En Español

CICE - A Brief History

      CICE was founded in 1994 by a group of young bilingual professionals in response to the growing need to expand a global education and promote cultural and social awareness. At CICE we share the idea that education and communication are key elements for human development. Our courses not only teach Spanish as a second language, but also build bridges between Mexico and other cultures.

One of CICE's objectives is to establish a dialogue to create understanding among people from different backgrounds. We have combined our extensive and varied experiences in community work and multicultural education to create a center that changes the conventional ways of teaching. We not only offer a rewarding cultural experience to people from abroad and from Mexico itself, but we also create projects that educate people about social issues that affect us all.

Another objective is to engender economic independence and professional self-sufficiency within the community. Some of our projects are non-profit. Also, in coordination with community workers and social organizations CICE works towards the promotion and conservation of cultural life as well as the protection of the environment. We work to create opportunities for people to empower themselves and to find immediate solutions to local problems.

CICE supports and creates projects (co-ops) through community involvement, which in turn train and employ people with little or no economic resources. CICE's projects are aimed at fomenting independence largely within the groups that have been excluded from the current process of international investment in Mexico. By participating in the classes and projects of CICE, our teachers and students contribute to the economic and social transition of the Americas.

Our Philosophy

     At CICE we are aware that we can no longer ignore the increasing problems of globalization that are affecting the people and our planet. This same way, we can no longer ignore the existence and importance of people different from ourselves.

      Bilingual and multicultural education is an important element in creating a much needed understanding between people of different cultures. At CICE we believe that each one of us has the power to protect and influence our social environment. As human being, we know we have the moral responsibility to participate in the economic and cultural changes affecting our present and future generations. During this time of economic and cultural transitions, bilingual and multicultural education will give us the power to transform and the power to be our own people. This is the only way we will be able to establish the links of communication for a cross cultural understanding.

We aspire to work together in search of alternative, positive and traditional ways of living, healing and  strengthening of the community. We believe in the art of listening as an important aspect for effective dialogue and communication among peoples of different cultures and backgrounds.   In the spirit of our interconnectedness, our programs offer all participants an opportunity for self-empowerment; to experience another perspective of knowledge and culture, as well as to participate in the transformation toward a better world.