Teaching English in Xela, Guatemala

Four Schools Offer Range of Choices

By Claire MacDonell

Quetzaltenango, commonly referred to as "Xela," sits in a valley surrounded by towering volcanoes. It is Guatemala's educational center, with five universities and numerous language schools. Many travelers come here to improve their Spanish, and some choose to stay for an extended period of time. If you are looking to make enough money to cover your room and board, with a little left over for hiking up volcanoes or taking the bus to other Guatemalan locales, teaching English is a viable option.

There is a high demand among Guatemalans to learn English. Some students are just out of high school and need to show proficiency in English as a second language to be accepted into the university. Some are interested in learning the language to improve their job opportunities in Guatemala or a foreign country, and some are learning because they simply like the language and American music. Parents often prefer to send their children to an English-only school, or at least provide private lessons during the school year and during extended vacations.

Of the six schools in Quetzaltenango that offer English lessons, four accept foreign teachers. Best English School, in the most convenient location, beside the central park, asks for a 2-month commitment and offers a high degree of flexibility regarding hours and days available to teach. Teaching experience is not a requirement, but it is helpful.

Instituto Central America, also known as ICA, was first established as a Spanish-only school, and this remains its primary focus. The English school is small and presently employs three teachers. ICA also asks for a 2-month commitment, but prefers qualified teachers with previous experience in the classroom. Hours are flexible, and class sizes vary between seven and 15. The pay is higher than Best English, however, the number of hours worked per day is generally less.

The similarly named IGA, the Instito Guatemalteco Americano, employs 13 teachers, both Guatemalan and foreign, and asks for a 2-year commitment. They prefer qualified teachers but will provide training if necessary. The maximum class size is 20, with no private lessons offered. One excellent benefit is that teachers who work more than 20 hours per week are offered free Spanish lessons at a nearby school. IGA is also interested in teachers who have experience with children, as it runs a "vacation" English program for children during school breaks. The pay is about that of the above-mentioned schools, but teachers are generally guaranteed 40 hours per week.

Inter-America School (IAS) offers paid positions yet refers to its teachers as volunteers. The school offers K-12 Christian-based education that meets U.S. university preparatory requirements. Many Americans who want their children prepared for U.S. public schools send their children to ICA, regardless of religious affiliation. Teachers are asked to sign a commitment to the Christian faith and agree to teach according to the Christian values. Volunteers receive a monthly stipend that comfortably covers living expenses. Teaching experience is helpful but not necessary, and volunteers are asked to commit for a year. All subjects are taught in English, and hiring usually occurs in the spring for the coming fall.

CLAIRE MACDONELL is traveling through Central and South America. She spends most of her time volunteering or working in short-term jobs. She has found farms and English schools to be the most forgiving and comfortable places to pursue her goals of a warm bed and a cheap meal.