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Spanish Program

Spanish class at WCU

 

Spanish is the second language of the United States, and being able to understand, speak, read, and write in Spanish will not only give students a strong competitive edge in the job market, but will also help them to become better citizens of the world. A degree or minor in Spanish will not only give students a bilingual advantage, but will also attest to their ability to achieve challenging goals.

The Spanish program at WCU includes instructions in the Spanish language (both Peninsular and Latin American variants), as well as many courses in the culture and history of both Spain and Latin America.

At WCU, students of Spanish have a choice of various degree options:

Those who want a strong foundation in both language and culture can pursue a B.A. in Spanish with a minor or second major in another field.

8 Semester Plan for BA in Spanish

For students who are already involved in another degree program, it may be an advantage to consider a Minor in Spanish

Of course, our courses are also open to all students who meet the prerequisites, and we encourage students from other disciplines to learn as much as they can with us, even if they are unable to pursue a degree program at this time.

Want to use your Spanish in the local community? You can help out with organizations like Vecinos and the Mountain Area Pro Bono Health Services.

Placement Assessment Information

If you would like to register for Spanish 101, we need to make you aware of our placement assessment policy as you will get an error message if you attempt to register for the course.  If you've had Spanish in high school, you will need to take the online placement assessment so we can place you according to your current language level.

If you place higher than 101 and take the course you've placed into, you will receive free bypass credit for up to 2 courses bypassed if your final grade is C or higher in that course. 

If you haven't had Spanish in high school or for instructions on how to immediately take the placement assessment, please email If you are a Heritage speaker or if you have transferred Spanish credits from another college or university, please do not take the assessment.  Contact and he will give you further instructions.

Summer in Spain

Spanish Trip

 

Our department also offers a faculty-led study abroad program for three weeks every summer to Valencia, Spain, a city on the Mediterranean Sea. Students take two classes (a language class and a culture/history class) and are housed alongside Spanish students in a downtown residencia, or a dorm-like establishment that caters specifically to university students. Housing is within short walking distance of subway stations, the University of Valencia, and dozens of stores and eateries. While there, students take day trips to ancient Roman ruins, a 1000-year-old castle, a winery, and the largest aquarium in Europe, as well as many other sites of cultural importance.

As part of the culture/history class, students participate in activities such as walking tours and scavenger hunts to get to know the city better. All three weekends are kept free for the students to explore other parts of Spain or simply rest at the beach, which is a short streetcar ride from the residencia. Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and there are plenty of sightseeing and entertainment options right there. For more information, please contact Dr. Lori Oxford at lfoxford@wcu.edu.

For those interested in spending a semester or academic year in Spain, Latin America, or other locations should contact Office of Global Engagement.

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