The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers many opportunities for students to engage with the Spanish language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and communities.

Among these opportunities include guest lectures and workshops with world renown writers (through the Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professorship Program) and a regularly held conversation hour, Cafecito Cervantes, in which students are able to practice their Spanish speaking skills with peers.

The department also holds film screenings, holiday events and activities (i.e. our Dia de los Muertos altar) in our Center for Language and Culture Learning. We are also home to our very own undergraduate student organization, the Spanish Club, which plans events throughout the year for students of the department.

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
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour
Stanley Award for International Research - Information Session  promotional image

Stanley Award for International Research - Information Session

Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:30am to 11:30am
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.
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour promotional image

Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

Thursday, December 11, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
Bate-Papo - Portuguese Conversation Hour

14th Annual Fulbright Intensive U.S. Student Program Workshop

Friday, January 30, 2026 9:30am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Join International Programs at the University of Iowa (UI) for the 14th Annual Fulbright Intensive U.S. Student Program Workshop.
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