Empowering Heritage Spanish Speakers: A Reflection on Our Participation in the Symposium at Instituto Cervantes

As the Director of Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español, I had the privilege of representing our academy at the symposium “La enseñanza de español para hablantes de herencia” this past Saturday at the Instituto Cervantes in New York. The event was a profound experience, allowing us to further our commitment to supporting heritage Spanish speakers by focusing on their unique sociocultural and linguistic needs.

One of the central themes of the symposium was the critical role of fostering a strong cultural identity in our students. We explored how connecting their heritage language with both their personal and professional aspirations can create a sense of pride and belonging. This not only enriches their language skills but also strengthens their emotional and psychological well-being.

As educators, we recognize the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where young Hispanic/Latino learners in the U.S. can thrive academically while embracing their cultural roots.

The workshops offered at the event were particularly impactful, introducing us to innovative tools designed to empower marginalized communities. One standout was the use of podcasts, which provide students with a platform to share their voices, stories, and experiences. Additionally, we learned how to integrate Latino archival collections from CUNY into our Spanish instruction, offering students a richer and more meaningful connection to their heritage.

This symposium has not only reinforced our passion for teaching but also inspired us to continue evolving our educational methods. At Isabella & Ferdinand, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only master the Spanish language but also develop a deep, lasting connection to their cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, we aim to help them build a bridge between their past and their future, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cultural pride.

We are excited to incorporate these new ideas into our programs and to continue shaping the future of heritage language education.

Maira Abasto - Executive Director Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español

Summer Camp 2024 Recap: An Unforgettable Journey of Learning and Fun!

As our six-week adventure comes to an end, we're excited to share the incredible experiences and memories we've created at the Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ Summer Camp. This summer, we welcomed over [number] students who embarked on a journey filled with exploration, learning, and fun. Our campers immersed themselves in the Spanish language while participating in a variety of enriching activities designed to foster personal growth, cultural awareness, and new friendships.

A Summer of Exploration and Discovery

Week 1: Butterflies, Science, and Art We kicked off the camp with a deep dive into the world of butterflies. The children explored their life cycle and participated in hands-on scientific experiments with a young biologist from American University. Creativity was in full bloom as campers painted and crafted unique masterpieces, and our trips to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Natural History Museum added a layer of excitement and learning to the week.

Week 2: Nature, Art, and Cultural Immersion Week 2 brought a focus on nature and cultural immersion. Our visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden allowed children to plant their own plants, learning about the water cycle and the environment. Through arts, crafts, and songs, they reinforced their Spanish vocabulary and connected with the world around them.

Week 3: Gymnastics, Crafts, and Teamwork This week, physical activity took center stage. A special gymnastics class provided by our partners at Gymnastics Together helped children develop their teamwork skills. Water games, crochet lessons, and a visit to the National Botanic Garden rounded out the week, combining fun with valuable learning experiences.

Week 4: Environmental Conservation and Creativity Our campers focused on environmental conservation this week, creating clothing collections from recycled materials. Their creative presentations in Spanish showcased not only their artistic talents but also their commitment to the environment. A visit to Watkins Nature Center and various crafts and readings in Spanish enhanced their understanding of both nature and language.

Week 5: Latino Culture and Outdoor Exploration Week 5 was dedicated to exploring Latino culture. A visit to the National Museum of the American Latino provided our campers with insights into the history and contributions of the Latino community in the United States. Treasure hunts, creative crafts, and outdoor explorations made this week both educational and adventurous.

Week 6: Sports, Science, and Farewells Our final week was a culmination of all the learning and fun we had throughout the summer. We revisited key concepts through games, songs, and interactive activities, and sports activities at Thomas Pyle Middle School allowed our campers to enjoy the various facilities available. The week concluded with an evaluation to ensure that our students had gained valuable knowledge and skills.

In addition to these activities, we offered a special program for teens, providing them with tailored experiences that catered to their interests and developmental needs.

A Summer to Remember

Our campers not only engaged in a rich array of activities but also traveled by metro, played with water, participated in sports, and visited various parts of the city. They were fully immersed in the Spanish language, learning in a natural and effective way that will serve them well in the future.

Join Us for Fall Enrollment!

As we wrap up this unforgettable summer, we’re excited to announce that enrollment for our fall programs is now open! Whether your child was with us this summer or not, our fall programs offer a fantastic opportunity to continue their journey of learning and discovery.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enroll your child in an enriching educational experience this fall. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Contact Us:
For more information on our fall programs or to enroll, visit our website or contact us directly at info@isabellaandferdinand.org or call 202-450-1940. We can’t wait to see your child continue to grow and thrive with us!

Celebrating Our Third Year of Administering DELE Exams

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!

Strengthening Spanish Language Education: New Partnership with the Universidad Internacional de Valencia

We are pleased to announce an exciting collaboration that will further our mission of promoting Spanish language teaching and learning. We are thrilled to establish a new partnership with the prestigious Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), a leading institution in online education recognized worldwide.

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We are excited to announce our new partnership with the Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), an innovative and internationally renowned educational institution. This collaboration represents a significant step in our commitment to providing quality education and promoting the learning of Spanish as a foreign language.

The Universidad Internacional de Valencia is recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport, and is part of the Grupo Planeta, one of the most prominent international education networks in the world. Its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in education makes it the ideal partner for our institution.

This exciting partnership will allow students from the Universidad Internacional de Valencia to undertake internships at our center as part of the Master's in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language program. During this period, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a dynamic and collaborative educational environment.

Our center prides itself on providing an enriching learning environment and supporting the professional development of future Spanish language educators. We are committed to offering students from the Universidad Internacional de Valencia a high-quality training experience that prepares them for a successful career in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

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

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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