In December 2005, I booked a United Airlines ticket to Antigua, Guatemala. I had enrolled in an intense course of Spanish instruction. The course was one-on-one. One teacher, one student (me) for six hours per day, six days per week.

I resided with a wonderful Guatemalan family in their large home, studying for about eleven days. I returned in June 2006 for three weeks of study and studied similarly in August 2006, February 2007 and March 2008. March 2006-May 2009 I studied almost weekly for two hours with a wonderful Guatemalan lady, meeting every Monday evening, at Borders Books in Lakewood, WA.

Why?

America is turning hispanic. One forecast I read indicated that by 2047, Spanish would be the dominant language in California.

An interesting September 11, 2010 article in The Economist magazine was further informative:

Over 40% of New Mexico’s population is of hispanic origin.

30% to 40% of Texans, Arizonians and California are of hispanic origin.

20% to 30% of Nevada’s, Florida’s and Colorado’s population is of hispanic origin.

Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have populations estimated at 10% to 20% latino in origin.

These foreign room, board and lessons packages in Guatemala and Nicaragua are inexpensive and easy to access. You just call or email the school and ask them to pick you up at the airport. It is usually truly that simple. The total room, board and lessons package runs about $175-220 per week depending on whether u have a teacher for 20 or 30 hours per week.

I recommend Roger Ramirez’s One-on-One Tutoring in Granada, Nicaragua or Ixchel Spanish School in Antigua, Guatemala. Google them for contact information.