CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

At Kie-Balam you can learn a lot more than speaking Spanish. Each week we offer lectures and activities that provide additional exposures to the language and information about Guatemala and Central America's history, culture and people. Through round table discussions, students can meet community leaders and participate in discussions and debates.

We have a large facility, with a ping-pong table, a rec room with cable, a ping-pong table, and chess tournaments. We have a large patio area where we do cookouts. You can take cooking courses, weaving classes, music instruction, art instruction, and other classes.

Natural Medicine - The Director has extensive contacts in the local community, and conducts seminars, classes and interviews on the subject.

Movies and roundtable conversations
The school organizes weekly movie showings covering diverse topics from historical documentaries to contemporary films from Latin America. All films shown at the school are in Spanish with English subtitles. Additionally, students of Kie Balam have access to a large video library which they can use during their free time.

Art classes:
graphics, sculpture, painting, etc. are readily available from private tutors. We have art from most of the better artists in Xela hanging on our walls: you're in an art gallery while you study.

Weaving classes:
Cooperativa de Mujeres en Zunil is a local organization of women weavers in a nearby town. This is the definitive location to observe and learn the traditional techniques of weaving. All phases of weaving are done in this location. Another nearby town, Salcaja, is a source of traditional thread. Information on traditional dyes and looms can be obtained.

Cooperativa Asotrama
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from women who have spent years mastering the art of backstrap weaving. You'll learn about the history of weaving, how to select the best materials, how to make a garment, and how to appreciate the culture of textiles in Guatemala. In each one-on-one hands-on course, you'll not only learn about the different weaving processes and how to prepare the loom, but you'll actually weave your own garment which you can keep. The courses differ depending on the amount of time you wish to dedicate and the complexity of the designs that you'll create.

Classical Guitar lessons

Salsa & Merengue classes

Marimba classes - The Bethancourt family has played all over the world. They occasionally play at the school.

Cooking classes - Regional and vegetarian cooking.

Excursions

Xela is surrounded by ten beautiful mountains. Hiking is arranged through a local guide organization we have worked with. We organize visits to rural schools and libraries, the local battered women's shelter, and orphanages.

You can participate in guided field trips to the following Mayan villages to appreciate their unique work in weaving, pottery, wicker furniture, basket weaving, textiles, hand woven blankets, wooden ceremonial masks and a women's cooperative in Santa Ana. Your teacher will give you a tour of the town, showing you various important locations.

Zunil
Zunil is nestled in a valley between mountains and a volcano. It is divided by the majestic Samalá river into two areas: the town center and the Chacap, or the other side of the river. Monday is the main market day.

Salcaja
Weaving town, with the oldest church in Central America. You can taste the homemade wine.

San Andres Xecul
Painted church, Maya altar and rituals. Home made candles.

Totonicapan
Pottery market, wool blankets cooperative.

DAY TRIPS

• San Francisco Alto - the Friday Market
  
• Totonicapan - pottery
  
• Momostenango - wool blankets

A good weekend trip might involve -

• The Pacific Beaches
  
• Lake Atitlan
  
• Huehuetenango - the Zaculeu ruins
  
• Chichicastenango
  
• Antigua
  
• Todos Santos

Historical and Archeological Sites -

• Olintepeque
  
• Ruinas Zaculeu
  
• Tikal
  
• Quirigua

Extras and Special Services

Arrangements for contacts with working professionals is standard practice for anyone wishing to converse with someone of his own specialty: lawyers, real estate professionals, cosmetology, health services, including counselors in programs such as domestic violence, social services, family planning, etc.. We have also established contacts for professions as diverse as ornithology and archaeology.

Hair cuts and styling: (Marlo has current certification as a registered cosmetologist in Illinois.) Includes pedicures, facials and all standard cosmetology.

All activities are optional, and most take place outside of class time. Current students can make suggestions for activities, workshops, excursions etc whilst they are studying.