A Day in the life of the International Institute
To understand the day-to-day life of the International Institute in Spain, it helps to go back to its history and origins. Founded in 1892 by Alice Gordon Gulick, the Institute has served a fundamental role in the promotion of educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Spain. As the founder, Gordon Gulick’s principal aim was to remove the barriers facing Spanish women to access education. During this time, women had limited academic opportunities, and the IIE served as a unique space to provide educational access for women and girls. Due to its architectural beauty and charm, the building itself is a reason to visit.
Although the Institute has evolved over the years, its spirit of cultural and academic exchange is still very much alive. The International Institute serves as a meeting point for both cultures in Madrid, and because of its agreements with North American universities, more than a thousand American students take courses at the International Institute each year. They include students from universities like Stanford, Syracuse, Boston, and the University of Southern California.
American students taking classes at the Institute also take advantage of its onsite facilities, including a cafeteria, garden and library. Students report reduced class sizes, and a sense of deep appreciation for personalized instruction and close relationships with professors. This environment not only contributes to academic learning, but most importantly, leads to cultural exchange between the staff, students and community members. This setting provides a familiar and welcoming space for students away from home.
The International Institute’s library is a focal point, and students go to the library to study individually and in groups. In many ways, the library serves as a meeting place for diverse cultures and international families, with students of all ages utilizing the space and collection. The cafeteria is also a place to connect, gather and share.
Throughout the course of the month, a variety of cultural activities take place at the International Institute. From piano concerts to conferences, educational and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Spain is at the heart of the program agenda. The library offers a “Bring your Own Baby” book club, a book club exploring North American literature, and various activities in English and Spanish for all ages. The library even has a “Ukelele Club,” where participants learn how to play the ukelele while communicating in English.
Speaking of English, there is no better place to engage in English language and culture courses than the International Institute. The North American English Language and Culture program offers classes for both children and adults, including a “Preschool Playgroup in English,” Saturday morning English classes for all ages, SAT and TOEFL preparation courses for students interested in studying in the United States, and one-to-one personalized lessons. There is a class for everyone at the IIE. From summer camps to 3D Design workshops, the Institute’s dynamic environment cultivates the study of English while simultaneously learning about North American culture.
Although no two days are the same, there is a sense of deep connection across the program offering that contributes to the distinctive spirit of the IIE. The International Institute is a place where learning, culture and community go hand in hand, and a place where people from all ages and cultures can participate in memorable experiences.
Nuria de la Fuente Campelo
