Learn Spanish in an easy way!
Our team will welcome you with the best help you need and deserve to learn and improve your Spanish! Our school is located in a quiet neighbourhood and is only a 5 minute walk to the heart of San Pedro La Laguna. Our classroom has an impressive view of Lake Atitlan. Live with a local family, get to know our culture and learn about our Mayan traditions. There’s also the possibility to volunteer at one of our projects! Of course we also offer the possibility to study with us online. More about our classes….
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Classes on location
Study with us in San Pedro La Laguna. Having a nice view while learning Spanish.
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Online classes
Learn Spanish online, with our native teachers with our program so you can learn Spanish..
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Our Projects
Be part of our projects where we support children and you are an important part of our support..
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For our students we provide different activities. We offer movie nights, documentaries, social outings, cultural speeches, political speeches, history of our towns, ancestral practices (Mayan ceremonies) writing, drawing and meaning of your Mayan symbol in the Mayan language, hikes, cooking lessons, playing sports, salsa lessons, visiting organizations that work with organic produce, coffee tour, honey tour and chocolate factory tour. No doubt you must try these activities once you are here.
Be part of the change!
A portion of our profit goes towards helping those in our community who live in extremely challenging situations and our children who need our support to achieve a decent education. As a school, we support some of our local primary school children by tutoring them privately after school in various subjects or areas where they need a support.
We really want to keep building positive changes for our communities, that is why your support is so important for us. Be part of Semilla Spanish School by studying with us, volunteering with us or donating through our website. Any donation or help will give us a positive boost to our people!
I would give a TRILLION stars if Google would let me!!! What an absolutely incredible experience… There is truly not a single thing I could think to even improve, even slightly! It was everything I hoped for and so, so much more. The Semilla fam goes so far above and beyond in every possible way.🩷 JC is on👏the👏ball👏with communication—I was even sent a full video walkthrough of how to get to the school! They care about every detail and put in the effort to make sure you are having and excellent experience.
It is SO fun to be there!! You can truly FEEL that everyone loves their work and is having a good time. My teacher Otto was beyond words amazing, and the same can be said about every one of the instructors. I stayed with Ana Lidia, José and their family and it was the most enjoyable time ever! Us students were truly part of the family, invited to outings, taught cooking skills, and truly, truly welcomed. We had such great conversations (in Spanish, of course) and got to try so many delicious dishes and drinks made “solo en mi casa”, as Ana Lidia would say!
I cannot recommend this place enough! The energy is great, the views are beautiful, the teachers are amazing, the location is perfect, the host families are delightful, and of course, you will learn SO much Spanish!
It’s the most fun and positive learning environment I’ve ever been a part of, all I can say it: Choose this school!!!!🩷🫶
It is SO fun to be there!! You can truly FEEL that everyone loves their work and is having a good time. My teacher Otto was beyond words amazing, and the same can be said about every one of the instructors. I stayed with Ana Lidia, José and their family and it was the most enjoyable time ever! Us students were truly part of the family, invited to outings, taught cooking skills, and truly, truly welcomed. We had such great conversations (in Spanish, of course) and got to try so many delicious dishes and drinks made “solo en mi casa”, as Ana Lidia would say!
I cannot recommend this place enough! The energy is great, the views are beautiful, the teachers are amazing, the location is perfect, the host families are delightful, and of course, you will learn SO much Spanish!
It’s the most fun and positive learning environment I’ve ever been a part of, all I can say it: Choose this school!!!!🩷🫶
We had the best week here, thank you to everyone at Semilla, especially Dailyn, for all of your support ❤️ couldn’t recommend Semilla more!
10/10 experience. The teachers are so friendly and funny. The lessons are great quality and the location is amazing. If you’re doing lessons in the morning, make sure to put on some warmer clothes as it gets a bit chilly. Fortunately my teacher lent me her scarf straight away. They also help with booking local tours.
I had lessons with Chely around 2 months ago and am writing this review as her lessons helped my travels in Latin America so much!! We focused on travelling vocabulary and it has been a lifesaver. After only a week of lessons I gained so much confidence in Spanish and have been able get around Colombia and have conversations with locals thanks to all my tips from Chely! Thanks so much Chely, JC and Manuel, my solo trip around Central America would not have been the same without this incredible school 🩷🩷🩷
I spent one week at Semilla Spanish school and it was a great experience!! The ambiance was very nice, the location was great and the teachers were very professional, fun and kind! I also improved my Spanish a lot in just one week.
The school also organised many activities and interesting tours, and there were lots of other travellers at the school to do those activities with.
I also stayed at a hostfamily through Semilla, and that was an amazing experience too. I would recommend Semilla Spanish School to everyone!!
The school also organised many activities and interesting tours, and there were lots of other travellers at the school to do those activities with.
I also stayed at a hostfamily through Semilla, and that was an amazing experience too. I would recommend Semilla Spanish School to everyone!!
I’ve dreaded writing this review because it means I’m about to leave this beautiful place. What was only suppose to be 4 weeks turned into 6 months and it’s been one of the best experience in my life so far.
It was great for me as a solo female traveler to be able to come to Guatemala for my first time and be welcomed in with open arms. Juan Carlos helped me with my travel logistics (which was HUGE) and was the main reason why I chose the school because of his quick responses and eagerness to make sure I had everything I needed!
I had Otto for my teacher and I couldn’t have been paired with a better match. He is incredibly intuitive to not only my learning style and needs, but also knew when to push and when to give me space during my learning pains. I came in only knowing two words and he brought so much life and personality to my Spanish journey and had so much patience with my pace. I can’t thank or rave about him enough as my teacher.
During our breaks, we had a daily delicious snack and Juan Carlos seriously plays the best music. I love how the school is smaller too because you really get to know the other students and I’ve made some of my closest lifelong friends here! They seriously attract such great people.
It was also my first time doing a homestay and my host family was absolutely incredible. Manuel, Lizeth and their three children made me feel right at home the moment I walked in and after 6 months, they are now my family. Truly. Not only did they teach me about their Mayan culture, they all embraced MY Vietnamese culture. And the food WAS INCREDIBLE.
Speaking of culture, I also got to partake in one of the activities offered and it was a Mayan Ceremony. One of the most special things I’ve done! Seriously, such an honor to be able to have that experience.
I could go on and on about this school, but just know my friends that visited me during my time also went to school with me and others I met that spent time at different Spanish schools all agreed Semilla surpasses them all. I don’t know if it’s the small team that creates this welcoming environment, the training the teachers get (they are ALL amazing and so helpful with all students) or the immaculate view of the lake from the classrooms - but you won’t regret your decision to come here and take a class with any of the teachers! I love you Semilla 🫶
It was great for me as a solo female traveler to be able to come to Guatemala for my first time and be welcomed in with open arms. Juan Carlos helped me with my travel logistics (which was HUGE) and was the main reason why I chose the school because of his quick responses and eagerness to make sure I had everything I needed!
I had Otto for my teacher and I couldn’t have been paired with a better match. He is incredibly intuitive to not only my learning style and needs, but also knew when to push and when to give me space during my learning pains. I came in only knowing two words and he brought so much life and personality to my Spanish journey and had so much patience with my pace. I can’t thank or rave about him enough as my teacher.
During our breaks, we had a daily delicious snack and Juan Carlos seriously plays the best music. I love how the school is smaller too because you really get to know the other students and I’ve made some of my closest lifelong friends here! They seriously attract such great people.
It was also my first time doing a homestay and my host family was absolutely incredible. Manuel, Lizeth and their three children made me feel right at home the moment I walked in and after 6 months, they are now my family. Truly. Not only did they teach me about their Mayan culture, they all embraced MY Vietnamese culture. And the food WAS INCREDIBLE.
Speaking of culture, I also got to partake in one of the activities offered and it was a Mayan Ceremony. One of the most special things I’ve done! Seriously, such an honor to be able to have that experience.
I could go on and on about this school, but just know my friends that visited me during my time also went to school with me and others I met that spent time at different Spanish schools all agreed Semilla surpasses them all. I don’t know if it’s the small team that creates this welcoming environment, the training the teachers get (they are ALL amazing and so helpful with all students) or the immaculate view of the lake from the classrooms - but you won’t regret your decision to come here and take a class with any of the teachers! I love you Semilla 🫶
Incredible Spanish school in lake Atitlán! If you’re looking to learn Spanish in Guatemala, I can’t recommend Semilla in San Pedro enough. This is a 10 star review, because they deserve more than 5. Entonces, ¡10/5 estrellas!
Before Semilla, I studied at another popular Spanish school in Xela. While I also had a good experience there, Semilla was superior in many ways. It far exceeded my expectations. I even ended up staying longer than originally planned!
The teachers are all amazing, they really want you to succeed in your language learning goals. They work very hard to bring out your best and make it fun. In comparison to the other Spanish school I went to in Xela, Semilla’s teachers are WAY more organized. I’m not just being nice when I say Teresa was the best Spanish teacher I’ve ever had. I felt I made a lot more progress with her than numerous other teachers I worked with in Xela. And that says a lot, because I did enjoy my time with my teachers in Xela. The difference with Semilla was that I got to practice speaking with all of the teachers a lot more. They were genuinely interested and available to practice chatting with outside of one-on-one classes. All of them really want to give you the best experience and are so very friendly. You feel like you’re a part of their family while you’re there.
Another plus with Semilla is the amazing coffee and food they provide. In Xela, we got cheap instant coffee and always had to leave the school to buy something to eat. But at Semilla, they provide amazing food for you at every break. And the coffee comes from Café Cristalinas, a local family run business in San Pedro with some of the best coffee I’ve had in Guatemala.
They also provide fun activities and opportunities for you to learn about Guatemala and Lake Atitlán outside of classes. You’ll have fun while practicing Spanish with the teachers around San Pedro and el lago.
I highly recommend signing up for a homestay as well. Live authentically with a family, experience homemade Guatemalan food, and have plenty of opportunity to practice talking with them. Mine has become family for me, and I still keep in touch with them. I can’t wait to return and see them again in the future. Enli was / is my Guatemama. She’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and cooked some of the most incredible food I’ve ever had. She always made me feel welcome and encouraged while I stumbled my way through Spanish conversations with her.
Maybe you’re like I was and trying to find the best Spanish school out of the MANY in San Pedro / Guatemala for your immersion. But if you’ve read this far, let this be your sign: Semilla IS the school to go to. Don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it. It’ll be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have!
I’ve been around the world and experienced a lot in my life. But my time with Semilla is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.
Muchas gracias Semilla por todo. Nunca lo olvidaré. 🫶
Before Semilla, I studied at another popular Spanish school in Xela. While I also had a good experience there, Semilla was superior in many ways. It far exceeded my expectations. I even ended up staying longer than originally planned!
The teachers are all amazing, they really want you to succeed in your language learning goals. They work very hard to bring out your best and make it fun. In comparison to the other Spanish school I went to in Xela, Semilla’s teachers are WAY more organized. I’m not just being nice when I say Teresa was the best Spanish teacher I’ve ever had. I felt I made a lot more progress with her than numerous other teachers I worked with in Xela. And that says a lot, because I did enjoy my time with my teachers in Xela. The difference with Semilla was that I got to practice speaking with all of the teachers a lot more. They were genuinely interested and available to practice chatting with outside of one-on-one classes. All of them really want to give you the best experience and are so very friendly. You feel like you’re a part of their family while you’re there.
Another plus with Semilla is the amazing coffee and food they provide. In Xela, we got cheap instant coffee and always had to leave the school to buy something to eat. But at Semilla, they provide amazing food for you at every break. And the coffee comes from Café Cristalinas, a local family run business in San Pedro with some of the best coffee I’ve had in Guatemala.
They also provide fun activities and opportunities for you to learn about Guatemala and Lake Atitlán outside of classes. You’ll have fun while practicing Spanish with the teachers around San Pedro and el lago.
I highly recommend signing up for a homestay as well. Live authentically with a family, experience homemade Guatemalan food, and have plenty of opportunity to practice talking with them. Mine has become family for me, and I still keep in touch with them. I can’t wait to return and see them again in the future. Enli was / is my Guatemama. She’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and cooked some of the most incredible food I’ve ever had. She always made me feel welcome and encouraged while I stumbled my way through Spanish conversations with her.
Maybe you’re like I was and trying to find the best Spanish school out of the MANY in San Pedro / Guatemala for your immersion. But if you’ve read this far, let this be your sign: Semilla IS the school to go to. Don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it. It’ll be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have!
I’ve been around the world and experienced a lot in my life. But my time with Semilla is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.
Muchas gracias Semilla por todo. Nunca lo olvidaré. 🫶
If you’re choosing to go to Spanish school in San Pedro - choose Semilla!!! This school provides you with such a fun community that will make you feel right at home! The teachers are so kind, welcoming, and patient! I had Sara as my teacher, and I couldn’t have been happier with how she taught me, and I am continuing to take lessons from her online. The host families they place you with are also so kind and want you to be a part of their family. Thank you Semilla!
I can highly highly recommend Semilla Spanish School! The whole experience was unforgettable and one of my highlights during my trip in Guatemala!
Thanks to my teacher Otto who made the classes so fun, engaging and interesting I was able to improve my Spanish in just a week. I also really enjoyed staying with a host family. They were so kind, cooked amazing food and taught me a lot about Guatemalan culture.
I think of the best things about Semilla - besides the beautiful surroundings, delicious snacks and diverse activities in the afternoon - are the family vibes because the school is not too big and all the teachers are super friendly and welcoming 🙂
I would have loved to extent my stay with Semilla if I could!
Thanks to my teacher Otto who made the classes so fun, engaging and interesting I was able to improve my Spanish in just a week. I also really enjoyed staying with a host family. They were so kind, cooked amazing food and taught me a lot about Guatemalan culture.
I think of the best things about Semilla - besides the beautiful surroundings, delicious snacks and diverse activities in the afternoon - are the family vibes because the school is not too big and all the teachers are super friendly and welcoming 🙂
I would have loved to extent my stay with Semilla if I could!
I did Spanish lessons for a week in April and cannot recommend Semilla Spanish School enough. I was taught by Otto who was welcoming, patient and supportive. He was not only highly knowledgeable but also made the lessons fun and engaging which made my learning easier and quicker. All the other teachers were also very kind and made all of us students feel very welcome. If I’m ever back in Lake Atitlan, I’ll definitely be going back for more lessons.
I took a one-week Spanish course, studying five hours a day. During this time, I stayed with a local host family. The school is beautifully located, offering an amazing view, and the staff are incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home from the start.
My teacher, Sarah, did an outstanding job — thanks to her support, I was able to significantly improve my Spanish. The host family was also extremely kind, and the interaction with them was both enriching and helpful for my language learning.
If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and an affordable place to learn Spanish, Semilla is the school to go to. I’d rate it a 12 out of 10!
My teacher, Sarah, did an outstanding job — thanks to her support, I was able to significantly improve my Spanish. The host family was also extremely kind, and the interaction with them was both enriching and helpful for my language learning.
If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and an affordable place to learn Spanish, Semilla is the school to go to. I’d rate it a 12 out of 10!
Thanks for all the support from the school. Their expertise, patience, and passion for teaching made every lesson engaging and effective. They tailored classes to different learning styles and encouraged active participation through interactive exercises, real-life conversations, and cultural immersion activities. Special thanks Chely for making complex grammar concepts feel approachable!
Had such a wonderful week at Semilla Spanish school! The views were amazing and the teachers and host family soo kind. Thanks Theresa for making learning Spanish so fun. Thanks Manuel for hosting me in your lovely home. Would have loved to stay longer if I had more time 🙂
Had a very nice week at this school with very good, patient, and above all friendly teachers! The views from the different class ‘rooms’ are phenomenal as well and being in school has never felt better! Not only will the teachers be your teacher for at least a week, also they will be your friend. Muchas Gracias para todo!
I am so glad I studied for two weeks with Semilla Spanish School. Teresa was an absolutely fantastic teacher, with deep knowledge of language teaching content. The school itself has nice locations for study and it is located in the centre of town. I did a homestay for a week with Casa Susana and I could not have been happier with that experience. Thumbs up all round!
The school was great! The teachers are committed, friendly and have a sense of humor, so we laughed and learned a lot during the week we were there. They also organize free activities such as a chocolate tour and football tournament! Unfortunately we only stayed for 1 week, but we would have liked to add a few more weeks.
My experience at Semilla Spanish school was absolutely fantastic. Juan Carlos and the other members of the staff are so friendly and inviting. The school has beautiful views of lake Atitlan. Class size is small making the experience more tailored to your level of Spanish speaking. The teachers were patient, fun, and made learning Spanish so enjoyable.
We got to go on a chocolate tour and at the end of the week played soccer as a school. It was so much more than I had hoped for. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend this school to anyone looking for Spanish lessons in the Lake Atitlan area.
We got to go on a chocolate tour and at the end of the week played soccer as a school. It was so much more than I had hoped for. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend this school to anyone looking for Spanish lessons in the Lake Atitlan area.
We went to San Pedro specifically to take Spanish classes and there are many schools to choose between. We researched and contacted several and eventually chose Semilla and super glad we did. It was the perfect school for us. My wife, our second grade daughter and I all took classes, each with our own teachers (JC, Sara and Rubin). They were great teachers and good matches for each of us. The school itself is a little hidden gem with great views of the lake and the energy is so positive. We got to know not only our own teachers but the others and the group was a joy to spend time with. We spent 3 weeks taking 4 hour a day classes and our Spanish improved quite a bit.
Recomiendo muchísimo Semilla!
Recomiendo muchísimo Semilla!
Semilla Spanish school is super nice and the people are so cool! Everybody feels like a friend on the first day. The homestay was good. Susan and Antonio took really good care for me.