Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
July - August, 2026 (Final Dates TBD)
Four-week program
Six-week option available for FLAS Fellows
Applications for Summer 2026 will open in November.
Program Overview
The Mayan Language Institute: Kaqchikel, also known as Oxlajuj Aj, has been training Kaqchikel language students in Guatemala since 1987. Co-taught by Tulane professor Dr. Judith Maxwell, and expert local instructors, it exposes students to a variety of language dialects while teaching them standardized Kaqchikel grammar and orthography. Language classes combine grammatical lectures with practice activities to teach through immersion: instructors model new vocabulary and grammar for students and then invite them to participate in a series of highly structured steps. This methodology enables students to build a linguistic schema without relying upon translations from Spanish or English. (It is also great fun!) Classes also introduce students to important voices and topics in Kaqchikel Maya culture through excursions to nearby sites of interest and presentations by local leaders and scholars.
In 2025, Oxlajuj Aj will take place in the San Miguel Escobar neighborhood of Ciudad Vieja, a town located approximately 5km outside of Antigua, Guatemala.
Academics
Students enroll in one language course and one culture course, each worth 3 Tulane credits. In general, classes meet Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm with a break for a shared lunch around midday. The morning classes focus on language instruction. Afternoons are dedicated to lectures, guest talks, student projects, etc. The schedule is subject to change to accommodate excursions, special events, speaker schedules, etc.
Courses Offered
ANTH 6870: Kaqchikel Maya Culture (3 credits)
AND
ANTH 6840: Beginning Kaqchikel Language (3 credits) OR
ANTH 7570: Intermediate Kaqchikel Language (3 credits) OR
ANTH 7580: Advanced Kaqchikel Language (3 credits)
Housing and Meals
The program arranges for student housing with local host families. Students will have private bedrooms with basic furnishings and bedding. They may share a bathroom with other students or members of the host family. All homes are equipped with wifi and potable water.
Host families will provide breakfast and dinner during weekdays and three meals per day on the weekends. The program provides lunch for all students and instructors during class days.
Because San Miguel Escobar is a primarily ladino (non-Maya) community, many of our host families do not speak Kaqchikel. They are nonetheless rich sources of insight into Guatemalan culture and society. Students should prepare to interact with their host families in Spanish and learn through the rhythms of daily interaction.
Excursions
Each summer, students participate in multiple group excursions. In previous years, these have included short local trips to the marketplace, a milpa (traditional farm), a weaving co-op, and day trips to pre-Columbian ruins, local landmarks, and conferences. Students often have the opportunity to interact with local leaders and may be invited to participate in Mayan religious and cultural ceremonies. We encourage students come prepared with an open mind and spirit of generosity.
Cost: TBD
Final program cost will depend on final enrollment; it will not exceed $6,000 USD* (total cost including Tuition AND Housing/Logistics Fee).
*Six-Week FLAS Program will incur an additional cost.
Program price includes 6 Tulane credits, GeoBlue international health insurance, airport transportation, housing, three meals/day (except Sundays), in-country excursions, and group activities and celebrations.
Program costs do not include travel to/from Guatemala, Sunday meals, or personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, etc.
