Can you believe that this building behind me has been teaching Spanish and Mexican culture to foreigners for over a century? This is the Centro de Ense\u00f1anza para Extranjeros or CEPE. It is part of the Universidad Nacional Aut\u00f3noma de M\u00e9xico UNAM.
José Vasconcelos founded CEPE in 1921. He wanted to share knowledge of the Spanish language and Mexican culture. He also wanted to support Mexican communities abroad. The Centro de Ense\u00f1anza para Extranjeros aimed to universalize knowledge.
CEPE has several locations in Mexico. You can also find CEPE in the United States and Canada. The main location is here in Ciudad Universitaria CU in Mexico City. Here at the Centro de Ense\u00f1anza para Extranjeros, intensive Spanish courses are offered. They also offer courses in Mexican culture and studies. These courses cover history, art and literature.
CEPE Polanco opened in November 2000. It provides Spanish and Mexican culture courses to international students. CEPE Polanco is in one of the most international areas of Mexico City. Many embassies and multinational companies are nearby.
At CEPE Polanco you find face-to-face courses. They teach Spanish and Mexican culture. They have ideal facilities. Teaching is personalized with small groups. Many universities worldwide recognize the courses. The teachers are professionals. They are trained in teaching Spanish as a second language. The students come from all over the world. Many are diplomats or work for overseas companies.
The mission of Centro de Ense\u00f1anza para Extranjeros in Polanco is clear. It teaches Spanish to students from around the world. It promotes Mexican history, art and culture. The academic programs focus on Spanish language. They use cultural expressions from Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The objective is to give students the tools they need. They can then develop Spanish skills. These skills are useful for professional or everyday life.
CEPE also offers courses online. These courses are Spanish for foreigners. CEPE Polanco offers three types of courses. There is an intensive cycle that takes place four days a week. Another course takes place three days a week each trimester. The last course type takes place two days a week each semester. There are nine levels of ELE teaching. It follows the UNAM model. Skills taught include speaking, writing, listening and reading. The courses last 75 hours.
Besides classes, CEPE has more to offer. They sell printed and digital publications. You can also participate in guided tours. These tours visit sites of historical or artistic significance. They explore archaeological and anthropological sites. You can even take virtual tours of the CU Polanco and Taxco locations.
So, whether you’re interested in intensive language study, cultural immersion, or exploring Mexico’s rich heritage, the Centro de Ense\u00f1anza para Extranjeros is your gateway to a deeper understanding of Mexico. It is a place where language and culture come alive.