Welcome
to Quetzaltenango, (aka Xela) the second largest city in Guatemala, Central
America. Xela is located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala and has
approximately 200,000 residents. Xela is approximately 2,033 meters above
sea level, (or 7,000 feet). There are several different ethnic groups
that converge in the city, K'iche', Mam, Ladino and others. Also, the
city is about four hours away from the border of Mexico, and as a result,
Quetzaltenango is an important hub in the interests of commercial/industrial,
cultural, educational, and health services in the Southwest Region, among
others.
Spanish School IXIM NOJ is in Zone 1 of Quetzaltenango, in a place where
you will encounter a friendly atmosphere, because it is also the home of the
director, Rocael Sum. Therefore, you are invited to share an incredible
social and cultural experience as you learn spanish. IXIM NOJ offers the
following educational services:
1) Week-long spanish
lesson packages (ranging from 20-25 hours, Monday thru Friday) This includes
accomodations with a friendly Guatemalan family, along with 3 meals per day.
Also included are extra-cirricular activities in the afternoons.
2) Private Lessons
given by the director, without activities, at the location of your choice.
These classes can be conducted at your favorite cafe, restaurant, hostel,
or the home of a Guatemalan Family, etc.
3) Spanish Language
Instruction by way of the internet, using a method deemed appropriate by the
director for this mode of communication. These classes are also taught by
the director, Rocael Sum.
4) Also, the school
offers other classes that are unique to Guatemala. These include but are
not limited to lessons in: History, Culture, Education Systems, Health
Services, Political Systems, Indiginous Groups, The Mayan Calendar, Advanced
Mayan Civilization, Economics, etc. All of these specialized classes are
taught by the director, Rocael Sum.
Rocael Sum Cotom (Rocky),
is the director of Spanish School IXIM NOJ, and at this time also teaches many
of the classes, along with other experienced teachers. Rocky has visited
the United States 3 times and has conducted numerous conferences at
universities and other institutions. He has taught spanish as a second
language for over 21 years. Also, Rocky conducts conferences in spanish
schools and other institutions across Quetzaltenango.
Rocky received his teachers
degree from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala City and holds various
distinctions in Legislative Management, Human Rights, Racism &
Discrimination Prevention, Political Systems, Advanced Mayan Civilization,
among others.
We hope that you will be a
part of our wonderful family in Quetzaltenango!