June 21 - August 2, 2025
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. Afternoon 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 provides 140 contact hours of language instruction.
Historically held in the small Sololá community of Nawaljá (Nahualá), the program relocated to Xela (Quetzaltenango) in 2022. In 2025, the program will divide time between Xela (first 2.5 weeks) and the community of El Novillero, Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá (last 3 weeks). This arrangement enables us to enhance K’iche’-language immersion and restrengthen ties with Nawaljá, while still taking advantage of the resources of a larger city.
Xela, located in the mountains northwest of Lake Atitlán, is the second largest city in Guatemala. It is the capital of Quetzaltenango department and home to approximately 180,000 people. Spanish is the predominant language in the streets, but many residents maintain Mayan cultural practices. While there, students continue to interact with the K'iche' language through our local instructors and guest speakers even as they enjoy the greater amenities available in the larger city.
El Novillero is a small community in the municipality of Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá. It is located approximately 8 miles from Nawaljá. It is home to many K'iche' speaking families, though the variation they speak is different from that spoken by our Nahualeño instructors. While there, students will benefit from much more 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 both Xela and El Novillero. In Xela, homestays are arranged by our partner organization DESGUA. While not all families are K’iche’ speaking, all have ties to cultural practices and experience hosting foreign students. In Novillero, we work with local K’iche’-speaking families who have collaborated with similar programs in the past.
Students will have private bedrooms with basic furnishings, bedding, and towels. They may share a bathroom with other students or members of the host family. All homes are equipped with wifi and potable water. 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.
Cost: $7,250
Tuition: $5,000
Housing and Logistics Fee: $2,250
Program price includes 6 Tulane credits, GeoBlue international global medical insurance, housing, three meals/day, airport transportation, transportation to and from Quetzaltenango at the program start and end, in-country excursions, and group activities and celebrations.
Program costs do not include travel to/from Guatemala, or personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.
