Spanish and Portuguese | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

students engaging in conversation in a classroom setting

Welcome. Bienvenidos. Bem-vindos.

Strong writing. Clear thinking. Endless opportunities.

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.

Study here

red-haired instructor at the front of class

Start your language journey

Studying Spanish or Portuguese at Iowa opens the door to global experiences, powerful communication skills, and a deeper understanding of culture.

Start your language journey

Advance with global insight

Our graduate programs offer rigorous training in research, teaching, and cultural analysis—preparing you for careers in academia, education, global service, and beyond.

Advance with global insight

Experts who inspire learning

Iowa’s faculty in Spanish and Portuguese are nationally recognized scholars, writers, and educators whose work spans continents and disciplines.

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.

Visit

Carolina Duenas standing in Iowa colors in front of a tree

My language education will positively impact my future career as a doctor, enabling me to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, foster trust, and provide culturally sensitive care. It will also open opportunities to work in diverse communities, address health-care disparities, and promote equitable care.
^{- Carolina Duenas}

Student Ambassador Program

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.

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# 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 Lucia Rongerude Receives Fulbright to Colombia

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Lucia Rongerude (BA linguistics and Spanish ’26) is the recipient of a 2026–27 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to Colombia. To ready more about her achievement, click the title above.

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!

Events

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...

All Majors Career Fair

Thursday, September 24, 2026 11:00am to 4:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This job and internship fair will focus on recruiting students in ALL MAJORS! Typically about 100+ employers attend and 1,000+ students attend!

Visit careers.uiowa.edu/all-majors-career-fair for more details.

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