User:Colombo Americano

Centro Cultural Colombo Americano, Cali, Colombia

The CCCA in Cali is a non-profit foundation dedicated to teaching the English language and American culture through cultural activities. Founded in 1954, the CCCA has four branches located in the north of Cali, the south of Cali, Buga and Palmira.

Including all the branches, there are about 6,000 students of all ages from 4 years old and up. The CCCA is recognized as a bi-national center by the American embassy.

History: The CCCA was founded in 1954 by an American couple, George and Billie Young, who had lived in Cali for two years. George was the principal of Colegio Bolívar, the recently-opened international school in Cali. Parents of students of Colegio Bolívar were concerned about not speaking English, and asked George and Billie to give them prívate classes. Soon, their classes were so successful that they rented space on the 5th floor of the “Colombiana de Seguros” building in Plaza Caicedo, the main square of Cali. The demand for English classes was so high that Billie had to send telegrams to her family and friendo in the U.S. asking them to come to Cali to teach. In 1956, the Centro Cultural Colombo Cali was recognized by the American Embassy as a bi-national center. During the next 25 years the directors of the Colombo Americano were American diplomats. As of 1983, bi-national centers became independent from the State Department. The Cali bi-national center, like the others found throughout Latin America, is headed by a board of directors who is responsable for naming its director.

In 1969 the Cali north branch was built: it had only 2 floors. But, later in 1983 the 3rd and 4th floors were built and in 1988 the 5th floor was added. In 1985 an experienced teacher of the CCCA, Laura Pilcher de Escobar, founded the Buga branch. The south Cali branch was founded in 1993 in response to the high demand for English. In 2004 the Colombo Americano began to offer courses in Palmira with the support of the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. In 2007 the Colombo Americano opened a branch in its own installations in the city of Palmira in order to offer more programs, schedules and services.

These days, the CCCA offers not only English courses for all ages, but also provides different services such a resource center, a bilingual library, information and advice on international education (Education USA office), preparation for exams like the TOEFL, teacher training courses and much more.

English Programs:

The CCCA offers courses for adults as well as kids and teens. Adult programs have 5 cycles, and each one has 3 levels. The students in the Adult preogram receive a certificate every 3 courses (3 months). There are flexible schedules and different activities and clubs to enjoy.

Written by Centro Cultural Colombo Americano, South Branch High Intermediate 3 students, May 14, 2009