Guatemala - General Information

THE SCHOOL

Fundación PLFM is the oldest of the Spanish language schools in Antigua and is the only school which teaches Spanish and also, various Mayan languages. PLFM was founded in 1969 by linguists and indigenous Guatemalans to support and preserve Mayan languages. The Proyecto, a non-profit Guatemalan foundation with a 100% Mayan board of directors, serves two causes: the preservation of Mayan languages and culture, and the teaching of Spanish. In addition to Spanish courses, PLFM offers courses in a number of Mayan languages such as Kaqchikel, K'iche', and Mam. All courses are taught by native Guatemalans. Profits from the Spanish program go toward the preservation of the Mayan languages, specifically the production of dictionaries and grammars, so your tuition serves a very good cause. PLFM is an accredited school with the Ministry of Education of Guatemala. It is a non-profit, non-political, lay association, legally constituted as a cultural development entity. It is the only language school in Antigua trained to administer a U.S. Foreign Service style language proficiency exam.

Our complete immersion program offers seven hours daily of one to one instruction with only Spanish used, and optional accommodations with a Guatemalan family. You practice what you are learning in a complete Latin American cultural setting.
Students are not confined to the classroom, and it is common to have a student-teacher combination stroll the streets of Antigua, gaining vocabulary as they observe daily life. This is real life Spanish, and this method of complete immersion is considered the best and fastest way to learn a language. It is a very motivating and rewarding experience.
Our students are of all ages, from countries all over the world, and they study for a varying number of weeks. Classes may be started on any Monday throughout the entire year.

 

ORGANIZATIONS WITH WHICH WE ARE WORKING:

World Bank, Interamerican Development Bank, . Pacific University, Stockton California, Wisconsin University, Green Bay, Harvard University, Virginia University, Cornell University, Iowa,. Santa Fe College, New Mexico, Cropa Panalpina, U.S. Embassy, U. S. Miltary Group, Swedish Embassy, Dutch Embassy, A.I.D. (Embajada de U.S.A.), SIDA (Embajada de Suecia), J.O.C.V. (Embajada de Japon), U.S. Coast Guard, Canada Peace Corps, U.S.A. Peace Corps

REFERENCES AND TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS   PLFM, Antigua, Guatemala

My Guatemala experience was life-changing.  Monica Stutzman, Registered Nurse, Oregon

Excellent instruction, Superior in everyway. Sincere thanks! Jimmy McElhaney, Military, Dothan, AL

My wife and I studied for 7 weeks at PLFM after being recommended to go there by a co-worker. My expectations were exceeded by far by the "maestros", location, professionalism, resources and other staff at the school. I started with little to no Spanish background and left with a solid understanding of grammar and a feeling that I had the basics to be "conversational". With a lot more work on vocabulary and some time practicing speaking I am well on my way to be fluent. Stephen Lanning, Systems Administrator, IT, San Francisco, CA 

The instructors were knowledgeable and amazing I not only learned Spanish but also about the life and culture in Guatemala. They were professional, and dedicated to teaching Spanish. They were all kind and eager to engage in conversations to help improve your Spanish and encourage you to speak about your interest and life. - Lisa Jahn, Student (Medical Anthropology) New York NY

My son and I both learned a lot and enjoyed our studies. We both had excellent teachers who used a variety of materials to expand our learning. The school is beautiful and is run in a very conscientious manner. Antigua is a wonderful place to visit with many interesting sights to see. You can walk the whole town and enjoy the cobblestone streets with views of the impressive volcanoes and lush vegetation. The people are very courteous and pleasant. This year's information was more detailed than in years past, and all of it was very helpful in planning. Christy Preston, Elementary Teacher, Chino Valley, AZ

I have studied Spanish in high school and college and have been a medical interpreter for several years now. It never ceases to amaze me how much more work I need to do to continually improve my Spanish as a non-native speaker. I am always humbled when I return to Guatemala for a repaso, but am always glad I went. I come home knowing more and wanting to return again as soon as possible! Marleny was selected for me by Langauage Link and she was great. She knew her stuff and drilled me, but we had a lot of fun as well. You do a great job of informing/reminding us about things to expect, etc. Students from other schools do not get such great preparation. Timothy J. Moriarty, Manager Interpreter & Translation Services Baystate Health, Springfield MA

We had a great experience and will think about doing this again. We also appreciated the material Language Link sent us about the school. It was extremely helpful and accurate! We rate our instructors as Superior +. They were excellent and pushed us at a tasking rate, but yet kept it fun! We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip to Lake Atitlan with them. The school did an excellent job of organizing this trip. John and Kathy Youngblood, Retired, cruising on our boat, Pleasanton, CA

I'd been here nine years ago and wouldn't go to another school. This one is very professional, yet friendly. I know I'm getting my dinero's worth. These teachers know their stuff, better than many accredited English teachers know English in the U.S. Brenda Loree, Newspaper Reporter, Ventura, CA

It was a joy to study and converse with my teacher. PLFM arranged interesting day trips and invited us to participate in the making of an alfombra for a Cuaresma procession. It was an unforgettable experience. The materials I received prior to my trip were comprehensive and helpful. – Acupuncturist, Cynthia Miller, Minneapolis MN,

I found the course very educational and I improved my understanding of Spanish a great deal. My instructor, was excellent and very patient. – Owner and Breeder of Peruvian Horses, Barbara Windom, Tesuque, NM

I really enjoyed my enjoyed my entire experience of Guatemala. I felt really prepared and I absolutely loved my stay! I want to travel back to Guatemala soon! Student, Lindsey McGirl, Soddy-Daisy TN

Wonderful! Great! My 7 yr old son had Jose and he handled him perfectly. Luke learned a lot but was never bored or overwhelmed. I loved my teacher (Magdalena) too. She was very detailed and answered all my persnickety questions. Our host family was wonderful - kind, generous, clean, friendly but not overly - gave us our space, great cooks. Could not have been better. Mother, Debbi Seaver, Park City UT

Loved the teacher, the host family, only spoke Spanish. very qualified and passionate about their work. Professional, but fun. – Student, Bryant Williams, San Francisco CA

My two weeks in Guatemala ended up being way better than anything I expected. Antigua is a beautiful, safe, area with a fascinating history and culture. My instructor was AMAZING. On hot lazy days, we would walk through the cobblestone streets and go to the market to purchase avocados, haggle with the venders in Spanish, return to our classroom and make nachos with guacamole for the entire school! I enjoyed how we weren't always limited to exercises from the book and it allowed me to learn more about the Guatemalan people and their culture. All the other instructors and manager staff were extremely friendly and helpful as well- I felt that I had 15 instructors! The pre-travel packet was SOOO helpful. I was perfectly prepared thanks to it. – Student, Meredith Chandler, Tiburon CA

I liked the atmosphere at the school. Teachers are wonderful, friendly and very helpful. Is there anything more you wish you had known before your trip? Not to worry so much about what it was going to be like as far as safety. - Student, Jeanne O'Brien, CA

I came in with a solid knowledge of all grammar but was rusty as I had not studied in 6 years. I wanted to review all grammar concepts and to improve my overall conversational skills. I quickly reviewed grammar in my first week, and in the second focused on conversation and felt like this was a great scheme and my skills really benefited. I would definitely love to return for another two weeks when I have a chance. – Medical Student, Brian Block, Boston MA

I was at the school for four weeks. Each week I added to my knowledge of Spanish, and I was able to understand the teachers more each day. By my fourth week I could understand entire conversations and respond to questions. The teachers are very professional and I can tell they have a strict plan to help each student. I plan to attend again after I have practiced what I have learned so far. All of the instructors had taught with the school for long periods of time - the last one had taught at the school for over thirty years. – Artist, Virgil Smith, Dallas TX

I totally enjoyed my immersion experience. It was my first trip outside of the U.S. and the Language Link packet was the perfect complement to my trip. Everything, from the airport pickup to family stay to classes to the excursions, went off without a hitch. During classes, I loved that I didn't have to sit in a chair for seven hours, but we could watch a movie in Spanish, go to the park, bakery, museum or bank while conjugating verbs or learning tenses, do a day trip excursion to meet other students and teachers and write a report in spanish afterwards. Absolutely everything was a learning experience! I plan on returning every year but will do two weeks at a time on a part time basis. I am bringing my son next year too. Now that I'm back home, I am able to hold a conversation in Spanish with native speakers. Thanks for everything, Meredith!!! – Manager, AARP, Natalie Tucker, Washington DC

One on one with a good teacher is the only way to learn Spanish. – Business Owner, Diane Wren, San Francisco CA

Great fun and great teachers. Host family - wonderful and food excellent. Student (age 15) Thaddeus Bird, United Kingdom

The teachers were very nice and extremely patient with my old brain. While the pace was about right, the content seemed to be very thorough and they managed to teach me 8 verb tenses: While the one-on-one instruction seemed to work best for me using conversation, formal instruction, worksheets, and question/answer sessions, the school offered my other types of learning experiences. My second week teacher was superior! He was very upbeat, organized, and fun to talk to. He treated me very professionally, but seemed to be enjoying himself too. I can't imagine another teacher that could be better than Juan (aka Abuelito). Dona Olga was the best host family! She was very helpful with advice about Anitgua and was an exceptional cook. – Data Analyst, Phyllis Carsone-Link, Boulder CO

Very professional school and instructor, clearest explanations I ever received, perfect combination of challenging and encouraging learning combining grammar, discussion and exercises. I had a lovely stay in the house of Dona Olga with great food, nice chat in Spanish and a wonderful way to learn more about Guatemala and Antigua. I found the information package received through your services very complete and accurate. – United Nations Sr. Advisor, Marie-Odile Emond, Brussels, Belgium,

The school is situated in a beautiful garden, very centrally located in Antigua. I had 3 different teachers, all of them excellent (Fernando, Magdalena, Marco). The teachers I had were very professional, with great skills and with a lot of humour. They were also willing to tell about their lives in Antigua, their culture and daily life. I really learned a lot! – Director, Red Cross Oslo, Randi Hammerstrøm, Oslo, Norway

The instructors were great, especially Teresa! Anabella Morales was absolutely AMAZING! Her house, herself, her family were all perfect, could not ask for anything more! – Student, Katie K. Benson, Austin TX

This was my third time and I found it wonderful personally. My high expectations were totally met. This time I had reached a point where I did not need to learn a new grammar point, but I wanted to activate and use correctly what I knew theoretically. That meant conversation all day. Both my teachers are great conversationalists with a nice sense of humor. Having reached this stage now I feel motivated to do more here in Denver to improve my Spanish before going back. I have recommended the school to many people. – Retired Language and Literature Professor, Sieglinde Lug, Denver CO

The 1 on 1 instruction for 7 hours a day was ideal for me. My teacher was fantastic. She taught grammar intelligibly, gave helpful feedback and set high performance standards. She is the perfect teacher for high-intermediate and advanced students. Attorney, Dave Collins, San Francisco CA

I rate my experience as a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. I was lucky enough to be one of the contest winners and had most of my school tuition and home stay paid for by Language Link. Very grateful for that! My teacher was Anna Victoria and we had a great time together. She was professional yet fun. It was strictly one to one in a beautiful garden. I was in school for 7hrs/day for 3 wks. We combined classroom study of drills, verbs, conjugation, conversation related to nursing, with daily conversation and visits to the Mercado, the coffee plantation, La Merced (church), and watched a movie about the history of Guatemala. I was afraid that 7hrs a day would be too much but we did lots of things together that I never got bored. I'm continuing to study back at home and using my Spanish in the hospital. I'm amazed how much I comprehend now and how much the experience gave me confidence to speak more Spanish. Sara Brown, Labor & Delivery Nurse, Minneapolis, MN

I learned much more than in a regular classroom. There were odd little questions that I had, and the answers were explained by my teacher in ways that my aging brain could understand. I asked both my teacher and “my” family many questions about culture, current events, and slang, and I learned many things that I could have only found out by actually going to Guatemala. Joy Moore, Retired, McKinleyville, CA

The entire staff of the school was helpful, friendly and professional. I can't wait to return! My studies were tailored to my individual level and needs. The entire host family helped me with my Spanish with corrections and a willingness to converse on my elementary level. Fresh fruit for breakfast was a definite plus. Accommodations were good, clean and roomy. Language Link did a terrific job in organizing my trip, schooling, and family stay. I would recommend all phases of my trip to anyone interested in immersion Spanish. -  Jennie Schrage,Keystone, CO

PLFM is a well-established and organized program. The teachers and staff were accommodating and helpful. My teacher Jose was patient, encouraging and professional. He also had a wicked sense of humor so I had fun, too!  - Stacy Voigt, Teacher, Caracas, Venezuela

My superior experience helped me refine my Spanish speaking and listening skills with a great focus on grammar. The instruction is intense, but very helpful. The instructors are all very different, but are always willing to help students with anything that they need. Mariel Cañas, Student, Washington, IA

Great experience with nice yet professional instructors who did a great job. - J’Lee Bumpus, Professor, Sherman, TX

My objective was to improve my ability to speak Spanish, and I feel that I did that in ways that surpassed my expectations. My instructor Ana Mercedes was wonderful – completely competent, professional, friendly. She went so far as to invite us to her home to visit the alfombra in her church and to have tea. - Dr. Louise H. Forsyth, University Professor of French and Québec Literature and Women’s Studies Calgary, Alberta,

I had done a lot of grammar here, and what I needed was to talk and be talked to, to get over the communication hump. I explained that to my teacher and she agreed to my request. We spent most of our time walking round Antigua, visiting museums and sights and talking. She was a history buff and I had a very good and productive time. The school is serious (exam every Fri) and the grammar books are old fashioned, clear and solid...infinitely better than the one I was given in Spain. Jennifer Waelti-Walters

School was in pleasant physical surroundings, NOT lavish but comfortable, very helpful administrators, terrific teacher. School readily accommodated our needs. My instructor Eugenia ("Sheny") was PERFECT. Fun, clear, interesting, helpful. Host family could NOT have been nicer. Food was good. Ann Alexander Retired doctor, Santa Fe, NM

My experience was very very good... ended up learning very much and meeting interesting people around the world. - Ben Clifford, Student, Northfield, MN

I had a wonderful instructor who both encouraged and pushed me. I love the fact that there was also the flexibility to learn and speak Spanish while doing cultural outings as well. - Rita Foley, Corporate board director, Brooklyn, NY

This is my second opportunity to attend PLFM and have enjoyed both visits. I will go back. The instructors are top notch! - Todd Miller, Military, South Point, OH

Every phase of my experience was outstanding beginning with the answering of questions I had before I registered, to the pre-work and information I received once I registered, to being picked up at the airport and delivered to a wonderful family who welcomed me with open arms. Then when I got to the school the first day where I was welcomed, introduced to my teacher, received a good orientation and began my adventure in learning which lasted for 4 weeks! I had three different teachers, all of whom were fabulous. They created individual learning plans which we worked to achieve throughout the week, but were flexible in helping to learn the material not just through classroom work, but through “talking through Antigua” – that is, every moment a teacher was with me, she was teaching me, correcting me, giving me new words, it was truly a total immersion! I came to PLFM with the most minimal ability to speak Spanish – a word or two here and there. I left being able to string words together in sentences. And even though it is still basic, I have the confidence to talk with Spanish speakers I meet as I go about my daily life at work, in restaurants, etc! Karen Gravenstine, Consultant, Silver Spring, MD

Great Teachers, good environment.. Will recommend to colleagues. Matt Donaldson, Distribution / Logistics manager San Diego, CA

Having a one-on-one experience with a teacher was a fantastic learning experience! The teachers and the school were all so professional! Walking about Antigua made the learning so much more interesting and valuable. S. Benedetto, Educator, Connecticut

I honestly think that I learned more of the Spanish language in the two weeks that I attended PLFM and lived in Guatemala than I’ve learned in the 6 years that I’ve taken Spanish courses in the United States. It helps so much that you are forced to use the language in your day-to-day functioning! I wished I could have stayed and studied longer. J. Berens, College Student, Iowa

I needed to learn Spanish very quickly as a requirement for my Master's degree. I attended the PLFM in Guatemala for 6 weeks. It was by far the best thing that I could have done to improve my language skills quickly. I passed the proficiency requirement for the degree. I would highly recommend PLFM to anyone who wants to learn Spanish. - L. Langlois, CA

Our patients often make comments when we return that we have improved a great deal. It is very meaningful to them. I feel that my time there is so rewarding. I always think that it would be hard to top my last trip, but every year is just as or more incredible. - P. Vaughn, Healhcare, MN

It exceeded my expectations: family, climate, school organization, instruction, professionalism, school environment, attitude, friendliness, students, helpfulness, interesting walk to and from school. V. Ray, Retired, WA

My overall experience with the school, the family, and Antigua was excellent. The one-on-one format of the school is an incredible learning format. K. Lillis, Educator, OR

The school staff were flexible, friendly, and amenable to changes, but I was impressed by the structure and efficiency of the program. I ended up learning more than I would ever have thought possible. My host family was also excellent. I keep kosher, so I had a number of dietary restrictions that were respected and observed throughout my trip. I just wish I would have known to spend longer than six weeks there--it was fantastic! – Vikki Katz, University Lecturer and Ph.D. Candidate, California

I attended PLFM for three weeks, and every day I still think about my wonderful experience in Antigua and the outstanding instruction offered by PLFM. – Grant Kolb, Cameron NC

I have studied Spanish in Antigua 3 times and can’t wait to go again…though I think I might try another country next time. For me, Spanish learning will be a lifelong endeavor, combined with the best vacation opportunities. – Faith Dohmen, Plymouth MN

- It was wonderful. I learned more than I believed one could learn, and I had a good time. So did my daughter. I can't say enough good things about the school. In Antigua, Julie, the school director, and Jorge, the family coordinator, were completely competent ... and friendly as well. – Robert Page, Minnetonka MN

I recently spent four weeks studying at PLFM. This adventure was my second in six months and both were equally amazing. Everythingabout the school, from its beautiful setting in a ruin-lined garden to the friendly and dedicated instructors, made the normally arduous and awkward process of learning a second language thoroughly enjoyable. It was well worth my effort as, after just 8 total weeks of instruction, I was able to earn a score of 3 on the Foreign Service Exam equivalent. Additionally, Antigua is an enchanting colonial city, riddled with history and beauty. However, beware. The city (some would say the entire country) is addicting and you will most certainly find it difficult to leave! - Nathan MacKenzie, U.S. Coast Guard Officer, San Juan, Puerto Rico

This was my third trip to Antigua to study. I had the most fantastic living experience, living with a widow who rented out three bedrooms in the house and a couple of cabinetas next door. This made for fantastic dinner conversation. It was great to have 6-9 people around the table for a meal and converse in Spanish about the world. We all had different levels of competency in speaking Spanish, but our host did a fantastic job of making sure everyone participated and correcting the errors made by everyone. I had two different teachers for the two weeks. Both were terrific. The second one was a real task master, which was just what I needed! - Catherine Gadomski, International Sales Manager, Kirtland, Ohio

The school exceeded my expectations in all ways. I was impressed by the structure and efficiency of the program. I ended up learning more than I would ever have thought possible. I wish I had spent longer than six weeks there - it was fantastic! - Vikki Katz, University Lecturer & Ph.D. Candidate, Los Angeles, California

Overall I would rate my experience as well beyond superior- bloody fantastic. The homestay was superb,and the city of Antigua is located such that interesting trips can be made to the classic Mayan sites at Copán and at Tikal. Love the volcanoes surrounding the city and its ambience. The instructors are great and the change in instructors every week is a bonus. - Brian Egloff, Retired Archaeologist, Adjunct Assoc. Professor of Cultural Heritage Studies at the University of Canberra, Australia

"The 2 weeks I spent at PLFM in Antigua will always remain in my memory. My instructors were excellent, and my ability with Spanish skyrocketed. Immersion is the way to go! Antigua is such a small, beautiful city, with cobblestone streets older than the ones in Europe. Did I mention the three volcanoes overlooking the town? I met many wonderful people, several of whom I still stay in touch with. Thank you, Language Link!"
Paul Penfield, Willoughby, Ohio

"My 2 week stay in Antigua was prompted by the need to learn some Spanish with which to reach out to new immigrants, to offer them the 4-H programs. Prior to my immersion, I spoke NO Spanish. I mean not one word. After my return, I was able to make home visits and with a dictionary and the encouragement of several Mexican families, I was able to link some children and families to our services. As a professional educator, I recommend your language school most highly. My daughter attended for about 4 months and received 18 hours credit at the Univ. of Illinois, due to the high quality teaching she received at PLFM. Her notebooks were subjected to intense scrutiny, and the Spanish department (at U of I) was impressed with your instruction. Thank you again for a grand opportunity."
Barb Roberts, Urbana, Illinois

"I absolutely fell in love with Antigua and do plan to go back there after finishing a nursing degree. PLFM had a more serious clientele than a lot of the others schools - professionals, public service personnel. You would not regret attending PLFM, I assure you."
Monica Stutzman, Social Services, Hillsboro, Oregon

"Thank you for a wonderful experience at your school in Antigua. I was part of a group from Minnesota, organized by our teacher here. Special thanks to my teacher at PLFM--I would like you to know that she was absolutely wonderful, smart, fun, and gifted at what she does. I hope to return some day. Thanks again."
Karen Rusnacko, Registered Nurse, Minnesota

"My instructor Marco Antonio was excellent. I learned and laughed a lot. This made for a great learning experience—he applied most of my learning to the world around me. I learned a great deal about the culture and life of Antiguans from both Marco and my host family. They really made me feel welcome."
Teri Bedard, Radiation Therapist, Minnesota

"My teacher's name was Ediberto who was a superior teacher - knowledgeable, funny, and patient. Thanks again - I'll be returning!"
Tom Doyle, Medical Student, Providence, RI

"My compliments on PLFM. We had such a great time last summer. We really hit it off with the teachers and found our exchange with them to be very professionally rewarding. Mil gracias."
Gloria Delany-Barmann (director of a group from Western Illinois University), Illinois

 

Language Link, U.S. Office for Fundacion PLFM

2008 West Kellogg Avenue, West Peoria IL 61604 Tels. 800.552.2051, 309.673.9220
info@langlink.com