Guatemala Summer: Spanish Language Intensive

My month-long intensive had ups and downs but overall the staff handled things fairly well. I had an amazing time with my homestay families and I remember them to this day. The trips we did, Semuc Champey, Santa Maria and so much more. I had a fantastic time despite the complications that occurred. The people I got to meet were incredible and I’m friends with some of them to this day. This month of exploration allowed me to grow into a more confident and adventurous individual and I’m very glad I had this opportunity.

At 16 I spent the summer in Guatemala with a group of students I had never met before. I had no idea what to expect. In the end, I learned more in my four weeks of travel than I did in my first two years in high school. The instructors were incredibly caring and helpful, and made the experience so much better. They were able to calm down students feeling homesick and answer all of our questions about language, history, and culture. The food during the trip was authentic and delicious, and we even had the opportunity to learn to cook some dishes.

The greatest lessons we learn are ones we don't remember learning. Traveling alone as a teenager is already nerve-wracking, not to mention being phoneless in Guatemala only furthered my path to self-discovery and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
As I ventured out into the unknown I discovered new things about myself including my ability to think quickly on my feet and my love for sharing stories. Our lives back home were unimportant now. Forging deeper connections with the environment and others around me blinded my initial discomfort which led me to be more open. Whether it was tumbling up the mountains or hurting hands from kneading tortilla dough I was reminded of the effort it took to build something meaningful.
These challenges pushed me to thrive in any circumstance and make meaningful relationships. Being exposed to unfamiliar situations pushed me to discover things about myself, including my passion for fostering a better community that is inclusive of all.
Upon my arrival differences, I realized aspects of my life I had taken for granted which My host family jokingly poked fun at me for. Now I was a stranger in new surroundings, aiming to gain more knowledge. Through weaving clothing and learning how to make traditional dishes, I acquired a deeper consideration of the little things in life. Activities like eating at the dinner table together contrasted with my busy life in America as long shifts usually hindered my household's ability to accomplish. No matter how occupied they were, it was a daily occurrence. It was bonding through laughter during late-night Uno games and screaming at the TV when our fútbol team missed a goal that I earned connections that could transcend language. Teaching my host siblings more English while they taught me Tz´utujil reminded me of life back home of helping my brothers. Assisting others with their goals has always been a passion of mine.
Taking what I learned and applying it to clubs I lead like Spanish Honor Society and Black Girl Summit has helped amplify the message of service and giving back to underrepresented communities. This year we have implemented menstrual kits and donation boxes to aid those who cannot afford necessities during their period. In the Spanish honor society, we host activities such as toy drives and educational events to inform our students about ways to give back to the world around us.

I have participated in many summer camps and travel programs and Dragons was by far the best overall experience I've had and I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet many amazing people and learn so much about the culture of Guatemala. My instructors were amazing and my homestay families welcomed me with open arms. While at first it was sometimes hard to communicate, I became more confident making conversation through our daily Spanish classes and the constant interactions I had with locals. My independent study project allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the mayan culture through their traditional practice of weaving, an experience I will always treasure. I gained so much in the short four weeks I spent in Guatemala immersed in a rich and beautiful culture.

The Where There Be Dragons program is unparalleled to any other travel program. My six weeks in Guatemala was truly transformative and filled with opportunities to grow. The instructor team was experienced and cultivated opportunities that encouraged a broad spectrum of learning. The relationships developed both with the communities and among our group are still among the most memorable connections I have. Dragon’s program components create an intentional framework for travel yet each program is unique. I couldn’t recommend Dragons enough for anyone seeking to travel and I will forever remember the lessons and people from my trip. My six weeks in Guatemala allowed me to see the world in a new way, and I am incredibly grateful to Where There Be Dragons.

I had a wonderful time on the trip. At first I was really nervous, I spoke Spanish terribly and I knew very little about Guatemala. Those fears were quickly dismissed. Everyone in the group was nice and everyone had something offer. The staff were very nice and they did a good job of keeping the group together, not letting it form into individual cliques. Our counselors were Jochen, Paula, and Kelly. They worked together to keep us safe and they worked non-stop to making plans for the group. I know this all sounds like insincere hyperbole but it’s true! But that’s not to say there weren’t hiccups. During our 4 day trek we had to send two kids — one by one — by ground transportation to the destination, leaving us with only Kelly for a day. Three of us got sick because they forgot to filter their water. But despite these challenges, we all had a great time. Not to mention that I came back way better at speaking Spanish than when I left. We all grew a whole lot in that summer month. And we all still keep in contact.

As a lover of travel I was over the moon to discover these summer programs. Throughout my month in Guatemala I learned more about myself and the world than I did in two years of high school. Learning Spanish from locals was also a really interesting way to learn and I found that having one on one instruction helps me grow more than group classes do. My instructors on the trip were three of the most intelligent, kind, and loving people I've ever met. At times being away from your family can be hard but I received so much love and support the entire time. Having finished the trip I can say that it was the best experience of my life and I can't wait to travel more next summer.

What an incredible experience! I can't begin to count the valuable lessons I leaned and the memories I made. The program was the perfect blend of bonding within our Dragons family and spreading out as individuals to witness the beauty and complexity of Guatemala. Our instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and they molded the trip to fit the personality of our group. The small group environment provided opportunities to explore how we get along with other people, and our instructors facilitated sessions to allow ideas to be shared and feedback to be given. Throughout the trip, I always knew I was supported and cared for.

Each aspect of the trip brought new challenges and triumphs, and through those I formed unbreakable bonds with the other members of the group. We traveled together to many different towns and areas, experiencing both the serenity of Lake Atitlan and the majesty of the mountains of the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes. Before going on the trip, I was worried that I my participation would be limited because I did not speak Spanish, but that was a non-issue. My confidence with Spanish increased exponentially, and I even developed a love for the language. This program has had such lasting impacts on my life and I am grateful for it every day.