Spanish and Portuguese | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | The University of Iowa

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.

Apply

# 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

How studying abroad transformed the college experience for these CLAS students

Thursday, August 13, 2026

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Through internships, coursework, and cultural immersion, these CLAS students discovered new perspectives and meaningful learning experiences that extended far beyond campus.

More than 70 UI students win merit scholarships to study abroad this summer and fall

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

For the summer and fall 2026 academic sessions, Study Abroad at the University of Iowa awarded more than 70 merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students participating in programs around the world. This includes students in Spanish & Portuguese. To read more, click the title above!

Fourth-year Spanish major Samantha Khamphilanouvong awarded Gilman Scholarship

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Samantha Khamphilanouvong, a fourth-year Spanish major from Ottumwa, Iowa, will study in Chile through the IES Abroad Santiago Health Studies program. To read more, click on 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...

Losing Control? Rethinking Control Groups in Second Language Acquisition Research

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Phillips Hall

Join us for a conversation with Purdue University Professor of Spanish Linguistics Daniel Olson on the topic of control groups in second language acquisition research.

Study Abroad Fair

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 11:00am to 3:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

Ready to take your UI education beyond Iowa City?

The University of Iowa Study Abroad Fair takes place Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CDT) in the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) International Ballroom.

Whether you're just curious or already planning, this is your opportunity to discover what studying abroad can look like for you.

At the fair, you'll discover:

Short-term, semester-long, and faculty-led programs in over 40 countries

Internship and research opportunities that count...

One Moment: Poetry Reading

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

A poetry reading event at Prairie Lights with author Luis Muñoz from his newest book, One Moment, translated from Spanish to English by Idra Novey and Garth Greenwell.

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