Becca Calendo

One of my Spanish teachers at El Nahual told me there's a phrase is Guatemala that "eyes that do not see is a heart that cannot feel". El Nahual is a wonderful way to see and feel Guatemala. It has an organic connection to the community and the teachers are fantastic. The activities and programs are all centered around understanding the history of Guatemala, experiencing the culture and engaging in social development. It's really a beautiful place! Plus we had a ton of fun too!

Becca Calendo

Chicago, Illinois USA
Graduate Student, social work
23 years old

Dave Pietruszka

The people of Xela and the entire staff at El Nahual are wonderful! The teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic, and well-prepared, Jaime is a man with a vision, the children are wonderful, and the fellow Spanish students are unlike any other. El Nahual is much more than just a Spanish school, it's a community! Even the dogs are cool!

Dave Pietruszka

Chicago, Illinois USA
Social Studies Teacher
27 years old

Rosa Rougemont

The two months I spent at El Nahual will always be a treasure to me. From the moment I came, I was welcomed into their family, and after talking with Jaime, the teachers and the other volunteers, what I had hoped would be true about this organization's care for the community, selfless service and high-quality spanish instruction were all confirmed instantly. While there, I learned so much about Guatemala--politics, education, culture-- as well as more Spanish than I had learned in years of formal study. My teachers were extremly helpful, and language concepts that had always been difficult for me came much more easily through their help. I cannot say enough good things about El Nahual. It is a living gift to the community of Xela and to all that come to learn and serve with them.

- Rosanne Rougemont

Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA
Academic Advisor/ESL Instructor/Spanish student
26 years old

Bienvenidos!

Welcome to El Nahual's new blog, a place to learn more about the Community Education Center, Spanish School, volunteer opportunities and life at El Nahual and in Xela...

Look for these features:

- past student and volunteer testimonies

- current student/volunteer weekly journal

- El Nahual news and events

- fundraising goals

- links to relevant news articles and research about education, poverty, youth and other issues in Xela, Guatemala, and Central America

- photo and video galleries

We welcome the participation of all El Nahual's alumni, current students and volunteers...

as well as anyone looking for an ideal opportunity to gain invaluable international teaching and volunteer experience and Spanish language skills while promoting grass-roots community development!