The International Certification System for Spanish as a Foreign Language in Antioquia (Colombia): Experience and Perspective

Abstract

The International System for Spanish as a Foreign Language (SICELE, its Spanish acronym) is an initiative of the Cervantes Institute and a meaningful group of Latin-American universities presented during the Third International Congress of the Spanish Language in 2004. It aims to create parameters to standardize and mutually recognize the different exams or certificates of Spanish as a foreign language that make part of the System. A nationwide nodal work methodology came across for the consolidation of this initiative. This searches to benefit professional development, the study of legal framework, the possible design of international exams, the respect for linguistic varieties, the positioning of the Spanish language and the region as a linguistic destination, among other concrete tasks. This article talks about the Project, the experience with the methodology in Colombia and the challenges ahead for this area of knowledge, especially in Antioquia (Colombia).