Spanish

Spanish

Spanish

Why Study Spanish?

The United States has the second largest Spanish-speaking community in the world, ahead of Spain itself. In fact, by the year 2050, it is estimated that 1 in 3 people in the US will speak Spanish. Increasingly, companies and organizations throughout our country are working to make sure that they hire Spanish-speaking employees.

Studying Spanish is essential to relate to these vibrant and growing communities of Spanish-speakers, whether you are traveling or studying abroad or interacting with your neighbors in the United States.

Why Study Spanish at Wheaton College?

15
Average Spanish Class Size
110
Years of Combined Faculty Teaching Experience
10:1
Ratio of Spanish Faculty to Students

A Spanish major at Wheaton College will not only equip you with the linguistic skills necessary to use Spanish in your career but will also challenge you to create profound intercultural connections through cultural immersion experiences and the study of the diverse literatures, cultures, and histories of the Hispanic world.

Students of Spanish at Wheaton benefit from a tight-knit community of learners who are passionate about language learning, intercultural competence and connection, and Christian ministry, whether domestically or abroad. You will have opportunities to engage in regular discussion in Spanish through our tertulias and conversation groups, join the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, and apply for competitive scholarships related to language study.

We also provide our students with various leadership opportunities, such as teaching and research assistantships, tutoring, conversation aides, web marketing, as well as internships to teach in high schools or obtain work experience in other professional contexts.

Finally, the unique Christian liberal arts education setting at Wheaton encourages students to interact with all of God's world from a Christian perspective. No matter your background or future plans, the Spanish major will challenge you to communicate effectively in Spanish, grasp profound concepts, ask significant questions and seek answers, develop original ideas, and ultimately become an intellectually self-motivated, life-long learner and servant of Christ.

As a student in the Wheaton College Spanish program, you will benefit from

How to Find Us

For general inquiries on the Spanish program, please reach out to Dr. Stephanie Gates, the section coordinator.


What Will I Learn?

Opportunities for Spanish Majors

Wheaton Students at Wheaton in Mexico

While classroom instruction significantly contributes to the acquisition of a second language, everyday, meaningful interaction with the target culture and people amounts to more effective learning. For this reason, the Spanish major requires academic study, normally 8-10 credit hours, in a Spanish-speaking country of the student’s choice. Students may choose to study for a semester or year abroad or they may participate in a summer with approved programs that Wheaton does not offer. 

The Spanish program at Wheaton College features several options for studying abroad such as: Wheaton in Latin America, Wheaton in Mexico, Wheaton in Spain, and the Pilgrimage to Santiago.

Sigma-Delta-Pi-group-shotSigma Delta Pi

Established in August of 2017, Wheaton College's Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi has honored many exemplary students of Spanish into the society, as well as faculty as honorary members. We look forward to promoting the study and scholarship of the Spanish language, always acknowledging Christ as our center and helper in the process.

Spanish News

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Graduate Opportunities for Spanish Majors

Our graduates use their bilingualism in contexts like healthcare, education, ministry, business, social services, and government and legal settings. Many of our alumni go on to graduate school upon graduation or after gaining experience in the marketplace. 

 

  • Arcadia University
  • Rush University
  • Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
  • Wheaton College Graduate School
  • Harvard University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Indiana School of Medicine
  • University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine
  • University of Colorado’s Physician Assistant Program
  • University of Chicago MAT Urban Teacher Education Program
  • Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico/Ponce
  • Universidad de Salamanca
  • Columbia Theological Seminary

My Spanish professors were wonderful! They shaped me not only academically but also personally and spiritually and are a large part of why I loved my time at Wheaton. — Christa De Jager '20, Spanish Read More