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 & 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.

2 Spanish undergraduate students awarded 2025 study abroad scholarship

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
9 UI students--two who are current undergraduate students minoring in Spanish--have been awarded Gilman Scholarships to study and intern abroad in 2025.

Events

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Thursday, October 16, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
Cafecito Cervantes promotional image

Cafecito Cervantes

Thursday, October 16, 2025 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Virtual
Cafecito Cervantes
Anthropology Colloquium: “Fragments that Speak: Ceramic Evidence and New Insights into Al-Andalus" with Dr. Gabriel Venturini de Souza promotional image

Anthropology Colloquium: “Fragments that Speak: Ceramic Evidence and New Insights into Al-Andalus" with Dr. Gabriel Venturini de Souza

Friday, October 17, 2025 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Macbride Hall
Anthropology Colloquium: “Fragments that Speak: Ceramic Evidence and New Insights into Al-Andalus” with Dr. Gabriel Venturini de Souza
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.
View more events