Josue Jucup

Message to a Student
Guatemala is a country with abundant natural beauty! Plunge into the Guatemalan beauty that no other country in the world can surpass and create your own unforgettable adventure!

Why do you like teaching Spanish?
It is deeply satisfying for me to improve my student's communication skills in Spanish. Also, it is my great pleasure to be able to connect with people from different parts of world and different customs. I find building friendship with my student to learn from his/her life is one of the most gratifying experience of this profession.

What are the challenges of being a Spanish instructor?
I always keep in mind about the importance of developing my student's vocabulary since it is the essential building block of his/her communicative skill in Spanish. Also, most importantly, I make sure that my student's experience in Guatemala including the homestay, is a pleasant one. I ask my student if he/she is feeling comfortable with the host family so that he/she can really become a part of the colorful Guatemalan culture.

How do you make your class interesting?
I rely on many teaching methods: various games to inject energy, reading materials of interest to my student, jokes and songs, physical and mental exercises, arts and crafts, etc. I will do whatever it takes to motivate my student by focusing on my student's learning process. Also, I open up myself to my student so we can learn in a very friendly atmosphere with mutual trust.

What do you do to grow as a professional and person?
I always set my goals and try my best to reach those goals. Personally and professionally, what helped me most to reach them is reading books to reflect upon myself. Along the way, I practice sports to maintain my self-esteem and physical health in harmony.

What is the best of Guatemala?
Guatemala is one of the most unique country in the world with spectacular natural beauty but also the country distinguishes itself with the people's generous soul. This beauty in their soul is what makes Guatemala as the "Alma de la Tierra" (Soul of the Earth).
Guatemala's must-see places are:

Guatemala City
Metropolitan Cathedral, Miguel Angel Asturias Cultural Center, Aritisan Market, Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress, Miraflores Museum, Popol Vuh Museum, National Palace of Culture

Department of Chimaltenango
The Old City, Jocotenango, Antigua Guatemala, Florencia Ecological Park, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Volcanoes of Acatenango, Agua, Fuego and Pacaya, Los Aposentos Park, Santa Apolonia, San Juan Comalapa, IxiIximche, Archaeological Site

Department of Solola
Atitlan Lake, Panajachel, Santiago Atitla, Volcanoes of Atitlan, San Pedro and Toliman

Quetzaltenango
Almolonga, Cantel, Historic Central District, Fuentes Georginas, Laguna Chicabal, Salcaja, Zunil

Peten
Tikal Archaeological Park, Lake Peten Itza, Uaxactun, Nakun, El Naranjo

What would you do if you have only one more week of life?
I would correct wrong decisions from my life. I would talk about my secrets that I have been keeping until now so that I can end my life in peace. Finally, I would like to spend my time by taking part of as many charitable acts as possible.

What were you doing 15 years ago?
I was in my elementary school playing marbles and soccer with my friends. I didn't have anything to worry about. I used to dream about becoming a fire fighter, police man or doctor. Also, I used to pull lots of pranks and really enjoyed my childhood.

What will you be doing in 15 years down the road?
I want to be a lawyer to help those in need. I want to have a wonderful family with a beautiful and lovely wife living in a home with a big backyard.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?
Along with my brothers and my father, my mother has been one of the most influential people in my life because she has taught me many things that made me who I am of today. She has always guided me to stay on the right path.

What is the Guatemala's biggest social issue? What do you propose to solve those problems?
The cause of the problem is the government's oligarchical structure dated from the colonial age. Although we say that we are an independent nation, we have been governed by those in top of hierarchy looking after their self interests. It has been creating vicious cycle affecting each one of Guatemalan with crimes, illiteracy, unemployment and horrible under-development. We must take action to become leaders of change by the people for the people, keeping in mind about the various necessities in our country. It is up to us to educate ourselves and begin the change.