Nawaljá (Nahualá), Sololá, Guatemala
Four-week program: June 26 - July 24, 2027
Application deadline: February 19, 2027
About the Mayan Language Institute: K'iche'
Students in the Mayan Language Institute: K'iche' program learn the Nahualeño dialect of K'iche' alongside faculty linguists and native-speaking experts. Small group lectures coupled with nearly one-on-one practice offer students an individualized learning experience, one which leads to rapid increase in linguistic proficiency. Classes introduce students to important voices and topics in K'iche' Maya culture through excursions to nearby sites of interest and presentations by local leaders and scholars.
The program is held in the small Sololá community of Nawaljá (Nahualá), which is home to many K'iche'-speaking families. Students benefit from intensive language and cultural immersion and experience the linguistic variation of K'iche' firsthand.
Academics
Students enroll in one language course and one culture course, each worth 3 Tulane credits. In general, classes meet daily Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, with a midday break for lunch. Morning sessions are dedicated to language classes, while 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 6860: K’iche’ Maya Culture (3 credits)
AND
ANTH 6845: Beginning K’iche’ Language (3 credits) OR
ANTH 6850: Intermediate K’iche’ Language (3 credits) OR
ANTH 6855: Advanced K’iche’ Language (3 credits)
Housing
The program arranges for student housing with local host families in Nawaljá. 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. Though the ameneties may not be as comfortable as the students’ homes, all families and facilities have been vetted by program staff.
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 to share during class days.
Excursions
Each summer, the Program Directors organize multiple group excursions. These range from short local trips to the marketplace, a milpa (traditional farm), or a weaving co-op, to 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.