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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

Joel Barkan Memorial Lecture featuring Lawrence Baron promotional image

Joel Barkan Memorial Lecture featuring Lawrence Baron

Thursday, April 23, 2026 2:00pm
Old Capitol Museum

You are invited to attend the 2026 Joel Barkan Memorial Lecture, featuring Lawrence Baron.

Topic: Black is the New Jewish in Streaming and TV Series

Over the past decade, Black Jewish characters have been increasingly appearing as major characters in streaming and television series starting with Orange is the New Black (2015) and Chicago Med (2025) and more recently in Long Story Short (2025) and Boston Blue (2025). First, this talk will examine the demographic, media-driven, and political reasons...

Cafecito Cervantes Spring 2026 promotional image

Cafecito Cervantes Spring 2026

Thursday, April 23, 2026 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Virtual
Cafecito Cervantes Spring 2026 Schedule
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.
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