Our History

The following are some key dates in the history of the Association

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1968 

The first meeting of North American program directors in Spain is held in the Canary Islands, with academic quality as the main topic on the agenda.

1969

The Regional Conference of North American Programs is established at the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica, with the participation of 20 founding members. Membership criteria are considered.

1970
Debate about the accreditation of academic programs abroad.

1972

Of the 27 members, ten voluntarily submit to an evaluation. The winter meeting is held at a Spanish university. The first orientation meetings for new directors are held. Membership dues are established.

1975
It has 30 member programs. The first booklet on the studies in Spain is published. The need to hire a coordinator is discussed; their salary would be paid with dues collected.

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1980
For the first time, the change of the Association's name is proposed.

1982
The name is changed to the Association of American University Programs in Spain (APUNE) (previously the Association of American Programs in Spain (AAPS). The first coordinator is hired.

1989
Statutes are created. It is constituted as a civic cultural association. It is legally registered as an association in Spain.

1992
 The statutes are changed to fully comply with Spanish legislation.

1994
The 25th anniversary is celebrated.

1999
The credits obtained by the Community of Madrid are recognized.

2000
Launching of the Web page: APUNE is on the Internet.

2002
Tender Puentes I (Madrid)
The statutes are changed to fully comply with Spanish legislation. Comunidad de Madrid.

2000
The launch of our first web page: APUNE is online!

2002
Tender Puentes I (Madrid)

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2003
The statutes are changed to incorporate the figure of associated institutions.

2005
Tender Puentes II (Sevilla)

2008
Tender Puentes III (Barcelona)

2009 
Orientation meeting for new directors and new staff in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville: APUNE expands its services.

2010
New web page. Agreement with the Instituto Cervantes.

2012
First Meeting between Spanish and North American Universities at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

2015
Recognition by the Community of Madrid of APUNE member programs.

2018
The 50th anniversary of the Association is celebrated.

2023
New web page.