Spanish as a second or foreign language

Meanwhile in 2004, a group of national universities created an inter-university consortium oriented towards the teaching, evaluation and certification of Spanish as a Second or Foreign Language (o ELSE from the Spanish, Español como Lengua Segunda y Extranjera), aiming to contribute to political and educational linguistics.

Any speaker who can use Spanish in an effective manner, whose goal is to interact efficiently with the other members of the community can take the CELU, independently of the course or method that was used to learn the language.

Following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or the CEFR, these institutions offer examinations that will measure the competence of a learner.

Spanish-language education in the United States aims to create global citizens competently able to communicate and collaborate with peoples from other cultures, who may be different from themselves, and thereby able to empathize with others' perspectives and experiences.

[2] In order to achieve this type of competency, teachers must obtain proficiency and receive training in language acquisition theory and methodology.

[9] Established in 1967, ACTFL has provided language educators with tools for instruction and opportunities for professional growth.