games to improve comprehension and pronunciation. If they desire, students can change and have more than one teacher in order to get exposed to different accents and teaching styles. They can also take an optional weekly exam which covers the material studied that week and will receive a fees discount if they score 80% or above.
Want to travel with your family? We offer special services for children from 4 to 14 years of age. Please ask for more details.
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La Uni贸n Spanish School
Flexible Class Schedule
The morning schedule begins at 8:00am and the afternoon schedule begins at 2:00pm, although it is possible to arrange a schedule according to your personal needs. The most popular class schedule is a 4-hour class but we offer the option to study up to 8 hours for those who are seeking a more intensive experience. Example of a 4-hour class schedule: 8:00 – 10:00 Intensive Grammar and Vocabulary lessons 10:00 – 10:30 Coffee time and opportunity to meet staff and students 10:30 – 12:00 Review and practice of grammar and vocabulary
“Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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The following are included in the price: • • • • • • • • • • •
Classes with a qualified language instructor Weekly tests (with incentives given for good test scores) Study materials (notebook, pen, etc.) Diploma upon completion of your course One La Unión “Spanglish” t-shirt Extracurricular activities Free water, tea, and 100% Guatemalan coffee Free use of our safe box Free unlimited wireless access inside the school A coupon for 2lbs. of free laundry weekly A coupon for the internet café
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La Unión Spanish School
Spanish for Professionals
Do you need to learn Spanish for your profession? At La Unión we have special programs for professionals that teach relevant vocabulary and practical phrases specific to your work. We offer courses for professions such as: • Flight Attendants • Construction Workers • Missionaries • Lawyers • Medical Personnel • And more!
Spanish Online If work, study, time, or money keeps you from traveling to Latin American countries to learn Spanish, don’t worry! It is still possible to receive quality Spanish instruction. It is now possible to take classes online with a native Spanish instructor from your home or office. Try our new and innovative system E-Spañol Online, with instructors experienced in teaching Spanish to foreigners. We use quality technology to ensure that the lessons run smoothly. We are the only school which currently offers a certificate and legal diploma which can be used in other locations (such as school, work, etc.), which we can send to you digitally or via express mail. To see if E-Spañol Online is for you, you can receive a one hour FREE TRIAL of our online Spanish lessons. “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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University Credits La Unión Spanish School is an educational institution with high academic standards, and is registered as an official Guatemalan government entity for its validity. It is affiliated with several universities in the United States, sustaining stable agreements to validate the credits that students receive for studying Spanish in our school. To obtain credits, we offer several options such as semester or intensive week programs. Our affiliated universities include: • University of Cincinnati • University of Michigan • Spring Arbor University • Sacramento State University • East Carolina University (for nursing students) • Duke University • Harvard University • Universite de Montreal Canada • University of Sherbrooke • University of Elon
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La Unión Spanish School
Textbooks Our textbook Español en Latinoamérica (recommended) is used by our teachers to teach the basics of Spanish, and allows for continuity between what you are learning in class and your studies at home. Español en Latinoamérica 2 is a sequel to the text Español en Latinoamérica, and teaches advanced grammar topics. Both books are interactive, with fill-in-the-blank practice sections to accompany each topic. Qué Onda Vos? / What´s Up Dude? (written in English and Spanish) is a book written with a touch of humor that teaches popular Guatemalan street talk such as slang, vulgarities and useful expressions. Out of popular demand, a French and Spanish version Qué Onda Vos? / Ça va? was written to allow continued learning among the French speaking community. Spanish Textbooks are available for purchase in La Unión Spanish School in the office.
Our Textbooks! “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Lodging Wondering where you are going to stay? La Unión will help you find accommodations that are comfortable and that are suited to your needs. We can offer you the two options: staying in the student Guesthouse or staying with a Guatemalan host family. If these options don’t suit your needs, we can also work with you to find a bed and breakfast, or hotel.
Bed & Breakfast / Guest House “La Unión” For those who want to live with other students, we have a Guest House located five minutes away from the school. The Guest House has hot showers, a fully-equipped kitchen and a pila to wash clothes. The students receive 7 nights of lodging in a private room, including 3 meals daily Monday through Saturday (vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged). Rooms with private or shared bathrooms are available.
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La Unión Spanish School
Guatemalan Host Families For students wishing to quickly enhance their Spanish and learn more about Guatemalan culture, we recommend lodging with a Guatemalan family. The students receive 7 nights of lodging in a private room, including 3 meals daily Monday through Saturday (vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged), with a hot shower and purified water.
La Unión Spanish School offers many opportunities to live and share with Guatemalan families in Antigua, or the surrounding villages. In Antigua, Guatemala, the homes of our host families are situated in the center of town close to the location of school. Antigua is a historic city with many amenities geared for the traveler that won’t disappoint. If you seeking a more authentic experience, you can choose to stay in the villages outside of Antigua (Ciudad Vieja, San Miguel Escobar, San Antonio Aguas Calientes and others). In these towns, Spanish is the dominant language and tourists are not commonly seen. To travel to these villages it is necessary to take a “camioneta” (public bus) which leaves approximately every 10 minutes. “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Volunteer Work To make a student’s experience the most rewarding, La Unión offers many volunteering opportunities in Antigua and nearby communities. Volunteering is a great opportunity for students to learn about socio-economical issues in Guatemala while making a small difference. It also enables students to practice Spanish in an environment other than the school. Here are our projects: 1. Working with children: Volunteers can run art, education, or sports programs for children in school and aftercare programs or work with special needs children to provide them with the individual attention they need. 2. Working as a teacher: Help teachers in daycare centers, public schools of Antigua or in indigenous primary schools in the mountains just outside of Antigua. Assist with games, sports, crafts, teaching English, or in an area of your interest.
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La Unión Spanish School
3. Construction work: Construction projects are generally arranged depending on needs and funds available, and are often done by groups. Opportunities for construction include building schools, houses, bathrooms, painting, and laying down flooring.
4. Health area: If you work in healthcare field, you can offer medical attention in hospital, clinics and indigenous communities. Also, it is possible to promote health through teaching cleanliness, health or prevention. 5. Working with elderly: Some of the elderly of Antigua have been abandoned by their families, and need love and care. Volunteers can help by giving food, changing and cleaning patients, and through spending time with the patients.
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6. Farming and agriculture: Work in an organic farm and help farmers with planting, harvesting and cleaning up. 7. Working with adults at risk: Help young people and adults influenced by drugs and alcohol, often living in the street, through psychological, physiological, and spiritual support. 8. Working with animal: Friends of the animal world can volunteer in a shelter located in a town outside of Antigua, cleaning and providing attention to neglected animals.
International business: Students in International business, marketing and graphic design are needed in many companies in Antigua. La Unión can help you find an internship in many world known businesses such as 5 star hotels, language schools, jewelry stores, exporting companies and even in The Chamber of tourism (the president being our own school director, Juan Carlos Martinez). Social, legal and psychology work: In coordination with NGOs and governmental institutions in Guatemala, students in social studies are needed to conduct socio-economic studies in Mayan communities and also to work with pro-choice organizations and organizations against domestic violence.
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La Unión Spanish School
Vuelta Grande Vuelta Grande is a small rural community located in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala. This indigenous village’s means of survival is based on agriculture and most families survive on less than $4.00 (Q32.00) a day. These families are in great need. In 2005, Vuelta Grande started receiving help thanks to La Unión Spanish School and international institutions. Later that year, we began sponsoring youth by providing them the opportunity to access quality secondary education. Each year since then, promising teenagers were selected to receive scholarships. In 2013, the first scholarship recipients obtained their professional degrees. Ivan, who recently graduated in accounting, and Jaime, who is currently studying to become a chef now have the opportunity to become leaders in their community.
“Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Community Projects in Vuelta Grande EcoTour - La Guatemala Real This EcoTour seeks to raise awareness about the reality of Vuelta Grande, and more importantly, about the living conditions in most indigenous rural areas. During the tour, it is possible to learn about plants and wildlife, visit a local household, learn how to make tortillas, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the towns below.
Construyendo - La Guatemala Real The first step to building a better future for Vuelta Grande is to improve housing conditions. Most households in the village have dirt floors, cardboard or wooden plank walls, and tin roofs. Volunteer groups can make a big difference by providing construction materials and building a room, a kitchen, or a floor for a family in need.
La Vida Real Have an authentic experience spending a weekend in rural Guatemala. Families welcome their guests, integrating them in their daily activities, sharing their culture, and making them feel like a part of their household. This enriching experience is a genuine cross-cultural encounter with many challenges and apprenticeships involved.
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La Uni贸n Spanish School
Travel Center “La Unión” Here at La Unión, we are more than just a school. After 20 years of partnership with travel agencies, we have decided to coordinate these partnerships under the banner of La Unión Travel Center. Participate in exciting and interactive tours with an agency that you can trust. We offer a wide range of services including tours, shuttles, guides and accommodation, but as a flexible travel agency, we also provide customized tours to discover Guatemala, volunteer, study Spanish, etc. according to your tastes, interests and budget. Please contact us at travel@launion.edu.gt with any questions, or visit our office to start planning your next excursion.
Popular Excursions/Trips We Offer:
• Copán, Honduras: Visit ancient Mayan ruins and hot springs. (3 days) • Quirigua, Rio Dulce and Tikal: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Quirigua, visit the Girifuna village of Livingston with a beach of white sand, and enjoy a boat tour in Rio Dulce. (3 days) • Cobán, Semuc Champey, Lanquín Caves and the Biotopo: Visit the city of Coban, swim in the natural pools in the mountains of Semuc Champey, visit the indigenous village of Lanquin, and visit nature reserve of our national bird, the quetzal (3 days) • Monterrico: A relaxing visit to a beach of black sand, the opportunity to surf and visit a nature reserve. (1 or 2 days) • Lago Atitlan and Panajachel: In this beautiful lake enjoy a boat tour to the surrounding indigenous villages, opportunity to zipline. (1 or 2 days) • Quetzaltenango (Xela): Visit the central park, the colorful Zunil market, and the healing hot springs. (2 days) “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Cultural and Language Activities Here at La Unión we believe that the Spanish language is intimately tied to its cultural context. For this reason, cultural immersion is an important aspect of our school. We allow you to participate firsthand in our customs and traditions through various exciting activities so that while learning Spanish, you are also experiencing and learning about our vibrant multi-ethnic, multi-lingual culture. Some of these activities include: • Preparation of traditional Guatemalan food (e.g. how to make tortillas) • Demonstrations of weaving typical Guatemalan clothes • Participate in a Mayan wedding ceremony • Learn about Mayan traditions • Participation in local holiday activities such as the festivities of the Holy Week (prior to Easter), Halloween, and Christmas • Salsa and Merengue dance lessons • Soccer/basketball games of teachers v. students • Climbing Hill of the Cross • Walking tours of Antigua and other nearby sites of interest • Bicycle tours of Antigua • Movie showings in Spanish • Scrabble and other board games in Spanish • Tours of macadamia nut and coffee plantations • Jade factory tour • Visit to the Azotea Museum to learn about coffee, jade, and Mayan music • Tour of Antigua in a “Chicken Bus” • Guided tour to climb the volcano Pacaya
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La Unión Spanish School
Cultural Activities
¡¡Tortillas!! “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Why Antigua, Guatemala? Why study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala? There are many reasons! For a country of only 108,889 square kilometers (42,042 square miles), it has many things to offer. Antigua is an ideal place to study Spanish for the following reasons: • Our teaching system is regulated by Guatemala’s Ministry of Education. • We have competitive and affordable prices for Spanish lessons. • Our neutral accent is easy to understand. • Our country is easily accessible due to close proximity to countries such as the US and Canada. There are also direct flights from Europe (via Madrid - Spain). • Experience our vibrant Mayan culture and historic colonial architecture. • We have a picturesque location, surrounded by three volcanoes and lush vegetation, and filled with blooming flowers. • Our friendly culture that is welcoming and accommodating to guests. • And much more!
Antigua Guatemala | ©Hugoht Dreamstime 20
La Unión Spanish School
How to find La Unión La Unión Spanish School is a short 5 minute walk from Antigua’s Central Park and is located near the San Francisco Church. It’s a colonial building set in a beautiful and relaxing garden of bright flowers, oranges and bananas. Follow the map to La Unión, and we are sure that after entering our beautiful plaza and experiencing our friendly atmosphere you won’t want to leave!
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Spring Break 2016 Do you want to learn Spanish while traveling abroad? Are you interested in doing volunteer work, and exploring the country of Guatemala? At La Unión Spanish School we can help you make your dreams into reality with our 2016 Spring Break Package. Organize your group today!
Spring Break 2016! Spring Break Package: This fun-packed itinerary begins on a Sunday, with the return flight leaving the following Sunday. • Day 1: Arrival, orientation and tour of Antigua • Day 2-6: Four hours Spanish classes in the mornings, volunteer work and cultural activities in the afternoon • Day 7: Excursion to Lake Atitlan, and markets of Panajachel • Day 8: Return flight • Included: Transportation to and from the airport, 20 hours of Spanish classes, homestay with Guatemalan host-family, 3 meals a day (meals on vacations not included) • Ask for a special price (info@launion.edu.gt) 22
La Unión Spanish School
Reserve Your Spot Today! Now that you know a little more about our school, we hope that you can come and learn with us, whether for a week or for an extended visit! In order to ensure that you receive the best accommodations and service, we highly recommend that you make reservations prior to your visit. Please send us your arrival details by filling out the form at https://www.launion.edu.gt/reservation-form, or email us at info@launion.edu.gt for more information or with any questions. ¡Hasta Pronto!
What a previous student has to say… “My experience here in Antigua was absolutely fantastic! The city is beautiful and the people are extremely friendly. I arrived here without even having a basic knowledge of Spanish and after three months of classes I can say that I speak almost fluently. The courses are very entertaining as we learn by interacting and playing different games. My teacher has even acted as a private guide during my Spanish courses while we visited the ruins and other beautiful places in Antigua. The fact that I lived in a homestay also allowed me to practice my Spanish and I took advantage of the opportunity to learn Guatemalan culture. I think everyone should experience this kind of travel at least once in their life. Yes, to learn Spanish, live in a new culture, and volunteer, but especially for the different vision that the trip offers you in the end. Because this trip will change you positively for the rest of your life!.”
Our Students! “Mi Casa es tu Casa”
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Why students should study abroad… Studying abroad is a great experience that students should seek for various reasons. More than anything else, it is a rewarding personal experience that will enrich the lives of students and give them the opportunity to discover something completely different from what they are accustomed to. In particular, studying abroad in a developing country is a good way to get exposed to another reality and enhance students’ comprehension of the word they live in. Moreover, studying abroad is a perfect occasion for learning a new language. Since Spanish is the world’s second most spoken language it obviously draws a lot of interest. Nowadays, knowing a second or third language is a skill that is highly valued by employers and that stands out in today’s competitive labor market.
1ª. Avenida Sur No. 21 Antigua Guatemala Tel:(502)7832-7757
info@launion.edu.gt | www.launion.edu.gt
La Unión Spanish School is authorized by the Ministry of Education, the Tourist Commission in Guatemala (INGUAT), and accredited by La Universidad Rural de Guatemala (the Rural University of Guatemala).
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La Unión Spanish School