IESA is an organization based in La Serena, Chile. The International English Spanish Association, (a.k.a. IESA) held its first General Meeting on April 4th, 1996 with over 60 people in attendance. IESA's founding purpose was to give the English speaking people, most of whom were expatriates, a social and service forum within the La Serena community. Countless hours volunteered by a few dedicated women brought IESA to life, fulfilling a very real need of offering a friendly and understanding community to so many who felt alone in a foreign land.

An exciting aspect of IESA is the diversity of IESA members.  One of the best features of IESA is that not only does it have members from many countries in the English speaking world, but it has many Chilean members also.  It is wonderful for new residents of La Serena to have a place where they can meet Chileans, most of whom speak English. Many of the Chilean members enjoy the opportunity to hone their English skills.  This mixture of members from such different backgrounds makes IESA a very interesting organization to belong to.

The Association was the strong trunk of a tree with as many different branches as there were interests of the group's members. Some of the original committees included Library/Literary, Volunteer Reading, Phone Tree, Sports, Animal Interests, Computers, Social Activities & Functions, Newsletter, Tea & Coffee Group, Music & Dance, Cards & Bridge, Arts & Culture, Crafts, Guest Speakers, Spanish Practice, English Practice, Projects & Fundraising, Children & Youth Activities, Gardening, Babysitting, Culinary and Touring. Though they have evolved somewhat from their inception, many of these groups can still be enjoyed eight years later.

Expatriate communities tend to be very transitory and the IESA membership reflects this constant shift of people moving into and out of Chile's 4th Region. Only a small handful of the original members still live in the area and participate in IESA activities. Yet each year, and with each change of membership, the group continues to offer a social and service forum to anyone who wishes to participate.