CETLALIC Practicum

 

 

Currently, Centro Tlahuica de Lenguas e Intercambio Cultural, also known as the Instituto CETLALIC is in its 28th year of operation in Cuernvaca, Morelos. The Instituto CETLALIC is a local nonprofit organization that provides Spanish language and culture classes for college students, older learners, families and children of all ages. They have special programs for educators, LGBTQ community, Women, medical field practitioners, ministry workers, and for social justice workers.

 

As a progressive language school, Instituto CETLALIC aims to promote dialogue between Mexico and people of other cultures to create awareness of the reality of Mexico and to promote Latin American solidarity. At CETLALIC, Paulo Freire’s pedagogy is applied in the classroom; encouraging students to share their insights and critical analysis. This process allows for meaningful Spanish acquisition that deeply connects students to the local context.

 

CETLALIC’s personal-selling model has successfully brought in groups of students from colleges and universities throughout the US and Canada. This approach showcases CETLALIC’s strength in relationship building. CETLALIC also partners with the local social justice community in collaborative effort to promote social change and improve the community of Cuernavaca. This rich network of social justice organizations keeps CETLALIC’s approach relevant and the ideal place for content-based Spanish and service learning to come alive.

 

Why Mexico?

Cuernavaca, "The City of Eternal Spring," boasts year-round sunshine and flowers that spill over walls in an abundance of color. Located in central Mexico, just 50 miles/90 km south of Mexico City on the route to Taxco and Acapulco, Cuernavaca is close to many points of interest for weekend excursions and additional travel, including the capital, beaches, mountains, colonial towns, and indigenous pueblos.

 

Mexico is an open door for Latin America where more than 200 million people are Spanish speakers. The Latin America culture has an uncountable richness in which different local cultures have a very vivid presence.

Mexico shares a great border with the United States where more than 35 million people with a Latin origin live. These peoples' common historical periods have been tremendously important for the development of both countries.

 

Spanish Language today is the third language worldwide after English and Chinese and is quickly increasing, including in those countries where Spanish isn't the native language. To study Spanish language today is to be ready for the future and culturally competent.