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Why Choose Guatemala as a Study Abroad Destination?
By John Slocum
Guatemala is a beautiful country rich in history and cultural diversity. From
ancient Mayan ruins to Spanish colonial monuments, there is no lack of sights to
see, things to experience and ways to study the culture including many study
abroad programs.
The indigenous population speaks over 23 different languages, not to mention the
Spanish language. The landscape ranges from Caribbean to volcanic to urban to
jungle. Up until recently the country had been veritably undiscovered by North
American and European tourists because of its prolonged civil war and general
instability.
In the past, Guatemala was a danger to tourists, study abroad students and
unsuspecting visitors, to the point where the US issued a travel advisory. In an
effort to become more tourist-friendly, Guatemala has increased security and
hired tourist security at popular tourist and study abroad sites. Recently, this
work has paid off as the US has removed the long-standing travel advisory. All
of these factors make Guatemala a great location to study abroad.
The following is a list of a few popular Guatemalan destinations and their
respective highlights:
Antigua: The first official capital city of Guatemala, Antigua is a lively and
contemporary city. Also being an historical marker city, much of Antigua remains
pristine, untouched and unchanged. In many ways it remains a truly colonial
city. Antigua is such a beautiful and welcoming city, and it has become one of
Latin America's most popular cities to study abroad and is home to over 40
language schools that offer study abroad programs.
Although Antigua does keep a close grip on its past, it is still very much alive
in the modern world. Rife with Salsa club sup-scale hotels and restaurants, and
a movie theater, the nightlife is ever present. You will hear Spanish being the
most prevalent, then the numerous Mayan languages, followed by any number of
European languages of those who study abroad. Antigua has grown quite popular
with many North Americans and Europeans tourists and study abroad students for
its sightseeing, picturesque beauty; its affordable living and study abroad
program variety.
Lake Atitlan: Visiting the villages surrounding Lake Atitlan is a perfect
opportunity to see and engage present day Mayan culture in all its magnificent
splendor. Lake Atitlan is
one of Guatemala's top tourist destinations and study abroad components and most
visitors agree that it is the most beautiful lake in the world. This is a must
visit location for tourists or those that study abroad. Located in the
department of Solola in the Guatemalan highlands, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by
mountains and volcanoes, which make for a magnificent background and highlight
the lake's beauty. The forests around the lake are also one of the last habitats
of the Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.
Despite the fact that Hurricane Stan ravaged the area with heavy rains that
caused landslides, Lake Atitlan and its surrounding areas remain one of the most
visited areas in Guatemala. With its ring of surrounding volcanoes, almost every
view is a picturesque and breathtaking one. Many trips are organized during the
study abroad programs to Lake Atitlan to be able to complete the study abroad
cultural immersion experience.
Lake Atitlan visitors have the rare opportunity to see unique local practices
firsthand and as a study abroad student staying for a longer period of time may
get the chance to visit more than once.
Tikal: Tikal is Guatemala's most famous and also most impressive Mayan
archaeological site; students who study abroad call this the land of wonders.
Continuously settled for more than 1500 years, Tikal was abandoned around the
year 900 AD for reasons not yet fully understood. The bulk of its structures and
monumental temples were built during the height of the Mayan Classic Period,
approximately from 200 AD to 850 AD, after which Tikal began its mysterious
decline.
Although locals probably always knew of the ruins, Tikal was not officially
rediscovered until 1848 when an expedition was made to the site by members of
the Peten government.
In the twentieth century, mammoth excavations and reconstructions have been
undertaken through a collaborative effort between the Guatemalan government and
several U.S. Universities.
About the Author
Enjoy a free Spanish Phrase ebook: http://www.amerispan.com/spdownload - This 30-pager is great if you quickly want to learn Spanish phrases for travel. John Slocum is the president of AmeriSpan, a leader in immersion language programs and study abroad since 1993. 85 cities, 35 countries. 25,000 past participants. http://www.amerispan.com/language_schools/
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/42972.html
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| Some other articles by John Slocum | |
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