Trip Details & Itinerary

SUNDAY – Arrival Antigua

Depart from Minneapolis airport and arrive at Guatemala City International Airport. You’ll be greeted by the Tecun Uman Language School Staff and take a transfer to Antigua.

Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities, it is a magical and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. It’s famous for its spring-like climate, cobblestone streets and impressive ruins. It’s surrounded by lush tropical mountains and towering volcanoes. Antigua is renowned for its tranquility and friendliness.

Tecun Uman serves as the meeting point and social center for activities. Here you’ll meet the Program Director and be introduced to the host families.

Your middle class host families are relatives, neighbors, or lifelong friends of our homestay directors. Regardless, all families are monitored and continually evaluated. Host families provide all meals – except those included as part of

the touring. Everyone speaks Spanish in the home. Students normally share with one other group member of the same general language ability.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Tecun Uman was founded in 1983 and is fully-accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and by INGUAT, the Official Tourism Office of Guatemala. Daily half day language sessions feature a blend of structure, conversation, and practicalities. Class size averages 3-5 students per native teacher, assuring individual attention and ample opportunity for participation. The campus is in a quiet location.

The following afternoon interactions are included:

• Monday: Guided Caminata del Centro
• Tuesday: ¡Salsa!
• Wednesday: Pacaya Volcano Hike
• Thursday: Azotea Coffee Plantation
• Friday: Participate in our exclusive SOMOS humanitarian total experience. You’ll receive a list of the most needed items and visit a local “super” where you’ll have an opportunity to purchase those supplies (budget $15 each/not included). Complete your SOMOS experience as you interact with the children while painting, gardening, etc.

SATURDAY – Tikal / Belize

Take an early morning flight to Flores, where you’ll transfer to Tikal, Ancient City of Echoes. Explore Tikal with a specialized local guide. The site is set within a protected area and boasts five temples, three of which you may climb. Return to a nearby lodge for lunch. Later, meet your Belizean guide for transfer to the twin cities of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Dinner will be in the hotel with an opportunity for a refreshing swim.

SUNDAY – Barton Creek Cave / SOMOS interACTion

Participate in your second SOMOS humanitarian experience (budget $15 each/not included). Here you’ll visit a local school, and interact with the students and teachers. Continue to Barton Creek Cave, where you’ll glide through a remote underground ancient Maya water cave system in a canoe equipped with a powerful spotlight. While canoeing through the cave, see large and colorful formations, skeletal remains, and other cultural artifacts left behind by the Maya centuries ago.

On your return, you’ll pass through a picturesque Mennonite community, where you can observe a slice of local, daily life.

MONDAY & TUESDAY – Playa 2 nights

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel on Monday then transfer to the coast for your boat taxi to San Pedro (Ambergris) or Caye Caulker. Close your eyes and picture a tropical island with white sand, blue-green water, and palm trees rustling overhead in the warm breeze.

Belize’s barrier reef is a paradise for divers. However, most of the area inside the reef is less than 20 feet deep and you can see as much with a mask and snorkel as you can diving. In just 6-10 feet of water you’ll find an amazing diversity of marine life. The reef provides protection which makes for clear, calm water ideal for snorkeling.

WEDNESDAY – Return to the USA

Price Per Person

• STUDENT Trip Fee: $3,995 plus Summer 2026 tuition for the 4-credit
  • Tuition approximately $800
    Select Spanish I-IV
     
• NON-STUDENT Trip fee: $3,995 plus $100 community education fee
   
• $300 non-refundable deposit required the date of registration (applied towards the trip fee).
• April 15, 2026: Trip mid-payment of $1,700 due
• May 8, 2026: Trip final payment of $1,995 due
• If you need assistance with Passport fees, please contact kgriesroehrich@nicoletcollege.edu to learn about available funding to support this cost.

Ways to Pay

Summer 2026 Financial Aid may be used. See your Financial Aid advisor right away.

The Nicolet College Foundation offers scholarships for students who plan on enrolling in the Guatemala Study Abroad course. Scholarships range from approximately $300-$800. The Study Abroad Scholarship requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average. The Kari Zambon Memorial Endowed Scholarship honors Kari’s belief in the importance of international youth exchange and the value of intercultural learning. Qualified applicants must have a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average.

Questions:

Karen GriesRoehrich
kgriesroehrich@nicoletcollege.edu
715.365.4681 or 800.544.3039 ext 4681