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!