Spanish
Languages, Literature, and Culture
Why Major in Spanish at Allegheny College
Our Spanish program will engage you with Spanish-speaking culture from day one and will keep improving your language skills until graduation and beyond. Along the way, you’ll learn to solve problems by reflecting on and analyzing the deep connection between language and culture.
- Join a close-knit community. You’ll get to know other language students and be part of a community of students who love language in and out of the classroom.
- Get more “talk time.” Allegheny’s small classes mean you have more time to practice the language in class.
- Combine your Spanish study with expertise in another field. Because every Spanish major also has a minor, and many double-major, you’ll graduate ready to put your finely-tuned language and cultural skills to work in a field of your choice.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Spanish with:
Division
- Language, Literature, and Culture
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
42 for major20 for minorCareers Outcomes
93%of Allegheny graduates are employed, in grad school, or in full-time service within six months.
80+%Acceptance rate to graduate and professional school for Allegheny students
90%of US employers need multilingual employees.
Where Spanish Alumni Work Today
Director of Educational Technology
Smithsonian Institution
Darren Milligan ’99
Physician
Emergency Physicians of Mason County
Colleen Tran ’07
Technical Expert and Product Specialist
Admeo, Inc.
Benjamin Eyer ’10
Spanish Teacher
York Prep School
Molly O’Donnell ’18
rogram Associate, Medical Aid Programs
Global Links
Erin Zehr ’19
Graduate Research Assistant
Arizona State University
Megan Swing ’22
Product Manager — Retail Lending
PNC
Shane Pentland ’18
ESL Teacher and Tutor
Magic Ears Official
Lucy Nass ’18
Program Assistant and Fundraiser Associate
The Latin America Working Group
Yadira Sanchez-Esparza ’21
Being able to work in Spanish has provided many opportunities, and I am grateful that I was able to gain this knowledge through Allegheny.
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
Understand the basics of language and culture. You can start from the very beginning if Spanish is new to you or if you’ve studied Spanish before. We’ll ensure you start in a suitable class to make the most of what you already know while building a solid foundation for the coming years.
Year 2: New Approaches
Your second year is a great time to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community on campus. If you haven’t already, try having lunch at a Spanish table once a week or apply to live in the Spanish house in the Max Kade Wing, where you’ll speak Spanish all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate. Don’t forget to declare your Spanish major or minor before the end of the year!
Year 3: Delving Deeper
By now, you’ll be advancing your language skills and gaining rich knowledge of its culture. Nothing helps you do that more than studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Most Spanish majors or minors go abroad in their third year. Visit the Global Education Office about your options and talk with your advisor to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!
Year 4: The Comp
By now, you’ve had an unforgettable time abroad, speaking Spanish comes easy to you, and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Comp is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You’ll start by choosing a topic related to a Spanish-speaking culture. Then, a professor will work with you to refine, research, and develop it. Finally, you’ll write an extensive thesis in Spanish in the spring semester!
Research and Internships
World Language & Cultures students get immersed into a culture by:
- Living in the Max Kade International Wing, promoting cross-cultural exploration
- Writing for Gator International in a foreign language
- Joining a student, cultural organization
- Phi Sigma Iota language honor society
Special-interest housing is open to any student who has a strong interest in world cultures or who wants to live in the language they’re studying.
This internship sends Allegheny students into local elementary school classes to provide an introduction to foreign language and global culture. Students develop a portfolio that documents the teaching experience and lesson plans and earn class credit.
Get involved with a student organization! They often host awareness and cultural events to share with the College community. Here are some to consider:
- Latinas on the Rise
- International Club
- Union Latinx (UL)
- Phi Sigma Iota language honor society
Students interested in studying away from campus during their junior year often spend a semester in Seville or Madrid, Spain.
Faculty and Staff
Email: briess@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2323
Associate Professor
Ph.D., M.A., University of Kentucky; B.A., Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Email: therrera@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2325
Featured News
Allegheny Classmates Lead Award-Winning Campaign for Disability Air Travel Reform
Two Allegheny College alumni, Mark Fisher ‘08 and Lynn Leclerc (Stinson) ‘08 have made a significant impact on disability rights and air travel reform after spending the past year working together on an award-winning digital campaign aimed at improving the air travel experience for people living with disabilities.
Program Contact
Thomas Conners
Assistant Professor of Latinx Studies and World Languages & Cultures
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Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
