Each week, students gather at Brigham Young University’s Spanish Resource Center to practice Spanish, learn about different cultures and connect with others through language-based activities.
The center hosts cultural events that allow students to engage in conversation entirely in Spanish while learning about countries across Latin America and Spain.
Throughout the week, they celebrate one country for three consecutive days, hosting an activity night and a cultural and culinary presentation.
Several student employees shared their experiences working at the center and why the program matters to them.
One staff member, Isabella Vizcaino, from Mexico, said she has worked at the Spanish Resource Center for about two and a half years.
She explained that while some students attend the events to fulfill class requirements, many come because they are interested in learning about other countries.
“There are students who come because they want to fulfill their Spanish class credit, but there are also a lot of students who are genuinely excited about the countries,” Vizcaino said. “Especially when it’s the week of Mexico, my country, and I see people loving that too.”
She mentioned one of her favorite parts of the job is when students attend events more than once.
“When people come multiple times, I start knowing their names,” Vizcaino said. “That’s something I really like.”
Another staff member, Angeles La Fuente Rodríguez, from Bolivia, said she values the opportunity to share her culture and see students from other cultures enjoy speaking Spanish.
“I really like the fact that we can gather together and speak fully in Spanish,” Rodríguez said. “People are able to do it, and sometimes you wouldn’t expect that.”
Rodríguez shared an experience from last semester when she invited a friend to an event, an exchange student at BYU.
“She said she didn’t know there were so many English native speakers who were able to speak Spanish,” Rodríguez said.
Rodríguez explained that diversity and cultural understanding are important to her, especially as someone living away from her home country.
“I’m not living where I used to live,” she said. “Knowing that people can accept me how I am, without judging me or even understanding me completely, makes me happy.”
The Spanish Resource Center also provides academic and cultural resources, including books, movies and music that students can check out.
Staff members noted that some students buy books for classes without realizing the materials are available at the center.
In addition to cultural events, the center offers office hours where students can come to practice conversational Spanish.
The program is also connected to the Spanish Embassy and is part of a partnership that provides additional opportunities for students, including information about exchanges and programs in Spain.
Joshua Sturgeon, a junior at BYU, attended the Spanish Resource Center's Argentina culinary presentation as part of a Spanish 351 assignment. He said he visited the center before and found value in the experience.
“It’s cool to interact with other people who speak Spanish and get the chance to practice,” Sturgeon said.
Staff members emphasized that the center is open to all students interested in language and culture and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities available.
To see event details, check out its Instagram page.