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Q: What facilities does the school have?
A: IAS's three academic buildings include science and computer labs, 12 classrooms, an audio visual room and a 15,000 volume library / media center. An outdoor basketball / volleyball court and multi-sport athletic field round out the facilities.
Q: What level of certification is required to work at IAS?
A: While preference is given to volunteers who have certification and/or experience in education, IAS is happy to enlist the services of those who hold a college degree.
Q: Does one have to be a Christian?
A: Yes. All contracted volunteers are expected to align themselves with, and sign the school's statement of Christian faith.
Q: How long is a service agreement?
A: Most volunteers come to serve for one or two years, while some have remained longer, even upwards of 12 or 15 years. Initially, everyone is offered a one-year agreement with a subsequent arrangement made upon successful completion of that first year.
Q: How many people are on staff?
A: IAS currently has twenty-four positions; however, full staff capacity is at twenty-five. The staff is typically young and enthusiastic. They come from all over North America and from all kinds of denominational backgrounds. Single people as well as married couples serve here.
Q: Will I be safe there?
A: In the history of the school none of our faculty members have been victims of violent crimes or political turmoil, although some have experienced petty theft and bribes. Quetzaltenango is usually considered a peaceful town that maintains traditional values.
Q: Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
A: All teaching is done in English. For daily convenience a working knowledge of Spanish is certainly helpful but not essential. Language instruction in Xela is very reasonable and the school provides a language study allowance for those who choose to pursue this option.
Q: What extra-curricular activities does the school offer?
A: Teachers are encouraged but not obligated to assist in extra-curricular activities. At present, the school has soccer teams for all age groups which practice and play on a regular basis. Furthermore, both a children's Christian club and a young-adult youth group meet weekly.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Basically we have two seasons- the rainy season (May to October) and then it cools for the dry season (November-April). During the dry season it can be surprisingly cold in the mornings (requiring multiple layers and/or a heavy coat), but warms up significantly by midday. Year-round the temperature tends to stay between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Will I be able to live off my stipend?
A: The cost of living is very cheap in Guatemala and so this is possible, however the school still encourages teachers to arrange some means of financial support to supplement their funds.
Q: What is the currency exchange rate?
A: As of February, 2006, the U.S. dollar was worth approx. 7.50 to 8.00 Quetzales.
Q: What inoculations are necessary?
A: Most staff members receive only Hepatitis A & B shots. Public Heath organizations might recommend other immunizations. Please check with a local Public Health office to be advised accordingly.
Q: What is there to do in the area?
A: Quetzaltenango offers a variety of short day trips :
Hikes up Volcanoes ... including Santa Maria at 12,376 feet and spectacular views of Santiaguito, which is in constant eruption.
Volcanic Hot Springs...
known locally as the Fuentes Georginas. These beautiful springs are only a 30 minute bus ride from Xela.
Almolonga ... this town, only 2 miles from Xela, is known for its Aguas Amargas (Bitter Waters) and its delicious produce.
Totonicapan ... this town is only 17 miles from Xela and is an excellent location to view traditional indigenous culture. You can find handicrafts such as ceremonial masks, pottery, weavings and goods created from leather.
Champerico ... this popular coastal destination is only two hours away from Quetzaltenango
Lake Atitlan ...claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the world, this picturesque lake is surrounded by three volcanoes and many villages and is only two hours drive from Quetzaltenango.
Momostenango ... A renowned spectacle are the Momostenango Ricos. They are caves and pillars composed of consolidated volcanic ash from eruptions which occurred thousands of years ago. You will also find locals bathing in the hot springs 2 miles from their village.
Q: Who governs the school?
A: The Inter-American School is operated by the Inter-American Foreign Evangelical Missionaries Cultural Association (IAFEMCA) and draws its authority and legal status from that organization. The Association has ultimate control of the school, but it elects from its members a Board of Directors to establish overall policy and to oversee the general operations of the Inter-American School.
Q: What other mission opportunities exist?
A: While it is to be understood that our mission is almost entirely at Inter-American School and its concerns, some of our staff members have engaged themselves on weekends with some of the other missionary agencies that operate in the local area. | 
Enrollment Open for 2008 - 2009
Reminders
