The Institute for Latin American and Iberian Studies at The Catholic University of America
ILAIS Mission and Vision.
The Institute for Latin American and Iberian Studies (ILAIS) is a multidisciplinary intellectual forum for learning, research and dialogue that serves as an umbrella organization on Latin American and Iberian studies and initiatives for all students, faculty, scholars, researchers and staff at The Catholic University of America.
ILAIS draws upon the rich resources of various entities in the University and congregate offerings on degree and non-degree programs, courses, research, publication, scholarly events, study abroad, opportunities of internships and jobs, and activities related to Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. It also acts as a liaison between such opportunities and the Catholic U. schools, departments, institutes, centers and other divisions.
ILAIS Aims.
The aims of ILAIS include:
to advance the University’s standing in Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula, and the United States by showcasing the depth of our unique areas of expertise and collections;
to strengthen scholarship and educational offerings across the University;
to promote interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering an academic community that brings together students, faculty, scholars, researchers, staff and stakeholders within and outside Catholic U.;
to further knowledge and awareness of these regions’ contributions, trials, and plurality;
to serve as a supportive community for learners and scholars across areas of studies; and
to enhance diversity on campus by increasing the student and scholar population from Latin American backgrounds.
In meeting these aims, ILAIS strengthens connections with one of the fastest growing communities in the US while contributing to the following goal at the University:
“Thus, in dialogue and cooperation with contemporary society, The Catholic University of America sees itself as faithful to the challenge proposed by the Second Vatican Council for institutions of higher learning, namely, to put forth every effort so that ‘the Christian mind may achieve ... a public, persistent, and universal presence in the whole enterprise of advancing higher culture’" (Gravissimum educationis, n. 10).