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Renowned faculty, wide-ranging courses, and real-world skills that open doors on campus and beyond. Whether you’re exploring culture, honing your writing, or preparing for your career, Iowa will equip you to succeed.

Start your language journey

Advance with global insight

Experts who inspire learning

See yourself here

Are you drawn to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures? Want to build your language skills? Join a community where you’ll explore language, culture, and global perspectives—on campus and beyond.

Write your story

Build knowledge. Explore ideas. Create original work. Distinguish yourself through research and expression. You’re going places—and your story starts here.

A UIowa student in front of a castle

# 1

Language studied

Spanish is the most-studied non-English language in the U.S.

A group of students at the Plaza de España in Seville

480M +

Spanish speakers worldwide
picture of a woman walking up stairs painted to look like piano keys

230M +

Portuguese speakers worldwide

News and announcements

Aquí y Allá Latin American Film Festival

Friday, April 17, 2026
The inaugural Aquí y Allá film festival is scheduled for May 1-3, and includes six new works from Latin American filmmakers plus in-person guests, conversations, parties, and more! Click the title for more information!

New! Spanish Department Pop-Up Online Store

Thursday, March 5, 2026
We’re excited to announce our pop-up online store for students and faculty! You can now purchase t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies with our department logo. Available now through Sunday, March 22nd for pick-up at Phillips Hall or direct shipping. Check it out by clicking the title above!

Pilar Marcé Career Connector Spotlight

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is proud to celebrate Pilar Marcé, Associate Professor of Instruction, who has been recognized by the Pomerantz Career Center as a Career Connector. This distinction honors campus partners who invest in their professional growth to better support students and who demonstrate leadership and dedication to student career success. We are grateful for Pilar's commitment to helping our students connect their studies in Spanish with meaningful professional pathways. Click the title above to read more!

Events

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica  promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica

Monday, April 27, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Phillips Hall
Learn more about this faculty-led, three-week winter break program in Costa Rica that explores the relationship between eco-tourism and culture.
Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica  promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica

Thursday, April 30, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Phillips Hall
Learn more about this faculty-led, three-week winter break program in Costa Rica that explores the relationship between eco-tourism and culture.
Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica  promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica

Friday, May 1, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Phillips Hall
Learn more about this faculty-led, three-week winter break program in Costa Rica that explores the relationship between eco-tourism and culture.

Student Employment Job Fair

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 11:00am to 2:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the variety of student hourly and Work-Study jobs available on the UI campus & at qualified off-campus nonprofit Work-Study sites.

The University is excited to have students consider campus employment. Research shows that students who are connected to campus are more successful and more likely to continue enrollment and do well academically. Many first-year students choose student employment as their Pick One.

Typically more than 30...

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