Costa Rica or Guatemala?

Question

I am going to write a grant to go to an immersion Spanish program for teachers next summer. So far I've found two in Guatemala and one in Costa Rica. I want to be understandable to 5 yr olds in the southern U.S. whose parents come from places like Mexico, Honduras, etc. Which place would you reccomend that I study?

Answer 1

I attended the University of Costa Rica for a summer. During my studies, I met many teachers attending there. I have also been to Guatemala. The language there is often mixed with indigenous languages. I think Costa Rica would be a clear choice.....Heidita, I do think they speak more clearly in Costa Rica, in my opinion, anyway.

This is a very clear answer, thanks sunshine, I am sure Valerie will appreciate this - 00494d19, Oct 25, 2009

Answer 2

Let us know what you choose!

Answer 3

Thank you everyone for all your input!

Answer 4

I Languages spoken in Guatemala:Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)...........................................

Languages spoken in Costa Rica: Spanish (official), English

Languages spoken in Mexico:Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%, indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005)

From the The World Factbook published by the Central Intelligence Agency

Answer 5

I lived in costa rica for a while, and it was great for my spanish. Now that I am back in the united states, I understand mexican children just fine. I speak with people of all ages and my costa rican spanish seems to serve me well. Never been to Guatemala, but I have heard their language can be mixed with native ones.

This is not true. American English is also mixed with indian words. But this does not detract from the english language. - 00769608, Oct 24, 2009

Answer 6

Guatemala is closer to Mexico in customs and speech. There is more crime in Guatemala but Costa Rica is getting there Thanks to expresident Bush and his people.

We all agree that Bush was a disaster for America, but we don't want to get political here, Gus. - --Mariana--, Oct 24, 2009

Answer 7

Now don't jump at me......do they really speak clearer in Costa Rica? We don't get any immigrants or students from either country here.

I really don't know either way. Valerie is teaching children with a Mexican background. So which accent would be more like it?

By the way, she told me a student (5year old) **corrected her (!!) ** when she pronounced: corazon (like in Spain with a z) jejejej, very funny!

Answer 8

My parents went to one in Guatamala and my sister went to one in Costa Rica. Both were very good according to them. I personally would go to the one in Costa Rica though.