About us

Our Spanish language program is the most politically and socially progressive in Mexico, with special social justice programs focusing on a variety of themes. The instruction is demanding and Paulo Freire's methodology is applied to the teaching of Spanish as a second language, where students contribute their insights and ask the questions necessary for critical analysis. All of our teachers are native speakers with professional and special training. CETLALIC is accredited by the Ministry of Public Education (State of Morelos, Mexico).

CETLALIC is small and our staff is able to attend to the needs of each student. Our goal is to promote dialogue between Mexico and the people of other cultures; in order to reach that goal, we make the experience of every participant our concern. We offer small, intensive classes at all levels, year-round, as well as several Special Programs every year focused on a particular issue or area of interest, which often include travel in the region. We welcome all students irrespective of nationality, ethnic origin, race, gender, sexual preference, or age.

Living with a Mexican family is an integral part of our program. It provides a unique experience to learn about the people, their food and their customs, as well as an incomparable opportunity for students to practice and refine their Spanish language abilities.We offer homestay options for our gay and lesbian students.

MEXICO is a nation of great cultural and historical richness, tracing its roots to some of the oldest cultures in the hemisphere. Today, as one of the three players in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the site of the ongoing Zapatista rebellion, Mexico's prominence in the global economic and political scene makes mutual understanding among Mexicans and peoples of different parts of the world more important than ever. With approximately 100 million people, Mexicans represent one quarter of the Spanish speakers in the world, making "Mexican Spanish" particularly important in terms of Spanish usage in the world.

In addition to providing quality language instruction, CETLALIC is committed to social justice issues. Our commitment to dialogue and cross cultural exchange is rooted in our own activism in Mexico. As an organisation we are key supporters of the Don Sergio Mendez Arceo Human Rights Award for defenders of social justice and human rights in Mexico. The year 2006 marked the Award's 14th year of existence, honoring journalist Lydia Cacho for her work against violence against women. Award winners in 2005 included Barbara Zamora for her fight for the rights of indigenous people, farmers and activists, as well as Boing, a worker's soft-drink cooperative, for their struggle against Coca Cola and defense of labor rights.

2008 Mons. Arturo Lona Reyes, Oaxaca. Mons. Lona won the award
because of his commitment to the indigenous peoples of Oaxaca,
including his defense of campesino land.

2009. The Organization for the Future of the Mixtec People (OFMP),
Guerrero. OFPM received the award for its work in defending
the rights of indigenous Na Savi, and for denouncing abuses
by the Mexican army in the highlands of Guerrero.
Margarita Martin de las Nieves and Guadalupe Castro Morales
accepted the national award in memory of their husbands,
who were killed in February of 2009.

For more information about CETLALIC's origins, please visit Travel and Transitions for an interview with CETLALIC Director Jorge Torres.

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