Why Iowa?

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

Spanish major Sean Keene launches Hawkeye-led podcast ‘Around the World in 80 Stays’ promoting the power of study abroad

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
University of Iowa (UI) honors student Sean Keene, a triple major in political science, broadcast journalism, and Spanish, has studied abroad three times as an undergraduate. Now a third-year student at Iowa, Keene launched a podcast in September—Around the World in 80 Stays—dedicated to helping other Hawkeyes do the same. Click the title above to read more!

Spanish & Portuguese Faculty Win Open Educator Award

Friday, August 8, 2025
The Iowa OER Awards recognize individuals and teams across the state who have done impactful and noteworthy open education work. The recipients of the 2025 Open Educator Award include Dr. Giovanni Zimotti, Dr. Alexis Jiménez, Dr. Rachel Klevar, Dr. Pilar Marcé, and Luke Whitaker.

New Winter Term Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica

Friday, July 25, 2025
Explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica over winter break. This three-week, English-taught program explores the intertwining of eco-tourism and culture in Costa Rica. A large portion of class time is devoted to field trips and site visits related to eco-tourism.

Events

Stanley Award for International Research - Information Session  promotional image

Stanley Award for International Research - Information Session

Monday, October 20, 2025 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Virtual
Dreaming of doing your own research abroad? The Stanley Award for International Research gives UI students up to $2,500 to design and carry out a research or fieldwork project overseas.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) - Study Abroad Scholarship - Information Session promotional image

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) - Study Abroad Scholarship - Information Session

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:30am to 12:30pm
Virtual
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is a fully funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It sends undergraduate and graduate students abroad for eight weeks of intensive language learning and cultural immersion.
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
Cafecito Cervantes promotional image

Cafecito Cervantes

Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Virtual
Cafecito Cervantes
View more events