An initial oral exam determines a customised programme designed to meet the student's goals. Upon completing the course, students receive a final exam, written and oral, in order to assess their level of fluency in Spanish. These exams are optional but many educational institutions accept them for school credits. In order to maintain cultural and linguistic continuity, students are accommodated with a Guatemalan family in Antigua. All families are situated within easy walking distance of the Institute.
Students enjoy a private room with three meals per day, a varied and healthy diet.
Social Activities, Excursions and Organised Trips Guatemala is a fascinating country to visit and the Institute organises weekend trips. Among the most popular destinations are the breathtaking Lake Atitl n and the colourful Indian markets and religious festivals of Chichicastenango. As eighty percent of the country is of Mayan descent, a trip to Tikal, once the greatest of all Mayan cities, is always a big hit with students, as are the surrounding jungle splendours of the Pet n. In addition, every week, we organise many after-hours activities so that students and staff can get to know each other, as well as optional excursions in the Institute's minibus to local points of interest. Volleyball, movies, ping-pong, field trips, visit to farms, small villages and ruins, fiestas and happy hours are all free.