Why Choose Guatemala As A Study Abroad Destination?

Would you consider studying abroad in Guatemala?  This might be the perfect place to learn the spanish language.

Title: Why Choose Guatemala as a Study Abroad Destination?
Author: John Slocum

Guatemala is a beautiful country rich in history and cultural diversity. From ancient Mayan ruins to Spanish colonial monuments, there is no lack of sights to see, things to experience and ways to study the culture including many study abroad programs.

The indigenous population speaks over 23 different languages,
not to mention the Spanish language. The landscape ranges from
Caribbean to volcanic to urban to jungle. Up until recently the
country had been veritably undiscovered by North American and
European tourists because of its prolonged civil war and general
instability.

In the past, Guatemala was a danger to tourists, study abroad
students and unsuspecting visitors, to the point where the US
issued a travel advisory. In an effort to become more
tourist-friendly, Guatemala has increased security and hired
tourist security at popular tourist and study abroad sites.
Recently, this work has paid off as the US has removed the
long-standing travel advisory. All of these factors make
Guatemala a great location to study abroad.

The following is a list of a few popular Guatemalan destinations
and their respective highlights:

Antigua:  The first official capital city of Guatemala,
Antigua is a lively and contemporary city. Also being an
historical marker city, much of Antigua remains pristine,
untouched and unchanged. In many ways it remains a truly
colonial city. Antigua is such a beautiful and welcoming city,
and it has become one of Latin America's most popular cities to
study abroad and is home to over 40 language schools that offer
study abroad programs.

Although Antigua does keep a close grip on its past, it is still
very much alive in the modern world. Rife with Salsa club
sup-scale hotels and restaurants, and a movie theater, the
nightlife is ever present. You will hear Spanish being the most
prevalent, then the numerous Mayan languages, followed by any
number of European languages of those who study abroad. Antigua
has grown quite popular with many North Americans and Europeans
tourists and study abroad students for its sightseeing,
picturesque beauty; its affordable living and study abroad
program variety.

Lake Atitlan: Visiting the villages surrounding Lake
Atitlan is a perfect opportunity to see and engage present day
Mayan culture in all its magnificent splendor. Lake Atitlan is

one of Guatemala's top tourist destinations and study abroad components and most visitors agree that it is the most beautiful lake in the world. This is a "must visit" location for tourists or those that study abroad. Located in the department of Solola in the Guatemalan highlands, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, which make for a magnificent background and highlight the lake's beauty. The forests around the lake are
also one of the last habitats of the Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.

Despite the fact that Hurricane Stan ravaged the area with heavy rains that caused landslides, Lake Atitlan and its surrounding
areas remain one of the most visited areas in Guatemala. With
its ring of surrounding volcanoes, almost every view is a
picturesque and breathtaking one. Many trips are organized
during the study abroad programs to Lake Atitlan to be able to
complete the study abroad cultural immersion experience.

Lake Atitlan visitors have the rare opportunity to see unique
local practices firsthand and as a study abroad student staying
for a longer period of time may get the chance to visit more
than once.

Tikal: Tikal is Guatemala's most famous and also most
impressive Mayan archaeological site; students who study abroad
call this the land of wonders. Continuously settled for more
than 1500 years, Tikal was abandoned around the year 900 AD for
reasons not yet fully understood. The bulk of its structures and
monumental temples were built during the height of the Mayan
Classic Period, approximately from 200 AD to 850 AD, after which
Tikal began its mysterious decline.

Although locals probably always knew of the ruins, Tikal was not
officially "rediscovered" until 1848 when an expedition was made
to the site by members of the Peten government.

In the twentieth century, mammoth excavations and
reconstructions have been undertaken through a collaborative
effort between the Guatemalan government and several U.S.
Universities.

About the author:
Enjoy a free Spanish Phrase ebook:
http://www.amerispan.com/spdownload - This 30-pager is great if
you quickly want to learn Spanish phrases for travel. John
Slocum is the president of AmeriSpan, a leader in immersion
language programs and study abroad since 1993. 85 cities, 35
countries. 25,000 past participants.
http://www.amerispan.com/language_schools/

Feel free to share your comments and thoughts with us about studying abroad in Guatemala.