Dates & Deadlines
The program runs all summer with multiple entry dates, so students can choice any time that works for their schedule. Also the students can apply at any time during the semester or summer. For more information about how to apply please visit Casa Xelaju’s website to learn more or meet with Dr. Wang.
Academics & Course Offerings
1. Students can transfer credits from Casa Xelajú for the following SAU course equivalents:
- Spanish 1013: Elementary Spanish I for Professions
- Spanish 1023: Elementary Spanish II for Professions
- Spanish 1053: Elementary Spanish I
- Spanish 1063: Elementary Spanish II
- Spanish 2033: Intermediate Spanish I
- Spanish 2043: Intermediate Spanish II
- Spanish 3003: Advanced Spanish for Professions.
- Spanish 3163: Composition and Conversation.
- Spanish 3173: Advanced Composition and Conversation
- Spanish 3993: Advanced Spanish Grammars
- Spanish 3873: Spanish Internship I.
- Spanish 3973: Spanish Internship II.
- Spanish 4623: Spanish-American Civilization.
- Spanish 4933: Special topics: Spanish American studies
2. Students should meet with Dr. Wang to seek approval for course selection before going abroad.
3. In order to have the credits transferred to SAU, students need to meet the following requirements:
- To receive 3 credits, students should study at Casa Xelajú for no less than 2 weeks (5 hours a day, 5 days a week); To receive 6 credits, students should study at Casa Xelajú for no less than 4 weeks (5 hours a day, 5 days a week);
- Upon returning from abroad, students should ask Casa Xelajú to send his/her official transcript to SAU;
- To receive credits for any courses, students will need to have an oral interview in Spanish with an advisor upon returning from abroad;
- To receive credits for Spanish 3163 and Spanish 3173, students need to present writing samples from Casa Xelajú.
- To receive credits for Spanish 3873 and Spanish 3973, students need to present a written journal on the activities involved in the Internship and present an evaluation from the field supervisor.
- To receive credits for Spanish 4623 and Spanish 4933, students need to present writing samples such as a term paper from the course work at Casa Xelajú.
Accommodations & Excursions
Casa Xelaju will place students with local families to help further immerse the students. The school does organize in town and out of town excursions. Excursions in the town are included in the fee, but if students wish to participate in the out of town excursion then students need to pay a modest fee.
Estimated Costs
Casa Xelajú charges about $200 per week for classroom instructions, meal, lodging, and extracurricular activities.
Tuition Includes:
– 5 hours of one-on-one (or 2-3, 4-5 group instruction) 5 days a week
– daily activities during the week and 3 weekends per month
– homestay with a Guatemala family with private room
– 3 meals daily, 6 days a week (housing, but not food is included on Sunday)
– translators
– free unlimited internet access
– Round table discussions and guide fees
– free organic coffee, tea and bread during break time every day
– free access to the school’s library (over 1000 books and video library with over 200 videos/DVDs and educational movies)
Laundry services, dance classes, and weaving lessons are available for an additional fee.
Tuition does not cover ground transportation, hotels, and meals during local field trips or excursions.
Eligibility
This program is available to all SAU students. There is no Spanish requirement for this program. If you have never taken Spanish before this could be the fastest way to learn the language.
Contact Information
If you would like to know more about the program, please contact Jason Martisek or Dr. Wang to learn more about the program.
Country Information & Resources
U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa for a stay less than 90 days.
State Department- Guatemala – Basic information about the Guatemala