The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) is a center for and study, research, and analysis of Central American social and environmental issues. Since 1986, we focus on economic development, politics, environmental studies, sustainable development, public health, women’s issues, education, human rights, and conservation.
Vision
Our programs aim to increase understanding of the region within a historical perspective; to develop a theoretical framework for the analysis of root causes, forms and dimensions of underdevelopment and injustice; to stimulate critical evaluation of current development strategies, analyzing their effects on women, children, the poor, and the environment; and to search for alternative methods, policies, and strategies.
Mission
ICADS mission is to educate participants about Central America by teaching Spanish and by offering academic programs that utilize a theoretically critical perspective as well as hands-on experience to help students deepen insights into current social, political and economic realities and their effects on the environment and society, especially the poor and marginalized.
VALUES
Educate
ICADS educates participants about Central America through Spanish classes and hands-on academic programs that help students deepen their Insights of social, political and economic realities while valuing their effects on the local environment and society.
Support
ICADS supports local organizations and communities by demonstrating a commitment to learning about local social justice issues. Through volunteer work and financial support, we support local education, healthcare, human rights, anti-hunger and environmental issues.
Understand
ICADS strives to increase the understanding of Central America learning through historical perspectives, analyzing root causes, studying inequality and injustice, evaluating current development strategies, studying issues on women, children, poverty, the poor, and the environment.
Our team is made up of experts committed to your academic success, health, and safety. Many of us have spent decades working with US students in Central America, and in topics related to our academic work. Many of us, both North and Central Americans, are bilingual, and we all love working cross culturally with students like you in our tropical context.
