Our Notes From the Road
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What does four weeks of Spanish immersion in Guatemala cost? My September budget covers 95 hours of private lessons, a homestay with meals and a full schedule of school activities in Xela. Here’s what I spent and the value I got from the experience.
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Surrounded by mountains, Xela offered plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the city. From natural saunas and hot springs to a sacred crater lake and an unforgettable hike to an active volcano, these outings became highlights of my four weeks there.
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Beyond Xela, our school trips took us to three nearby pueblos, where we discovered traditional Maya clothing, colourful churches and local customs. From an unexpected encounter with San Simón to a rainy afternoon adventure, each visit offered a glimpse into life beyond the city.
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Xela’s Independence Day celebrations were bigger and longer than I expected, with marimba music, marching bands, traditional dress, and a lively annual fair. Just when I thought the festivities were over, another celebration began, giving me a glimpse into the traditions that shape life in this Guatemalan city.
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Studying Spanish at Utatlán opened doors to experiences beyond the classroom, from helping local children with homework to discovering Maya clothing traditions, learning about women’s weaving, and tasting local chocolate.
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Getting to know Xela meant walking its busy streets, exploring bustling markets, discovering its history on a walking tour, and finding a favourite coffee shop. Along the way, there were unexpected challenges, small acts of kindness, and plenty of everyday moments that helped me see the city differently.
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I came to Xela, Guatemala, to study Spanish and spend time immersed in local life. Living with a Guatemalan family and attending language school gave me a glimpse into everyday life, while introducing me to a city I was just beginning to discover.
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We expected Penang to be more expensive than Ipoh, but April turned out differently. Staying in one place, cooking most of our meals, and exploring at an unhurried pace helped keep our spending surprisingly low.
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Our Malaysian journey ended with three days in Melaka, a memorable walking tour, an unexpectedly stressful border crossing, and one final stop in Singapore. Even the airport turned out to be part of the adventure before we finally headed home.
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Kuala Lumpur kept surprising us, from the peaceful Perdana Botanical Gardens and fascinating museums to the busy streets of Chinatown, Batu Caves and a Hindu temple we discovered completely by chance. Each place showed us a different side of the city — and left us with something to remember.