MISION

“Discovering what’s universal about languages can help us understand the core of our humanity.”

Dan Jurafsky

MISSION

We strive to raise awareness about the significance of Bilingualism

Encourage the acquisition and instruction of English for Spanish speakers

The Institute of Bilingual Education (ibE) is a dedicated organization working towards promoting the importance of bilingual education in English for Spanish speakers. Our goal is to facilitate sustainable, inclusive, and innovative human development and address the challenges faced by the 21st-century global society

Through various policies, strategies, and learning resources, our main objective is to create a new awareness about bilingualism and develop an educational proposal that enhances the development of individuals and their communities.

MISSION

Develop an educational proposal

Policies, strategies, and learning resources that enhance the development of individuals and their communities

As we understand bilingualism as the acquisition of advanced linguistic competencies in both Spanish and English, we believe it is crucial to enable individuals to succeed in various academic, professional, and personal environments. This not only includes acquiring technical skills (hard skills) but also personal and interpersonal skills (soft skills).

We believe that language and languages are at the core of our humanity and development. They serve as a bridge that brings us closer to people and connects us. Language is the foundation of our communities, including us as a species. It encompasses our origins, present, and continuity, and is, in essence, the "house of Being." We view language as a tool for the world, in the world, and with the world.

VISION

“ One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”

Frank Smith

VISION

We work with the entire educational community

To motivate and guide them throughout an enriching educational journey

Our mission is to make education enriching and accessible to everyone. We strive to engage and inspire the entire community, including students, teachers, educational institutions, businesses, philanthropists, cultural organisations, as well as governmental and non-governmental agencies in both the public and private sectors. Together, we can create a more inclusive and rewarding educational experience for all.

VISION

We promote bilingualism for its positive impact on people's lives

It has been proven that acquiring multiple languages promotes meaningful events, generates vital experiences, and has a positive impact on people's lives.

POSTIVE IMPACT

Enhances cognitive functions and develops resilience

Por Ana De Biase, Ph.D

Bilingüismo: Neurociencia y Cultura

ibE Blog

Speaking multiple languages can generate positive changes in both our brain and cognition. These changes can have a significant impact on our lives, influencing our personal and cultural development. Therefore, learning different languages not only allows us to communicate with more people, but it can also improve our mental and physical health, and enrich our understanding of the world around us.

POSTIVE IMPACT

Enhances personal development and academic, professional, and economic success

Bilingüismo: Una herramienta para afrontar los retos académicos, profesionales, laborales y económicos de un nuevo orden global

Por Ana De Biase, Ph.D

ibE Blog

Desde el punto de vista académico en España, el bilingüismo y la competencia lingüística en inglés es una necesidad de orden nacional e inmediato para cualquier estudiante de habla española, ya que todos los planes de estudios universitarios están enmarcados dentro del plan Bolonia. Este plan obliga a que al menos un quinto de las asignaturas de cada carrera, sean impartidas en inglés con el fin de promover cuatro valores fundamentales: la movilidad estudiantil y docente, la calidad, la diversidad y la competitividad.

POSTIVE IMPACT

Enhances and expands the Heritage of Hispanic culture to the global world

Por Ana De Biase, Ph.D

Una conciencia sobre el español, la Hispanidad y el inglés como “lengua franca”

ibE Blog

La inclusión de España en el mundo global depende de su capacidad de integrarse y el lenguaje es el vehículo más importante para ese cometido. El español como lengua, y la hispanidad pueden aumentar su presencia e impacto en el mundo si pueden contar su historia también en inglés. Si pueden presentarse y establecer un diálogo también en inglés.

The vision of the ibE aligns with the sustainable human development objectives of the European Union, creating an institutional reference space that guarantees inclusive, equitable, innovative, and quality bilingual education to promote resilience, lifelong learning opportunities, and social impact.

VISION

Sustainable Development

The analysis of tests in the 2021 EF (Education First) English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) report - in which more than 1.3 million people worldwide participated - shows that Spain's average level of English knowledge ranks 33rd. Its score is 540 points, indicating low intermediate competence.

The reality of other Latin American countries is even worse, with Paraguay ranked 44th with 520 points, Chile ranked 47th with 516 points, Uruguay ranked 53rd with 509 points, Colombia ranked 81st with 465 points, and Mexico ranked 92nd with 436 points in the 2021 EF English Proficiency Index report, which involved over 1.3 million people worldwide.

Spain's language competence

BILINGUALISM IN SPAIN

BILINGUALISM IN SPAIN

English in Spain

Only one in seven Spaniards speaks English well. The INE revealed in 2022 that, despite the educational push to raise the level of linguistic competence in Spain, less than 15% of the population considers themselves to speak English competently.

Although English is a mandatory subject in the educational system, the language proficiency in this language remains low. In recent years, initiatives and programs have been developed to improve English teaching and promote bilingualism, but there is still much to be done.

BILINGUALISM IN SPAIN

Bologna Process

The International Academic Inclusion of students depends on their B1 and B2 credentials.

BILINGUALISM IN SPAIN

Erasmus +

The inclusion of Spanish students in international exchange programs depends on their English credentials.

Denying students the necessary certifications for this integration would have repercussions on Spain's outcomes in the coming decades.

BILINGUALISM IN SPAIN

Necessary Credentials

These are the credentials required to access different educational levels in Spain.

Existe una correlación positiva entre la calidad de vida—esperanza de vida, educación e ingresos per cápita— y el nivel de conocimientos de inglés de un país. El dominio del inglés, como lengua franca internacional, facilita la difusión de ideas, tecnologías e innovación, el desarrollo de las actividades comerciales, el aumento de las oportunidades de trabajo y del poder adquisitivo, el acceso y éxito de la vida académica.

En el caso de los adultos, el conocimiento del inglés puede ser un motor de inclusión, ya que permite el desarrollo profesional e iguala la condiciones de acceso de quienes provienen de circunstancias y orígenes diferentes. Permite también, la gestión del talento internacional y la progresión a un nivel avanzado.

Por ello, ello fomentar el bilingüismo en España y en los distintos países de habla hispana constituye un desafío fundamental para promover el desarrollo humano través de la educación de calidad inclusiva, equitativa y sostenible.

CURIOSITIES

The Paradox of Bilingual Education

The paradox of bilingual education is that when it is employed in private schools for children of elites is preferred and encouraged and it is accepted as educationally valid (Baker & Prys Jones, 1998; Fishman, 1976). However, when public schools implemented bilingual education for language minority students, bilingual education became highly controversial. (Brisk, 2005 )