The Center for Hispanic Studies introduces you to the study of Hispanic cultures and
the Spanish language and prepares you to live and work in a competitive, interdependent
world. Developing and refining your Spanish skills, studying Hispanic culture and
living in a Spanish-speaking country offer you life-changing experiences with another
culture in a way that very few other disciplines can.
The United States is now the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.
It is projected to become the largest Spanish-speaking country by 2050. A command
of Spanish and knowledge of Spanish culture will be an asset to you in most disciplines
and virtually a requirement in some.
In our Center, you will find yourself in small classes with individualized attention
where we foster critical thinking, intellectual and emotional growth, as well as respect
for diversity and inclusion. You will learn to respect different cultural traditions
as well as the dignity of all women and men.
Some courses include a community engagement approach to learning, providing you with
firsthand opportunities to work and interact with diverse Hispanic populations. At
the same time, we help enhance your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills
and augment your appreciation of varied literatures and civilizations. In these ways,
the curriculum and programs of the department contribute to building moral character.
Currently, the Center offers you study abroad opportunities through residence programs in Salamanca, Spain; Pamplona, Spain; and
San José, Costa Rica.
As a Center, we fully support the Standards for Foreign Language Learning developed
by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the American
Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
For Sam Arrigo, studying abroad in Costa Rica with the Center for Hispanic
Studies was especially meaningful because it was his first time traveling outside
of the United States. Stepping into a new country and culture pushed him beyond his
comfort zone and allowed him to experience learning in an entirely new way.
“I enjoyed the immersive experience in Costa Rica,” Sam said. “I lived with a host
family in San José that was very welcoming upon my arrival.”
Living with a local family gave him the opportunity to practice Spanish every day
while forming genuine connections and gaining firsthand cultural insight.
Throughout the program, classroom concepts came to life through real-world experiences.
Engaging with the community and navigating daily life in Spanish strengthened language
skills and built confidence in authentic settings.
“I felt the whole program was well-planned," he said. "By the end of the trip, I returned
home with a broader perspective, stronger communication skills, and a deeper appreciation
for the value of studying abroad."
Study Abroad in Action
See why Sam's first international experience in Costa Rica shaped his confidence
and language skills.
Undergraduate or graduate student; enrolled in Spanish language courses, and have
demonstrated need.
Preference will be given to those with a 3.5 GPA or higher
The student can be any SO, JR, SR, or GR with a GPA over 3.5
Applications are not required (as long as the student completes a Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the University Financial Aid Application.
The department hosts a number of societies to allow students make connections:
Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society
Society of Modern Language Scholars Departmental Student Organization
Sigma Delta Pi International Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society
Thinking about studying a foreign language in another part of the world? The department
currently offers two supervised study abroad programs in Europe, directed by department
faculty members.
Pamplona, Spain
Salamanca, Spain
San Jose, Costa Rica
Additional study abroad programs are available through the University's Center for
Global Engagement.
