At the Irtysh Cultural Center, teacher training and professional development are core values. Through seminars and continuous training sessions, the center aims to support both new and experienced faculty in refining their skills and updating their knowledge. These sessions provide the latest pedagogical tools and innovative techniques, helping teachers bring new, effective methods into the classroom. By empowering educators, the center strengthens the quality of learning and ensures students receive a dynamic, relevant education that keeps pace with modern standards.

The ULTRA Conversation Club is a dynamic space for Spanish speakers from level B1 onwards, organized every two weeks on Fridays from 19:00 to 21:30. The club’s goal is to practice Spanish naturally and fluently, without focusing on grammar, through a variety of engaging activities. Sessions include literary discussions, games, music, and casual conversations, often featuring guest speakers who bring new perspectives. By creating an open and friendly atmosphere, ULTRA encourages participants to speak freely, build confidence, and enjoy authentic communication. Whether discussing books, singing songs, or playing games, participants improve their skills while having fun in a relaxed setting.

Hispanidad is a special celebration that brought together our students and friends of the center! On this day, we immersed ourselves in the atmosphere of Spanish-speaking countries, explored their culture, and had a wonderful time together. One of the highlights was a Cuban salsa masterclass led by the talented Frank Valdés. Rhythms, moves, and incredible emotions! We also enjoyed interactive games that brought joy and laughter to everyone. Thank you to each and every one of you for sharing this warm and vibrant celebration with us!

The new Spanish Ambassador, Luis Francisco Martínez Montes, recently made his first official visit to Almaty and was eager to visit the Irtysh Cultural Center. His meeting with students and friends of the center was a warm and memorable experience. The ambassador shared personal stories and memories from his early diplomatic career in Kazakhstan, recalling his time here in 1999. His reflections brought a special, nostalgic atmosphere to the gathering, inspiring those present with his enduring connection to Kazakhstan. The visit highlighted the close bond between Spain and Kazakhstan and the ambassador’s appreciation for local culture.

We were thrilled to welcome Anna Jener, a recent communication graduate, who joined us for a month as a volunteer with the Irtysh Cultural Exchange programs. Anna, who finished her studies in June 2024, brought incredible energy and warmth to the center. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her presence brightened each event. From leading group songs with her guitar to showing genuine interest in everyone she spoke with; Anna made a lasting impact on participants and staff alike. Her dedication, kindness, and joy created a welcoming and inspiring environment, enriching our activities in countless ways. We are truly grateful for her contributions and hope she left with as many wonderful memories as she gave.

The Irtysh Cultural Center recently organized an enriching cultural exchange experience, bringing together participants from Spain, Australia, China, and Kazakhstan. With 20 people in total, the group spent time together in natural surroundings, engaging in workshops to exchange ideas, experiences, and perspectives. The journey included visits to remarkable places such as Lesnaya Skaska, Medeo, Kolsai Lake, and the Ili River. Surrounded by Kazakhstan's breathtaking landscapes, participants learned from each other and shared cultural traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation across diverse backgrounds. This immersive experience not only created lasting memories but also strengthened connections among people from different parts of the world.

Jesús Sánchez Adalid, a celebrated Spanish novelist known for his historical novels, recently visited Almaty, bringing excitement to the literary community. Sánchez Adalid, author of works such as El Mozárabe, La luz del Oriente, and Y de repente Teresa, captivated his audience with insights into his writing process and the inspiration behind his novels. The event took place at the Almatykitap bookstore on Abay Avenue, 35/37, where a lively literary gathering was held. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss his novels, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation of Spanish historical fiction. The visit also marked a special occasion: the awarding of diplomas to graduates of the Spanish teacher training course. This meaningful moment highlighted the growing interest in Spanish culture and literature in Kazakhstan. We are grateful to Sánchez Adalid for his inspiring visit and for celebrating these new teachers’ achievements with us.

For the second time, the Spanish Embassy in Kazakhstan has invited us to participate in its stand at the book fair held in Astana. The visitors’ interest in playing games in Spanish and joining mini master classes has been remarkable. Engaging activities attracted people of all ages, providing an enjoyable way to learn about Spanish language and culture. This collaboration with the Embassy not only promotes Spanish learning but also strengthens cultural ties. We’re delighted to see growing enthusiasm for Spanish each year and look forward to inspiring even more visitors in future events.

The Spanish teacher preparation course for foreigners has come to a successful close, and this group of participants stood out for their professionalism and dedication to excellence. Throughout the program, aspiring teachers learned how to create engaging and culturally rich lessons tailored for non-native speakers, mastering methodologies and practical tools essential to teaching Spanish. The trainees showcased remarkable commitment, working tirelessly to perfect their teaching skills and craft effective, enjoyable learning experiences. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail were evident in every lesson plan and demonstration, ensuring that their future students would benefit from high-quality instruction. This course has truly prepared these new educators to inspire a love for Spanish language and culture in learners worldwide. We are proud to celebrate their hard work and look forward to seeing their positive impact on Spanish learners everywhere.

A memorable excursion with the Spanish students from the Irtysh Cultural Center! Despite the freezing -15°C mountain temperatures, everyone showed great spirit and enthusiasm. We explored the snowy trails, practiced our Spanish in real conversations, and enjoyed breathtaking views. This experience not only tested our endurance but also strengthened our bonds. The students’ resilience and positive attitude made this chilly adventure one to remember!

The Spanish Ambassador to Kazakhstan recently visited, bringing fresh updates on Spain-Kazakhstan relations. During his visit, he held a fun Spanish culture quiz, where students competed to answer questions about Spain's traditions, landmarks, and history. The winners received special gifts brought directly from Spain, adding excitement to the event. This interactive experience gave students a unique chance to practice their Spanish, asking questions, and sharing their thoughts with the ambassador. It was an inspiring session for the students, who not only expanded their knowledge of Spanish culture but also improved their language skills in an engaging, real-world setting.

The Day of Hispanic Heritage, celebrated on October 12, commemorates the rich cultural and linguistic legacy of Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Each year, the Irtysh Cultural Center hosts a special celebration to honor this heritage and to deepen our understanding of Hispanic cultures. This year, we organized engaging activities focused on the unique traditions of various Spanish-speaking countries. Through interactive games, participants explored customs, food, music, and historical highlights from nations like Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. These activities provided an entertaining and educational experience for everyone, helping to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for the diverse cultures within the Spanish-speaking world. This annual celebration continues to inspire a deeper respect for Hispanic heritage in our community.

Throughout the summer, the Irtysh Cultural Center hosted an intensive Spanish teacher training course. Participants dedicated themselves to rigorous study and practice, covering essential methodologies and pedagogical techniques needed to teach Spanish effectively. They also engaged in hands-on teaching sessions, where they applied what they learned in real classroom settings, honing their skills with guidance from experienced instructors. After successfully completing these practical sessions, each participant was awarded a diploma from the Irtysh Cultural Center, certifying their readiness to teach Spanish. This achievement reflects not only their hard work and commitment but also their passion for bringing the Spanish language and culture to new learners.

At the Irtysh Cultural Center, we believe in making language learning an engaging, immersive experience. Recently, we have organized various mountain excursions to enhance dialogue and conversation practice for our students learning Spanish as a foreign language. These outings are not just an opportunity to explore some of the most scenic spots around, like Butakovka, Medeo with its various peaks, and the First President's Park, but also a chance for students to use Spanish in real, spontaneous conversations.

During these excursions, students are encouraged to interact with one another in Spanish, whether they are discussing the beautiful landscapes, sharing stories, or coordinating the hiking routes. This outdoor experience not only motivates students to use their Spanish language skills naturally but also caters to different learning purposes. Some students are preparing for travel, others for academic pursuits, and some are simply passionate about mastering Spanish.

These mountain excursions have proven to be a unique and successful approach to language practice. They foster a relaxed, enjoyable environment where students can improve their conversational abilities, make lasting connections with their peers, and gain confidence in their speaking skills—all while enjoying the stunning mountain landscapes.