Who we
are :
Our
unique Eco-EcoEscuela program combines intensive language
instruction with informal environmental education. Our
mission is to immerse students in the fascinating culture,
and ecology of the Petén region of Guatemala, an area
renowned for its tropical forest and ancient Maya Ruins.
At
Eco-Escuela you will learn Spanish in a traditional Petén
community. The school is owned and managed by a group of
56 local people, distributed between teachers and families
of the community, all conscious of the importance of
conservation and the preservation of the environment for
the future of our children.
The
Eco-Escuela came about as a development project of
Propetén C.I. to support conservation within the Maya
Biosphere Reserve. It achieved independence three years
after its establishment, converting into a community
business, owned by local people interested in the
conservation of the environment.
The
Eco-Escuela is located in San Andrés on the banks of Lake
Petén Itzá, thirty minutes by boat from Flores. With a
population of approximately 6,000 people, San Andrés is a
small rural Petén community.
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Spanish Instruction
:
Classes are
offered in weekly intervals, beginning every Monday
throughout the year. Students have the choice of studying
4 or 6 hours per day. Classes run Monday - Friday, in the
mornings or in the afternoons, and students may stay as
many weeks as they wish.
The school
accepts students of all levels, from absolute beginner to
advanced. All classes are one-on-one, providing you with
intense individual attention. Upon arrival, you will be
given a written exam to assess your ability and to help us
identify the most appropriate teaching materials and
techniques for your level.
Thereafter,
your experienced, certified teacher will work with you at
your own pace to develop and strengthen reading, writing,
conversation and comprehension skills.
At the
Eco-Escuela classes are held in two spacious buildings
overlooking Lake Petén Itzá. With many windows to let in
sunlight and fresh air, students are provided with a
comfortable learning environment.
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Homestay
:
Living with a
local family is a very special experience. San Andreseńos
are friendly, generous and welcoming to visitors. They
enjoy sharing jokes and stories of their lives in the
region. In addition to daily language interaction outside
the classroom, homestays also provide a unique opportunity
to participate in the lives and customs of the people.
These living arrangements also allow students to observe
how local families depend on the forest and its resources
as part of their day-to-day existence.
Each family is
carefully selected and most have worked with the school
for several years. All homes are located within walking
distance of the school. Accommodations are modest, but
comfortable. Each student has her/his own room and usually
shares a bathroom and shower with the family. Students are
provided with three meals a day. Laundry is an additional
cost. Living arrangements for couples, friends and
families can be accommodated.
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Cultural and Ecological
Immersion :
Our group is
dedicated to forest conservation, naturally affording
students the opportunity to participate in the variety of
ecological and social activities organized by the school.
Among these activities, we have the following:
Environment themed class
discussions:
Students will
exchange knowledge with local naturalists, midwives,
chicle harvesters, and community members who can teach
interested students about traditional cooking and local
recipes.
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Volunteer work:
Sacbaquecan Interpretative
Trail:
This is a municipality land given to Eco-Escuela in order
to manage and protect it as a community reserve for future
generations. The Eco-Escuela invested invests a percentage
of its incomes to provide trail maintenance and land
control. The area is designed for the observation of
lumber-producing trees (mahogany and Spanish cedar cedro)
and non-lumber trees (Chico-zapote, allspice, xate), fruit-bearing
trees and other species native to region.
There are
opportunities for students to do voluntary work in the
areaaccompanied by locals who provide first hand knowledge
about forest culture.
Ixcalap Reforestation Area:
There we work with the preservation of Students have the
opportunity to support this community project developing
activities such as cleaning trails, planting seeds as web
as educational walks in the forest.
Macantun
Public Beach:
-
Canoe trips
on the lake
-
Traditional
cooking
-
Ecological
video presentations
-
Sport
afternoons
-
Public
dances
-
Readings on
regional ecology, traditions, and customs, etc. by
community leaders and families working with our school
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Special Volunteer Work
When students
have a high level of Spanish and a minimum of four weeks
of classes, it is possible to coordinate activities
affording the student opportunities to visit healers,
midwives and local organizations who could benefit from
your personal time and commitment to conversation and
sustainable development expertise.
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A Social Program:
In addition to providing jobs for more than 56 families in
the town, our school School dedicates 5% of its earnings,
every fiscal period, to the support of community projects
benefiting the general population, including:
Economic support and supply of materials to schools
-
Remodeling
of the Eduardo Fión Mixed Urban School
-
Reconstruction of a playground at the 29 de Agosto
School
-
Donation of
School supplies to needy children at the beginning of
every school year
-
Economic
support and supply of materials to schools
Interactive and Ecological Library
"Viva la Selva".
The Spanish school supports
this community project through the payment of teachers'
salaries. With your stay you support this Social Program.
We invite you
to visit our unique lakeside community, where you can
learn and travel peacefully outside the common tourist
experience.
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PROGRAM COSTS:
|
USD175.00
per student/per week |
Includes:
20 hours of individualized classes (one-on-one)
7 days of lodging with three meals a day, staying
with a local family
Outside classroom extracurricular activities |
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Safety in Our Region:
The political situation in Guatemala has improved
significantly over the last several years. In 1996 a U.S.
State Department travel warning for Guatemala was lifted
and a peace accord was signed, bringing to an end many
years of political unrest throughout the country.
Tourism is a foundation of the Petenero economy, and the
local people are welcoming to tourists. As when traveling
to any foreign country, individuals should always use good
judgment and take necessary safety precautions.
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