A Day of Culture and Connection at the País Invitado Cultural Immersion Event

March 25, 2025 Alejandra Martinez

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of participating in the País Invitado Project—a vibrant cultural immersion event celebrating Bolivia and Latin America. Held at the Armenian Church and sponsored by the Bolivian Embassy and Conectate Foundation, the event brought together families, vendors, artisans, and educators to share and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly took part as a vendor, showcasing our programs and sharing exciting plans for our Summer Camp 2025.

Families were warmly welcomed as they explored various artisan booths offering handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and crafts inspired by the Bolivian tradition of Alasitas, symbolizing abundance and good fortune. The event was filled with colorful displays that brought the sights and sounds of Latin American culture to life.

The energy was palpable as both children and adults savored delicious traditional Bolivian cuisine, mingled with vendors, and enjoyed live music and dance performances. One of the event's highlights was a captivating Caporales dance, which mesmerized the audience and celebrated the deep connection between art, music, and heritage.

In addition to the cultural festivities, Miriam Ybarnegaray, one of our talented teachers, led a fun and interactive art class that delighted both young and old. The children especially enjoyed creating their own artworks, inspired by Bolivian culture, while practicing their Spanish skills in a hands-on, creative setting.

Our Isabella & Ferdinand® team was present throughout the event, connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing details about our educational programs. We were thrilled to see so many parents and children eager to learn more about how we incorporate language learning with cultural experiences.

"Participating in the 1st event of the País Invitado Project was an incredibly enriching experience for our community. It was an honor to share the cultural richness of Bolivia and Latin America while fostering Spanish learning in a creative and interactive way. At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language goes beyond words; it's a gateway to culture and understanding. We're excited to continue offering these spaces of learning and culture for our families."
Maira Abasto, Executive Director - Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

This event was a testament to the importance of community, culture, and learning. We are honored to have been part of such a special day, and we thank the Bolivian Embassy and all the organizers for hosting this enriching experience. We look forward to many more opportunities to bring families together through language, art, and the vibrant cultures of Latin America.

Celebrating Our Third Year of Administering DELE Exams

June 3, 2024 Alejandra Martinez

We are proud to announce that Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ has successfully administered the DELE exams for the third consecutive year as the only accredited center in Washington, D.C. by the Instituto Cervantes. These globally recognized exams certify Spanish proficiency at various levels and are essential for higher education and professional opportunities that require validation of Spanish language skills. Our certified instructors have diligently conducted the exams for children and adults, ensuring a rigorous assessment process. We look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence in Spanish language education.

The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an official certification that accredits the degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain. This certification is internationally recognized and highly valued in both academic and professional fields. The DELE exams cover all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 (basic level) to C2 (proficient level).

Over 20 students from our Academy and various parts of the United States flew to Washington, D.C. to take the test and assess their Spanish language skills. The exams covered levels from A1 to C2, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Spanish learning among our participants.

Conducting these exams is not only a test of language proficiency but also a reflection of the growing interest and need to learn Spanish in today's global context. Spanish, being one of the most spoken languages in the world, opens doors to countless academic and professional opportunities. This is why we are deeply committed to continuing to promote our language and culture, encouraging more young people and professionals to improve their Spanish skills.

Our long-term goal is to continue being a benchmark in the teaching and certification of Spanish. We aim to create a vibrant community of Spanish speakers who not only master the language but also appreciate and celebrate the rich culture that accompanies it. To this end, we will continue to work tirelessly to offer the best learning and certification opportunities.

We wholeheartedly thank all the participants and our entire team for their effort and dedication. Without their support and enthusiasm, none of this would be possible. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to next year, where we will continue this wonderful task of promoting Spanish and our culture. Until then, let’s keep learning and growing together!

Empowering Communities: Isabella & Ferdinand® and Miami Emprendedores Join Forces

February 7, 2024 Alejandra Martinez

On Tuesday, January 30th, our director Maira Abasto had the opportunity to share a Live space on the Instagram platform with Carola Reina, founder of Miami Emprendedores, a network of Hispanic entrepreneurs located in Miami, US. We have an alliance with them to promote the work of Hispanic entrepreneurs within the United States and to enrich our community by supporting each other and expanding our classes to the state of Florida.

On this occasion, we had the opportunity to present our project. Our director emphasized our community assistance efforts for the past 13 years, aiming to teach Spanish as a second language, not only to the children of immigrants in this country but also to anyone who wishes to open new doors in the academic and professional fields, contributing to the globalization of the market and all that entails proficiently managing other languages.

Furthermore, she informed about the various courses available in both in-person and online formats for all levels, reminding that our academy is certified by Cervantes, accrediting us as a venue for conducting DELE level exams and preparing students for them. Additionally, Abasto extended an invitation to our new project, Teacher Training Courses with Cervantes certification to teach Spanish, emphasizing that it's not only about mastering the language but also the pedagogy required to teach it effectively and meet the requirements for teaching the language correctly. Since our inception in Miami, where we operated for a few years, we have fostered alliances across the United States to bring our program to more places and continue helping our community.

That's why we have been motivated to work hand in hand with the Miami Emprendedores network. To conclude, she commented on our plans for the future, starting with the realization of the Summer Camp 2024, as well as the intention to create an Isabella and Ferdinand branch in Miami. As we embark on this journey of empowerment, we are committed to continuing our mission of fostering Spanish language learning and cultural immersion.

Together with our partners at Miami Emprendedores, we strive to uplift Hispanic entrepreneurs across the United States. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future, one enriched by language, culture, and community.

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Giving Tuesday Kickoff: Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ Sets Out to Bridge Language Gaps and Transform Lives

November 24, 2023 Alejandra Martinez

[Washington DC, November 20th, 2023] - Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering language education, proudly launches their 'Building Bridges, Changing Lives: Spanish for All' fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to expand access to quality Spanish education, offer scholarships, and foster inclusivity in underserved communities.

Founded in 2010, Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ passionately advocate for educational equity and cultural enrichment through a certified immersion program. This campaign embodies their commitment to breaking barriers and facilitating language education opportunities for all. With a fundraising goal of $100,000, the organization aspires to support students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with enhanced educational prospects.

Maira Abasto, Executive Director at Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, commented, "Our campaign isn't just about fundraising; it represents our collective commitment to dismantling barriers in education. Language should be a bridge.. Your donation is an investment in building bridges, nurturing aspirations, and laying the groundwork for a brighter future."

The fundraising drive will specifically concentrate on bolstering access to Spanish education for immigrant communities, promoting cultural understanding in public schools, and offering scholarships to deserving students eager to explore the Spanish-speaking world.

As projections indicate that the United States will be the second Spanish-speaking country in the world by 2060, the academy is committed to empowering learners with the skills they need to thrive in this linguistic and cultural landscape.

According to demographic projections by the 2022 Cervantes report, it is estimated that by 2060, 27.5% of the US population will be of Hispanic origin, making Spanish a prevalent language in the country. Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ recognizes the significance of this demographic shift and the opportunities it presents for cultural exchange, global connectivity, and personal growth.

Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ invites individuals, businesses, and community leaders to participate in this movement by making tax-deductible donations and supporting the cause. Every contribution plays a pivotal role in transforming lives and shaping a more interconnected and culturally aware society.

For more information about 'Building Bridges, Changing Lives: Spanish for All' and to contribute to the campaign, visit GoFundMe Campaign or www.isabellaandferdinand.org. To learn more or get involved contact us at info@isabellaandferdinand.org.

Celebrating a Vibrant Encounter at the Embassy of Colombia 🇨🇴

October 30, 2023 Alejandra Martinez

***Exploring Culture, Learning, and the Magic of Colombia***

By Alejandra Martinez, Marketing & Communications

The world is a mosaic of cultures, each with its unique tapestry, traditions, and charm. Our recent visit to the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, DC, was a captivating journey that allowed us to dive into the heart of Colombian culture.

Our students from Washington Global Public Charter School had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Colombian culture, a vital component of our immersive Spanish program. They explored, learned, and savored the vibrant flavors of Colombia, gaining firsthand experience of the country's diverse traditions and history. They didn't just read about Colombia; they stepped into its heart and soul.

A Warm Welcome!

As we crossed the threshold of the Embassy, we were met with open arms and warm smiles. The day was an immersive experience filled with vibrant colors, Colombian artworks, and the irresistible taste of traditional Colombian cuisine that enveloped us in a warm embrace.

Our visit was more than just a field trip; it was a cultural odyssey. This cultural exploration is an integral part of our immersive Spanish program. We believe that language is a gateway to understanding a culture, and that's precisely what our students experienced.

They didn't merely observe Colombia; they lived it. They tasted the flavors of the country, learned about the culture and art, and felt the energy of its diverse regions. It was a journey into the heart and soul of a nation with a rich and diverse history.

This visit emphasized something crucial: it's about more than just language. It's about connecting with a world beyond borders. It's about understanding different perspectives and appreciating the beauty of diversity. It's about bringing the pages of a textbook to life and understanding that there's a story, a history, and a vibrant culture behind every word and phrase.

Our students and staff left the embassy not only with improved Spanish skills but also with a profound appreciation for the depth of Colombian culture. We heard tales of Colombia's diverse regions and their unique contributions to the nation's identity.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Our experience at the Embassy was made truly exceptional by the warm hospitality of our hosts. We extend our sincere gratitude to Catalina Davila and the entire embassy team for their kindness, generosity, and dedication in ensuring the success of our visit. Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and we are genuinely thankful.

Our journey at the Embassy of Colombia was an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of diversity, and we eagerly look forward to continuing our collaboration and hosting future events that explore the tapestry of cultures from around the world.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on our future cultural endeavors. There's much more to come as we continue learning beyond borders and celebrating the tapestry of global languages and cultures.