What inspired you to work for your organization?
Spanish Antigua is part of my family's history. My father founded the school in 1978 with the belief that learning a language should bring people closer together. Growing up around that vision gave me a lifelong appreciation for education and cultural exchange. After developing my own career in psychology, education, and tourism, I felt inspired to contribute to the school's next chapter. I want to honor what my father built while helping our teachers and students thrive today. For me, this work brings together my professional experience and something deeply personal: preserving a welcoming space where people from different backgrounds can learn from one another. That inspires me every day!!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about having every detail planned. Some of the best experiences happen when we step outside our comfort zones and genuinely connect with people. Learn a few words of the local language before you arrive, ask questions, and be willing to make mistakes. Make time for ordinary moments, not just the famous landmarks: conversations over a meal, a visit to a local market, or an unexpected invitation can become your best memories. Be curious, respectful, and flexible. Travel is not about checking places off a list; it is about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the new perspectives you carry home. The unexpected brings the best moments!
Describe a typical day at work.
No two days are exactly alike. I usually start by checking student inquiries, coordinating schedules with our teachers, and making sure students have everything they need. I also work on academic materials, partnerships, and improving the overall student experience. One of the most rewarding parts of my day is hearing about a student's progress or seeing someone become more confident speaking Spanish.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I believe education can change the way people see the world and themselves. Learning Spanish can help someone feel more independent, build relationships, and experience another culture more deeply. For me, continuing a family legacy while creating meaningful learning opportunities for others makes this work especially rewarding.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the transformation in our students. Someone may arrive feeling nervous about speaking Spanish, and a few days later, they're ordering food, sharing stories with their teacher, or having conversations with local people. Those small moments of confidence are incredibly meaningful. I also enjoy getting to know people from different countries and learning from their experiences.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My professional background brings together education, psychology, and over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, working with international travelers across a wide range of experiences, from luxury to budget travel. I also founded and managed Kikirikids, a preschool, which strengthened my understanding of education and individual learning needs. My background in clinical psychology helps me recognize the importance of motivation, confidence, and personal differences in learning. Together, these experiences allow me to understand our students' diverse expectations and create a welcoming, personalized, and meaningful Spanish learning experience.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One challenge is balancing the traditions of a long-established school with the changing expectations of today's students. Travelers have different schedules, learning goals, and levels of experience. We respond by listening carefully, adapting our programs, and maintaining close communication between students, teachers, and our team. We want to modernize without losing the personal connection that has always defined our school.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We're currently strengthening our academic program, developing new learning materials, and improving how we assess students' Spanish levels and individual goals. We're also expanding our online learning options, building international partnerships, and creating educational resources that help students practice Spanish beyond the classroom. Our focus is making the learning experience more consistent, accessible, and personalized.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
At Spanish Antigua, students receive private, one-on-one instruction tailored to their level, interests, and goals. Founded in 1978, our family school combines decades of teaching experience with a personal approach. We prioritize practical conversation while building a foundation through grammar, writing, and new feedback. Students can choose a weekly schedule that fits their travel plans and extend their learning through cultural activities or an optional homestay with a local family. We take time to understand what each person hopes to achieve, whether they are complete beginners, professionals, or returning learners. Our focus is helping students use Spanish with confidence in real life.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our key mission is to make Spanish learning personal, practical, and meaningful while connecting people through language and culture. We pursue this through private lessons shaped around each student's aims, with an emphasis on conversation, clear explanation, and opportunities to practice in everyday situations. Our teachers create a supportive environment where questions and mistakes are part of progress. We also encourage students to experience Guatemalan culture through local activities and optional homestays. Behind the scenes, we review our materials, listen to feedback, and strengthen our academic program. We want to preserve our welcoming spirit that has guided our school since 1978.
What makes your organization special?
Spanish Antigua has been part of Antigua Guatemala's language-learning community since 1978. What makes us special is the combination of our family history, experienced local teachers, and commitment to individual learning. We don't expect every student to follow the same path. Whether someone is a complete beginner, a professional, or a traveler returning to Spanish, we adapt lessons to their needs and interests.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I hope Spanish Antigua continues welcoming students from around the world for many more generations. I want us to preserve the personal relationships and quality teaching that have shaped our history while developing stronger academic resources, online learning opportunities, and international partnerships. Growth matters, but never at the expense of the individual attention we promise our students.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We're working on an updated academic framework that combines conversation-based learning with structured grammar, written exercises, and progress assessments. We're also developing new educational content and strengthening collaborations with international organizations. These improvements are part of our commitment to keeping Spanish Antigua relevant for modern learners while building on nearly five decades of experience.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Our programs offer something many travelers are looking for: flexibility, personal attention, and authentic cultural experiences. Students can choose how many hours they study each week, and their lessons are adapted to their objectives. Antigua is also an appealing destination, with its history, walkable streets, and opportunities to practice Spanish in daily life. Our long history and clear program options help students make informed decisions.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
More than improved Spanish, I hope our students leave with confidence, meaningful memories, and a deeper appreciation for Guatemala and its people. I want them to feel comfortable beginning conversations even when their Spanish is imperfect, and to recognize how much progress comes from everyday practice. Perhaps they will speak with a host family, ask questions at a market, or share a story with someone they have just met. Those experiences turn vocabulary into real connections. I also hope they gain curiosity, independence, and friendships that last beyond their stay. If students return home eager to keep learning and to engage with other cultures, we have achieved something very valuable.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Experiencing another culture challenges our assumptions and encourages us to see life from different perspectives. Traveling abroad can teach us to listen carefully, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and appreciate traditions and daily routines that differ from our own. It can also remind us how much we share, even when our backgrounds are different. Learning a local language deepens that experience by making everyday conversations possible and helping us connect beyond the surface. I believe the greatest value of travel is not simply discovering a destination, but building understanding and respect. Ideally, we return home with new friendships, deeper empathy, and a broader view of the world.
How do you help support participants?
We support students from their first inquiry by helping them choose a suitable program, coordinating schedules, and learning about their goals before classes begin. During their stay, our team and teachers remain available to answer questions, adjust lessons when needed, and help students feel comfortable. We can also arrange homestays with local families and offer cultural activities that complement their learning.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would choose a full week of private Spanish lessons in Antigua, experiencing the program from a student's perspective. I'd focus on conversation, participate in cultural activities, and spend time exploring local markets and talking with people. Sometimes the best way to improve an educational experience is to see it through the eyes of the person learning.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Students often ask how quickly they can improve their Spanish, whether our lessons are suitable for complete beginners, and how many hours they should study each day. I explain that progress depends on their starting level, goals, and how much they practice. We help them choose a realistic schedule and encourage them to use Spanish outside the classroom. I also remind them that making mistakes is a natural part of learning.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning another language allows us to understand people beyond translation. It opens doors to relationships, professional opportunities, and cultural experiences that might otherwise remain out of reach. It also teaches patience and humility. When we make the effort to communicate in someone else's language, we're showing genuine interest in their world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about connection, not simply visiting places or collecting photographs. It means taking time to understand the people, traditions, and perspectives of the communities welcoming us, and recognizing that we are guests in their home. It asks us to listen with curiosity, respect local customs, and participate without assuming our way is the only way. Small interactions, such as speaking with a neighbor or sharing a meal, can be just as memorable as major attractions. At Spanish Antigua, we see language learning as a bridge to those moments. When travelers try to communicate in Spanish, they open the door to more personal, respectful, and lasting cultural exchange. Every day!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go with an open mind and realistic expectations. Research your destination, learn about local customs, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Choose experiences that allow you to interact with the community rather than staying only within familiar environments. You don't need to speak the language perfectly to begin connecting with people. Willingness to learn makes a big difference.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don't line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
I believe international education loses some of its value when local communities are treated simply as attractions or service providers rather than partners. Programs should be transparent about what they offer, respect local culture, and recognize the knowledge and contributions of local teachers and families. Educational travel should benefit both participants and host communities, with respect and fair relationships at its center.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means approaching other cultures with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen. It involves recognizing that local communities have their own knowledge, priorities, and perspectives. For us, it means treating teachers and host families as valued partners, communicating transparently with students, and encouraging cultural experiences based on mutual understanding rather than stereotypes.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope international education becomes more accessible, personal, and connected to local communities. Technology can expand access to language learning, but human interaction should remain at the center. I would love to see more programs that value cultural understanding, responsible travel, and genuine educational growth rather than focusing only on the number of participants.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Trust, clear communication, mutual respect, and fairness are essential. We value the relationships we build with local teachers, host families, and community partners. Students should feel welcomed and supported, while community members should feel respected and appreciated for their contributions. Strong relationships aren't created through a single visit; they're built through consistency and genuine care over time.
