Known as "Xelaju" or "Xela",  was founded in 1845, with an altitude of 2,333 meters above sea level (7654 ft.), is the second largest and most important city in Guatemala. It is situated in the Guatemalan Western Highlands at 210 kms from Guatemala City, the capital of the country and at 100 kms from the pacific coast beach.

     Quetzaltenango is considered the cradle and heart  of the Mayan-Quiche culture. It is the best place to learn the Spanish language because it has all the ideal conditions: the clearest and well spoken Spanish of Latin America, there are few foreigners to distract you from your immersion in the Spanish language, it is safe and tranquil, and has a magnificent climate (sunny days, fresh nights and no tropical diseases). The normal temperature varies from 7 degrees C. early in the morning, to 21 degrees C. at noon.

     It is located in a valley surrounded by amazing landscapes including villages, mountains, volcanoes, and many coloful mayan tourist attractions, colonial buildings, monuments; with many cobblestone streets that invite the visitor to walk. Besides Quetzaltenango is at the same time a modern city with Universities, banks, malls, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, etc. Also being a center of trade of the Western of the country.  Many friendly Spanish-speaking people will help you to practice your new language skills. So, all our enrolled students have the opportunity to participate in activities and trips that put them in contact with the reality and diversity of our local and national culture.

 Guatemalensis Spanish School has been a great place for me to study and improve my Spanish. I have been studying Spanish in University and never spent the proper time studying Spanish because I always learned for the test. In GSS I was able to concentrate on my personal mistakes with Spanish and work at my own speed, learning what I found useful for daily functioning in a Spanish speaking country. The activities were interesting and Nora was open to ideas about what we wanted to do. Also the family I stayed with was wonderful, they were good about speaking slowly in Spanish, creating a nice interactive environment. The food was also very good. Overall, I can say my time in Xela at GSS was time well spent. Alaina Robertson. U.S.A.