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

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Iowa Hispanic Institute promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Iowa Hispanic Institute

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Phillips Hall
Learn more about this faculty-led program designed to improve your written and spoken Spanish and enhance your understanding of Spanish culture and life in Spain.
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Thursday, December 4, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
View more events