Student working with school children in Merida, Mexico

Spanish

Opportunities for Spanish speakers abound in business, finance, law, medicine, ministry, social work, and translation — and Spanish language teachers are always in demand. Individuals who possess multiple language skills have a distinct advantage on the job market.

Overview

Students are encouraged to develop their language skills both here and abroad. The Spanish Program regularly offers courses in international settings through º£½ÇÂÛ̳’s program of study in Mérida, Mexico. The program’s faculty are also available to help students gain access to reputable programs abroad at other locations.

Activities on campus are available to those students wishing to make practical application of their language skills. Community Based Learning at º£½ÇÂÛ̳ provides the opportunity to interact with Latino populations in the Danville area, as students become involved in community volunteer projects of their choosing. Other opportunities to use Spanish and work in the community include independent study, internships, and the John C. Young Scholars program. The º£½ÇÂÛ̳ Latine Club, open to all Spanish students at all skill levels, meets throughout the year for discussions related to current issues in the Hispanic world. There is also a chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society on campus, Sigma Delta Pi.

Your Major Took You Where?

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

Employers

  • Accipio Language Services
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program
  • Moore High School
  • Peace Corps
  • Santander Bank, N.A.

Postgraduate Study

  • Emory University (M.D., medicine)
  • University of Kentucky (M.S., medical sciences)
  • University of Louisville (M.D., medicine)
  • University of North Carolina (J.D., law)
  • Wright State University (M.P.A., public administration)

Curriculum

The first two years of the Spanish program focus on establishing a practical knowledge base in the language, concentrating on speaking and writing skills. Many students who have studied several years of Spanish in high school are able to test into intermediate or advanced-level courses. Mid-level courses focus on advanced composition and conversation skills, Peninsular and Latin American culture, and introduction to linguistics and literary analysis. Upper-level courses concentrate primarily on the literature, culture, and cinema of Spain and Latin America.

Experiential Learning

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

Spanish majors can participate in a full-immersion exchange program in Mexico where students have the opportunity to experience independent living and enroll in regular classes offered through our partner institution, Universidad Marista de Mérida. º£½ÇÂÛ̳ regularly offers additional trips to Spain and Latin American countries during º£½ÇÂÛ̳Term in January.

Internships

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

Spanish majors have benefited from numerous internship opportunities ranging from working at Yoohel Kaai: Cine Video Culture as a television video production assistant, to working at the Boyle-Mercer County CASA.

Careers

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

A major in Spanish can prepare you for numerous careers across the globe, including opportunities in the arts, business, communications, education, entertainment, government, libraries, the media, science, social service, translation, and travel.

Spanish Faculty

Lady with short blonde hair wearing multi colored black top necklace and earrings.

Mary Blythe Daniels

  • H. W. Stodghill, Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Spanish
  • Chair of Humanities Division
Lady with long dark hair wearing black jacket and grey top in front of black background

Chantell Limerick

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

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