Spanish Cultural Program for Teenagers

The Instituto Cervantes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a not-for-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange. The institute has a long tradition in programs for children and teenagers and has always been closely connected with the teaching methodology of homeschool.

The Cervantes Institute programs are flexible because, as of course you know, that is the basis of homeschool, in which each student learns in the way that best suits him. For that reason they offer playful Spanish classes which can be adapted to each student, as well as a series of specific courses in which Spanish is present but mixed with other disciplines. For example, music creation classes in Spanish, Latin American literary tradition or written expression.

For teens, apart from the usual Spanish classes, the Cervantes Institute has designed a cultural program for teenagers with the purpose of awakening their interest in Spanish culture, developing their artistic side, and connecting them with Spanish-speaking artists. This four-month program includes a reading club, screening of short films, poetry recitals, and introductory workshops on creative writing.

The Program

January 2021

Reading Club

Participants will read a book by the author. Each author will have two sessions. During the first session, the book’s language, characters, and history will be analyzed. In the second session, students will meet with the author virtually.

Ages 12-14, with author Maria Frisa. Born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1969, Maria Frisa has a degree in Social Work and a degree in Clinical Psychology. Author of several stories and novels, it has been in the field of youth literature where her work has had the most impact.

Ages 15-17, with author Angela Vallvey. She was born 1964 in San Lorenzo de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Spain. She studied Modern History at University of Granada, as well as anthropology and philosophy. After her first children’s literature book, she started to write novels and poetry.

February 2021

How to Start Writing, with author Juan Gomez Barcena. He will analyze the most important aspects related to the process of writing during adolescence, what to read, and how to overcome mental blocks. Born in Santander, Spain, in 1984, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature Theory and Comparative Literature, History, and Philosophy.

Cerdita movie screening and discussion with author Carlota Pereda. In this short horror film, an overweight teenager named Sara is bullied at the local pool. When her clothes are stolen, she must get home wearing nothing but her bikini. Writer-director Carlota Martinez-Pereda’s 14 minute gem won the 2019 Goya Award for Best Short Fiction Film. Pereda is a member of CIMA, the Spanish association of female movie directors and broadcast media.

March 2021

Poetry reading with Jesus Aguado and meeting with author. Prolific poet, translator, and anthologist Jesus Aguado was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1961. His work has appeared in 40 poetry anthologies including volumes in Italian, Portuguese, English, French, Romanian, and Swedish. He presently resides in Barcelona. He also collaborates with several magazines.

April 2021

Reading Club

TBD authors, twice a month, same structure as January sessions.

For more information about the Cervantes Institute cultural program for teens, click here: https://albuquerque.cervantes.es/imagenes/File/Carrusel/CulturalProgram_Teens_English_.pdf

Instituto Cervantes of Albuquerque
The National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 Fourth St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 724-4777
Website: http://albuquerque.cervantes.es