The Instituto Cervantes is a public institution created by Spain in 1991 for the promotion and the teaching of the Spanish language and for the dissemination of the Spanish and Latin American culture. It is located in Madrid and in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. There are centers of Instituto Cervantes in four continents.

Objectives and functions:


ñ To organize general and special courses on the Spanish language.

ñ To credit by means of certificates and diplomas the knowledge acquired by the students and to organize the exams of the Official Spanish Diplomas as a Foreign

Language (D.E.L.E.).

ñ To upgrade the teaching methods and the faculty's development.

ñ To support the work of the Hispanists.

ñ To participate in programs of dissemination of the Spanish language.

ñ To carry out activities of cultural activities, in cooperation with other Spanish and Latin American organisms, as well as organizations in the host countries.

ñ To make available libraries to the public equipped with the latest technology.



Organizing body:


Patronage. The Body that sets the activities of the Institute.

His Majesty, the King of Spain, is the Honorary President.

The President of the government of Spain is the Executive President.



The members of the Board have been appointed from among the most prominent figures in Spanish and Latin Americas, literary, and cultural circles from the Real Academias, universities and other social institutions.



Administrative Council. The Body that approves the general plans of the Institute. It is composed of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affaris, Education, Culture and Sport, Economy and Finance, as well as from the Patronage.

Director. The one in-charge of the administration and representation of the Institute.