Student working with school children in Merida, Mexico

Spanish

In the Spanish Program, you will not only learn the language and history of Spanish-speaking regions, but also expand your understanding of global and cultural connections, while preparing yourself for success after graduation.

Overview

The Spanish Program helps you build language proficiency while exploring the rich history, literature, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. You鈥檒l develop meaningful global connections and cultural understanding through coursework in language, linguistics, and Hispanic studies. Throughout the program, your coursework encourages critical thinking and cultural engagement鈥攑reparing you to use Spanish in academic, professional, and global settings. 

Whether you鈥檙e learning on campus or studying abroad in countries like Mexico, Ecuador or Spain, you鈥檒l engage with real-world contexts that deepen your skills and perspectives. Service-learning opportunities, campus activities, and student organizations like the Latine Club offer ways to use your Spanish beyond the classroom while connecting with local communities. The program also supports your academic and professional growth through research, internships, and independent study. 

Your Major Took You Where?

Spanish majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Fulbright
  • Boston Public Schools
  • Kentucky National Guard
  • Peace Corps

Postgraduate Study

  • New York University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Calvin University
  • Boston College

Curriculum

In 黑料社鈥檚 Spanish Program, you'll build a strong foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Spanish. If you鈥檝e taken Spanish in high school, you may place into intermediate or advanced courses that expand your fluency and confidence. As you progress, you鈥檒l explore topics like Hispanic cultures, advanced conversation and composition, linguistics, and literary analysis. At the upper level, you'll dive deeper into the literature, cinema, cultural histories, and linguistics of Spain and Latin America.  

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

As a Spanish major, you can expect to expand your classroom learning through immersive opportunities like studying abroad in countries such as Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Peru, , Costa Rica, Colombia, and Cuba. Get involved locally through service with Danville鈥檚 Centro Latino and the After School Program that connects college students to local grade schoolers for tutoring, or participate in events with the Latine Club to build community and cultural engagement. 

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Apply your Spanish skills in meaningful internships that support your academic and career goals. Internships for Spanish majors at 黑料社 have included the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York City, a pharmaceutical internship in M茅rida, Mexico, the Medical Health Humanities Institute, and the Mayan Museum. 

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Spanish degree have found success in careers in the federal government, immigration law, academia, and beyond. Your language proficiency and cultural insight will open doors in business, public policy, education, and global health. 

Spanish Faculty

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Mary Blythe Daniels

  • H. W. Stodghill, Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Spanish
  • Chair of Humanities Division
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Chantell Limerick

  • Associate Professor of Spanish
  • Co-Chair of African and African American Studies Program

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