More importantly, it gave me a solid foundation to build on. Now I speak Spanish quite well, if I do say so myself. You can live with a Guatemalan family. So I thought I should share a few other words and expressions. O f course if you're not cool you look like a complete idiot saying it.
T here are many words that sound similar in both languages.
I found that one out the hard way. You might consider continuing your studies at Panatitlan. Earn college credits in a certified Spanish school. Classes run 5 days a week.