International Studies Foundation presents the documentary Camino de Santiago for the first time in Puerto Rico, a cultural bridge between Spain and the Caribbean
- A project with an educational and human vocation
- Puerto Rico as a new space for cultural encounter
- Leadership with an international vision
- A message of continuity and hope
The International Studies Foundation (ISF), in collaboration with CIS University and the Spanish Consulate in Puerto Rico, presented the documentary Camino de Santiago for the first time in Puerto Rico, a work that captures the symbolic, human, and educational value of one of Europe's most emblematic cultural routes. This presentation marks a milestone in the project's trajectory, as it reaches the Caribbean for the first time as a space for cultural encounter, reflection, and institutional dialogue.
The documentary was presented by the president of the International Studies Foundation and CIS University, Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa, who has been promoting the Camino de Santiago Program since 2017, an international educational initiative that offers low-income youth the opportunity to walk the Camino as an experience of personal growth, ethical leadership, and social awareness.
A project with an educational and human vocation
The documentary Camino de Santiago was created as an audiovisual reflection of an educational project with a profound social impact. Through real testimonies, landscapes, and shared experiences, the work focuses on the Camino as a space for vital learning, where collective effort, coexistence, and introspection become universal values.
“The Camino is not just a physical route; it is an inner process that teaches young people to know themselves, to respect others, and to understand the value of perseverance and solidarity,” said Dr. Díaz de la Cebosa. “The fact that this documentary is being presented for the first time in Puerto Rico has a very special meaning, because it connects a European tradition with the cultural, human, and spiritual richness of the Caribbean.”
Since its creation, the Camino de Santiago Program of the International Studies Foundation and CIS University has benefited hundreds of young people from the United States, Spain, and other countries, many of them from vulnerable backgrounds, offering them an experience that transcends the classroom and leaves a lasting mark on their lives.
Puerto Rico as a new space for cultural encounter
The arrival of the documentary in Puerto Rico represents a natural step in the international expansion of the project, recognizing the island as a territory deeply linked to education, culture, and dialogue between peoples. The presentation is conceived as a space for collective reflection on the importance of humanistic education, leadership with values, and the role of culture as a driver of social cohesion.
The presence of high-ranking officials from the Government of Puerto Rico and diplomatic representatives reinforces the institutional nature of the event and underscores the shared interest in initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and the comprehensive education of new generations.
Leadership with an international vision
Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa played a central role in this historic presentation, not only as the host of the documentary, but also as a reference point for a model of educational leadership based on values. With a PhD in Humanities and president of CIS University since 1998, her career has been characterized by building bridges between Europe, the United States, and Latin America, placing education at the center of social transformation.
Under her leadership, the International Studies Foundation has developed programs that integrate education, human rights, and social commitment, positively impacting thousands of young people and families. The Camino de Santiago Program has established itself as one of the most emblematic projects of this humanistic and transformative vision.
A message of continuity and hope
The presentation of Camino de Santiago in Puerto Rico marks the beginning of a new stage for the project in the Caribbean, with a message of hope, continuity, and shared commitment.
“The Camino reminds us that every step counts and that the true destination is inner growth,” concluded Dr. Díaz de la Cebosa. “Bringing this message to Puerto Rico is an invitation to continue building bridges between cultures, generations, and territories through education and human values.”
With this first presentation on the island, the International Studies Foundation and CIS University reaffirm their commitment to a transformative, inclusive, and deeply human education, and to building a future where culture, justice, and dignity continue to lead the way.
The event took place on Thursday with a talk and presentation of the documentary “Camino de Santiago” at the Casa de España Library. The event brought together prominent authorities, institutional representatives, political, academic, and social leaders, establishing itself as an event of special relevance to the cultural and educational life of Puerto Rico.
The presentation was supported by the Spanish consul in Puerto Rico, José María Bosch Bessa, accompanied by his wife, María Victoria García Ojeda, deputy head of the Spanish Embassy in Honduras, thus underscoring the diplomatic and international dimension of the event.
Also in attendance were the former governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla; the mayor of the city of Bayamón, Ramón Luis Rivera, accompanied by his wife; the undersecretary of state of Puerto Rico, Narel W. Colón; and the secretary of state of Puerto Rico, Rosachel y Rivera Santana, among others.