Spanish

Bachelor of arts in Spanish students at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the bachelor’s degree in addition to the requirements for the major. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical-thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.

For transfer students, four-credit language courses can be transferable. Other sequences are taken case-by-case for the maximum benefit of the student.

Students who plan to teach Spanish in elementary, middle, or secondary schools with a major or minor in Spanish should consult their departmental advisor and the education department for specific requirements.

Students who place directly into a course higher than level 204 need not complete level 204 but must complete all other requirements for the major, including the required total of 27 credit hours.

VU’s Spanish House is a language immersion initiative to provide a space where residents pledge to speak in Spanish at all times, and to foster an understanding of Hispanic/Latinx cultures in our campus community. Spanish House residents often have lunch together, organize their own Spanish-focused events, and help student organizations such as LIVE or the Spanish Club with their activities and programming.

• Is the Spanish House for me?

The Spanish House is a great opportunity to improve your spoken Spanish, get involved in extracurricular activities, grow leadership skills and make new friends. There is no better preparation for a study abroad semester. In terms of language practice, it is also its closest substitute if you cannot spend a semester in a Spanish-speaking country.

All students who have taken SPAN 204 (Intermediate Spanish II), or have attained that level through other means (to be determined by placement exam score and/or consultation with the Spanish faculty) are welcome to apply to become residents. You can find more details in the General Information document.

• Where is the Spanish House located?

Residents of the Spanish House live on the third floor of Guild-Memorial Hall and do some of their gatherings at the common area on that same floor. But the Spanish House is not confined to a specific space or building! The Language Resource Center (ASB 240), the Spanish House table at Founders or Loke Hall (when an event takes place there) are also part of the Spanish House.

• How much does it cost?

There is no additional cost in joining the Spanish House. Residents pay the academic year’s room rates for Guild-Memorial Hall, and they are required to have a meal plan.

• What are the expectations for residents?

Spanish House residents are expected to share at least two weekly meals, hold regular meetings and organize at least 3 activities per semester. There is considerable flexibility, as the events and activities will depend on the residents’ interests. With the support and guidance of the Spanish faculty, each cohort decides what activities they want to do. Meals and other meetings are planned at the beginning of the academic year taking into account all residents’ schedules and availability.

• How can I join the Spanish House?

Complete the application HERE and submit by February 6, 2024.

• Do I get to choose my roommate?

Although we encourage Spanish House residents to share rooms, we understand this is not always possible. So yes, if you have a preference, you can choose your roommate(s), whether they are Spanish House residents or not. You will have to provide that information in your application.

• Can I participate in Spanish House lunch meetings/activities if I am not a resident?

Absolutely! All Spanish House activities and meetings are open to our campus community, and anyone willing to practice their Spanish is welcome to join the Spanish House residents. Please let a Spanish faculty member know and we will put you in contact with the current residents, or we will provide you with information on their meeting times and activities.

• Questions?

If you have questions, please send them to Prof. Carlos Miguel-Pueyo, Spanish section head, at 

Come join us and have fun using your Spanish right here on campus!

• HispaValpo Blog
• Informational sessions about study abroad programs
• Spanish Poetry Day
• World Banquet
• Lectures on diverse topics
• Tutor through Compass Learning
• International Quiz Bowl

For more information about the Spanish Club, contact Professor Carlos Miguel-Pueyo.

“Letras” is a space where students can share their creative literary writings in Spanish.

Students currently taking SPAN 204 or higher can contribute to the “Letras“ literary magazine with a poem in Spanish. There is a new number each semester dedicated to a consecutive letter of the alphabet, a letter than coincides with the first letter of the last name of a Spanish-writing author from any of the 21 countries where Spanish is spoken as the official language. The Spanish faculty believe that with all our creative effort, we can keep alive the flame of the poetry!

Each “Letras” edition includes:

• “Prolegómenos”, introduction to the number.
• “Prólogo”, presentation and dedication to the writer of the semester, with a brief note of his or her life and production.
• “Fragmentos”, where we offer a fragment of one of this author’s works in which the topic of the number is treated.
• “Efemérides”, where we gather some of the main news of the last six months on literature in Spanish.
• “El rincón del estudiante” (The student corner), where you are the main figure, where the fruits of your literary imagination appear.

For more information or to contribute with a poem, please contact Professor Carlos Miguel-Pueyo.

Learn about more opportunities to immerse yourself in Hispanic cultures at Valpo:

• Complement your CONHP studies with our language group, Spanish for Health Care
• Engage in social events that reflect distinctive cultural celebrations with our student organization, Latinx in Valparaiso for Excellence (L.I.V.E.)
• Connect with Neighbors’ Educational Opportunity (NEO) as an ESL or Adult Basic Education volunteer

The Latin American/Latinx Studies program at Valparaiso University includes an in-depth study of the language, culture, and history of Latin American nations as well as the Latinx population in the United States.

Contact: Professor Hoult