Go American English! Building Cultural Bridges between Spain and the United States

By Javier Sarrión

The Go American English program, which is one of the programs included in CIS University’s International Studies Foundation, is an initiative aimed at offering young people in Madrid from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to learn English and experience American culture.                           

This program, which began in 2014 under the name “Access program” and was renamed “Go American English” in 2017, has provided education and support to students aged 14 to 16 for two years, with a new group starting every two years. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 20 students participate in classes taught by a professor from CIS University. As Nuria Sánchez, CIS University’s Foundations Coordinator, explained, “these students not only improve their English skills, but also have the chance to learn more about American culture.”

The foundation has a clear educational mission and promotes cultural exchange between Spain and the U.S. At the end of the course, 10 outstanding students are selected to walk the Camino de Santiago, sharing experiences with American students. 

Nacho Campo, the Coordinator of the university’s NGO Cruzada por los Niños, leads the Go American English students and American high-school students during the Camino. In his opinion, “it’s an experience that will completely change their lives”.                                          

The Camino de Santiago encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, allowing them to face new challenges while discovering the best within themselves. According to Emilee García, a participant in the Camino de Santiago and a student at Miami-Dade Kendall Campus, “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that life can sometimes seem very difficult, but when you take a step back and realize how big the world is, you understand that every situation is there to teach you something.”

This initiative by CIS University not only offers a unique opportunity for students to grow personally and share experiences with other people from various parts of the world, but also provides them with valuable lessons both personally and professionally. 

The program not only teaches the English language but also empowers young people by preparing them for an international future. Scholarships and educational opportunities are part of the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that, regardless of their economic status, students can access a better future. This program represents a true bridge between two cultures, fostering an exchange that enriches both the students and the communities to which they belong.