Download as a Word file here.

SURVEY REPORT – CHRISTIAN SPANISH ACADEMY(CSA) – ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Sept. 7, 2004 – By Bob Trout, South American Administrator Spanish Speaking Countries

INTRODUCTION – The need to survey this language school was the result of a desire of Jon and Angela Stone. Their desire was to both secure an excellent language learning experience for Angela coupled with the desire for Jon to do graduate studies in Spanish at Seteca, a school in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The Coastal Peru Field Council approved the survey based upon the desires presented.

DATE/PLACE OF THE SURVEY – Antigua, Guatemala, Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2004. Antigua is located just 45 minutes from the capital city of Guatemala, Guatemala City. It is a quaint small town (16,000) that can be easily traveled by foot in 30 minutes.

PEOPLE INVOLVED – Bob Trout, Jonathan Stone, Angela Stone

SURVEY REPORT – During the two full days of visit at the school, interviews were conducted with the various people involved in the school program including the director, secretaries, and missionaries studying at the school. I will divide the report according to the information gathered.

Program – The title of The Spanish Christian Academy is “A Hand-Made Education.” All of their training is individualized, one on one training. They offer 7 levels of training, believing that the student who arrives at the 7th level should be capable of carrying on a conversation very comfortably in Spanish. An entrance written and oral exam is given to determine at which level to put the student. In order to advance to the next level, the student must pass a written and oral exam. The director said that it should take the average students 6 months to complete all 7 levels of training. Each level uses a Notebook, Workbook and Homework as teaching tools. They are also willing to offer more training if requested through the use of tutors. They are currently developing programs that will include a Medical track, and a Biblical track. Monica, the director, did assure us that the school would work with whatever each student needs such as advanced levels, literature, etc.

Faculty – The faculty numbers from 44-57 depending upon the number of students enrolled. Each faculty member has attained the “Technical School” level of training. They also offer 9 months of specialized training to those desirous of teaching in the program. Only a small number are accepted as faculty for the school. The faculty is well-supervised. They are required to fill out both daily and weekly lesson plans that are reviewed by the person in charge of the faculty. The student fills out a weekly evaluation of the professor. If students do not “fit” the relationship, a change takes place.

Students – There are currently approximately 57 students studying at the school. The school specializes in offering shorter training for people who desire to serve short term in a Spanish Speaking environment. They also have 10 missionaries preparing for ministry, mostly in Central America. Courses vary in length depending upon the time the student wishes to spend. The normal time is from 2 weeks to a month. Therefore, missionaries would be the exception to the majority to those studying.

Housing – Housing is available either by living in the home of a Guatemalan family. Although not the best arrangement due to GI distress and inconvenience for bathroom, some may be able to do it. A weekly fee of $75 is charged for room and board per person. Houses are also available for rent ranging in price from $250 - $800/month depending upon what the student desires. Since the town is small, all of the housing is within walking distance of the school. Maid service would be around $100/month.

Banking – ATM machines are available. An account could be openned at a local bank. A letter of recommendation is required. Accounts can be held in both the local currency and also in dollars.
Child Education – This area will have to be investigated. This is the one weakness that we observed. Compared with schools like the one in San Jose, Costa Rica, this school does not offer any program for MK children. There are schools available however and we did observe a few parents with children.

Visas – Visas are very difficult to get. The government does grant a 3 month tourist visa at the airport. It was recommended that the student simply leave the country for a day and return to get the second 3 month visa. Depending on the length of time necessary would determine the number of times the student would have to leave the country.

Costs – For students studying long term (3 months with payment made up front), the cost is $120/week/student. The cost/week therefore would be $195/person ($120 studies, $75 room and board) if he/she lives in a Guatemalan home. Since the tutor method is used, the costs are expensive although the time could be shorter for training.

Climate – The climate is very enjoyable. Although we were there during the rainy season, very little rain was noted. It is a “spring-like” climate, all year round.

Medical – The school has a doctor it recommends, clinics are available. More would be available in Guatemala City.

Ministry Opportunities – There are some local church ministries available on a very limited basis. There is an orphanage of 100 children in Antigua. A large Catholic hospital serves the needs of the mentally challenged children and adults. Volunteers are always needed.

Those using the school – There are a number of large groups that use the school including the World Bank, Continental Airlines, Nazarenes, one independent Baptist group and others. The Nazarenes use the school exclusively for their missionaries going to Central America. CAM International uses the school for their missionaries going short term. They use a school in Cuernavaca, MX.

Colorful Brochure available – A very colorful brochure is available.

Contact Information - www.learncsa.com. Email addresses – information@learncsa.com, reservations@learcsa.com.

Additional comments – (1) SETECA – Seminario Teologico Centroamericano/Central America Theological Seminary, Guatemala City. This is a well developed fundamental seminary program, perhaps the best in Latin America. 1,300 students, 20,000 volume library, 40% Spanish. Profs are credentialed. PhD program available. This could be a place of study for some where the wife has to study language in Antigua and the husband already knows Spanish but wants to do grad studies in Spanish. The difficulties would be the distance (car necessary), pollution in Guatemala City, time involved away from home, and safety.

(2) Comparison with Costa Rica – The San Jose school has an ideal support system, ie. Paperwork, medical services, ABWE missionaries, Baptist churches in the area (not available in Antigua). It does provide an easier transition such as more comfortable living, English radio programs, Sam’s Club, cleanliness, safety, a complete school for MKs (not available in Antigua). The Costa Rica University does offer undergrad studies in Spanish language and literature.

CONCLUSION - The use of the school was approved ONLY for the Stones. After they have studied at the school, will a final decision be made regarding recommending the use of the school for other ABWE missionaries. The time frame for final approval/disapproval should be two years.