Who are we? 

We are the Pop Wuj ("Pope-Woo") family - a passionate group of individuals who all share the drive to empower our local community. We dedicate our hearts to ensure all students and volunteers receive an amazing experience learning Spanish, participating in community service projects, and immersing in the culture of Guatemala. We, at Pop Wuj, stand with Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ+ community and hope to make Xela a home away from home for all! 

Administration

Ana María Loarca

Director of Initiatives

Óscar Rodríguez

Director of Academic Programs

Fredy Díaz

Director of Finances

Jorge Luis Archila Puac

Founder, ​International Coordinator

Isabel Alvarado

Secretary

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Abroad Ambassadors

Mo Siddiqui

Ruth Chen

Jessica Lee

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Our Collaborators

Carlos Rodolfo Lemus Ovalle

Mynor Arrivillaga

Ana Ochoa

Lilian Peinado

Alberto Rosales García

Katherine Morales

Cecilia Zavala

Gerson Yax

Zulma Mendez

Valerie Alvarez

Flor de Maria Martínez

Varzis Mendez

Carmelina López Saquich

Alicia del Milagro Quijivix

Mirna López

Lis Izas

Karin del Carmen Macario

Kary Analy Mejía Gómez

Francisca Esther Sapón

About Xela

Quetzaltenango is known among Guatemalans by its k’iche name of Xela ("Shay-lah"). The remote city is situated in a mountain valley amid spectacular peaks and volcanoes - a geographic barrier to mosquitoes! ​​

The majority of the Xela's inhabitants are Maya-Quiche Indians, many of whom still wear their traditional clothing in daily life. There are very few English speakers among Xela’s inhabitants —an environment which encourages students' Spanish fluency. 

Xela is home to many writers and artists, priding itself as “The Cradle of National Culture.” Its architecture is a hodgepodge of adobe, reinforced concrete, and modern steel construction. Unique historic neighborhoods with narrow, winding, hilly streets contribute to its charm and sense of timelessness.