Spanish School Antigua - I know its off season!

My son enjoyed the Academía Antigüeña and recommends it highly - smaller school, less expensive than most in Antigua. Here's their write-up on a review site: guatemala365.com

I prefer less touristy areas for "immersion" - in a place like Antigua I'd be tempted to cheat too much. Let me know if you're interested in schools a little more off the beaten path.

No, it is not a totally wrong time to go to Antigua. Actually, one of the best times of all. Whatever book you are reading that told you that, you need to throw it out.

One of the best schools in all Latin America is Sevilla. And they are in the popular price range, which makes it one of the best values in all Latin America. They pay their teachers more than most schools, thus get their choice of the better teachers, more experienced and better trained. The school has been there for many years, and the director is very experienced. All those things count a bunch. They have a great activity program, too. Go with them to the giant kite festival for November 1st Day of the Dead celebration. It is a must do. That alone is worth a few extra bucks for a school. Go on all their field trips. They can give you a few homestays to check out. You need to be specific about what you want and don't want in a home stay, such as a private bath or not, eating at the table with the family or not, etc. And check out a couple before deciding. Sevilla has a website. You can easily immerse yourself for practicing by going into the neighborhoods and strolling around talking to locals. Or you can go to one of the many popular watering holes and talk English to people from all over the world. You have time to do both.

Buen viaje!

I studied at a new school, Academia Colonial Spanish School. They have some of the same qualities Aloysius mentioned. They pay more for their teachers as well. My teacher, Carmen, had 20 years of experience and was amazing for me. Its first class but fun .. two block from central park, very comfortable and beautiful. They are very proud of their homestay program, the house I stayed in was gorgeous. They have pictures on the website.

Have fun!

Go to Antigua and go around and visits the different schools and get one that you like and suits your needs. Also dont sign up for a home stay untill you check out the place. Rem ember this is a business to make money for the family and some are nice with good food and some are not so so see your room first. Poor food, bedbugs and fleas have been a problem for some.

Thanks for the info about Antigua in the off season. I will be visiting Antigua for 2 weeks to do a Spanish course at the end of September.

Has anyone been there at this time? Should I book my place in a school before I get there, or is it ok to wait and register on the spot?
Also, how touristy is Antigua at that time? I am hoping to still get a good immersion in Spanish, with my host family and locals.

Thanks
Asha