Did you know there is a regional network of independent nonprofit organizations that helps millions of Latin Americans learn about U.S. culture, language, and education? These “binational centers” offer English instruction to 250,000 students each year in Central and South America, and the Caribbean. They also welcome about 16 million visitors to take part in cultural, educational, and social events. The first binational center opened in Argentina in 1927. In the decades since, over 100 centers have been established.
Misael Portillo, the executive director of the IVLP Alumni Network of the Americas, and I traveled to Florianopolis, Brazil last month to attend the Association of Binational Centers of Latin America bi-annual conference. The conference, with the theme of Building Lasting Partnerships – Going Further and Faster, was co-sponsored by Partners of the America’s, a nonprofit organization with deep ties to Latin America that is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This event brought together over 450 executive directors, board members, U.S. higher education representatives, partners, members, and U.S. Department of State officials.
These “binational centers” offer English instruction to 250,000 students each year in Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
I attended to learn more about this amazing network and learn how Global Ties’ members and binational centers can work closer together. I was amazed by the similarities between our two networks. During my presentation, I couldn’t help but note the parallels between the Association of Binational Centers of Latin America conference and the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting. Actually, I felt at home. It was like the two networks were long-lost siblings that were separated at birth. We even share the same “parents:” the U.S. Department of State. Both our organizations are working towards a common mission of strengthening ties between individuals and nations.
We learned at the conference that there are a plethora of opportunities for increased collaboration between Association of Binational Centers of Latin America and Global Ties U.S. These could be outbound and inbound exchange programs, teacher training programs, virtual exchange programs, and other initiatives. We look forward to welcoming representatives from the binational centers to the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting in February 2015, and having leaders from both networks meet face-to-face and explore future partnership opportunities. The timing is perfect given that we will be highlighting the region through our new Latin America Dialogue on February 4, 2015 at the Organization of American States.
By Jennifer Clinton, PhD, President, Global Ties U.S. Follower her on Twitter: