Our foundation, International Studies Foundation (ISF), has taken an important step in its commitment to education and cultural outreach by signing a collaboration agreement with the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI). The ceremony took place in Miami, at the residence of the Consulate General of Spain, and was presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sofía, Honorary President of QSSI. The official agreement was signed by Pilar Lladó, Chair of the Board of Trustees of QSSI, and María Díaz de la Cebosa, President of CIS University and ISF.
This agreement forms part of the America&Spain250 initiative, led by QSSI, which seeks to highlight the historic contributions of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world to the independence of the United States on the occasion of its 250th anniversary. Through this partnership, CIS University, ISF, and QSSI will develop educational and cultural programs aimed at strengthening academic ties between the two countries and fostering greater historical, cultural, and human understanding among new generations.
One of the central pillars of this collaboration is the “Quizstory: Spanish Friendship Podcast Award,” an educational program organized by QSSI that invites students from across the United States to research and share, through podcasts, the role Spain played in the American War of Independence. Under the agreement, CIS University and ISF will award scholarships to the winners of the 2026 competition, giving them the opportunity to participate in the “Camino de Santiago” (The Way of Saint James) program, an initiative developed by ISF. Designed for high-achieving students with limited financial resources, this program offers a unique educational experience beyond the classroom by combining historical learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth, while fostering curiosity, empathy, and the development of international ties.
The “Camino de Santiago” program gives students the opportunity to travel to Spain and walk one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes through a holistic experience that combines education, culture, and personal growth. Through partnerships with institutions and educational programs such as Miami Dade College (Miami), Leap Steam + E Academy of San Juan (Puerto Rico), AECI School (New York), and Go American English (Spain), as well as the support of the U.S. Embassy in Spain, the Consulate of Spain in Miami, and the City of Miami, ISF promotes a cultural and educational exchange that enriches the academic and personal development of participating students. During this 2026 edition, alongside the QSSI scholarship recipients, students from Spain, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, and the United States will take part, with the possible addition of students from Mexico. Through this experience, the program aims to empower young people and create a lasting positive impact in their communities by fostering skills development, cultural openness, and meaningful international connections.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Begoña Santos, President and CEO of QSSI, and Belén Alfaro, Consul General of Spain in Miami. Together with the signing institutions, they reaffirmed their commitment to social mobility, educational excellence, and international cultural cooperation. Distinguished philanthropists and leaders from the international community were also present, expressing their support for the program and recognizing its transformative impact and educational value.
Through this agreement, our university and foundation further reinforce their commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people with limited access to education by offering experiences that enhance both academic and personal development while strengthening ties between cultures and countries. At the same time, this collaboration helps position Spain as a leading international destination for academic and cultural exchange, while promoting social mobility, educational excellence, and intercultural understanding across generations.