The CLCL Student Ambassador Program is a dynamic initiative where volunteer students play a pivotal role in representing the departments and programs housed in the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. These ambassadors are current students majoring or minoring in a world language and are passionate about the experience and opportunities language learning can offer!
They have often studied abroad and have amazing and encouraging stories to tell! Read Celeste and Sophia's stories below to learn more about their experiences studying abroad and how their languages skills and cultural knowledge serve them in their studies and careers moving forward!
If you're interested in talking more to an ambassador for Arabic, French, Italian, or Swahili, see the Spanish & Portuguese Ambassadors page on the CLCL website.
"Minoring in Spanish is Easy at the University of Iowa"
At first, I wasn’t even sure if I’d take Spanish in college. By the end of my first few weeks at the University of Iowa, I couldn’t imagine my college experience without it.
When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue studying Spanish. I enjoyed it but I didn’t think it was something I would carry with me into college. I had already fulfilled my world language requirement, so I thought I might leave it behind. But as soon as I enrolled in my first Spanish class at the University of Iowa, I quickly realized that this was something I couldn’t give up. Within the first few weeks of my freshman year, I declared a minor in Spanish—a decision that would shape my college experience in ways I never anticipated
The Spanish program at Iowa became so much more than just a set of classes. Not only was it flexible and easy to incorporate into my major, but it also challenged me to grow academically and personally. The professors are passionate and approachable, creating an environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. Whether we were discussing grammar, improving conversation skills, or exploring the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures, every class was engaging, and I looked forward to each one. Plus, the welcoming environment of my Spanish classes not only deepened my language skills but helped me build lasting friendships with classmates who shared my passion.
One of the highlights of the program was the chance to engage with the material on a deeper level. From literary analysis to cultural discussions, I was constantly encouraged to think critically and broaden my worldview. Every Spanish class I took here has significantly boosted my confidence and fluency.
Studying Spanish has uniquely prepared me for my career in speech-language pathology. Communication is at the heart of both fields, and the skills I gained through learning another language are directly applicable to the work I’ll be doing as a speech therapist. My experience in Spanish has given me a deeper appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity, which will be valuable when working with clients from different backgrounds. Being bilingual will allow me not only to better serve Spanish-speaking populations but also to effectively address communication challenges faced by all individuals..
Looking back, choosing to minor in Spanish at Iowa was one of the best decisions I made. It enhanced my academic journey and enriched my personal growth. If you’re unsure about studying Spanish, I encourage you to take that first class—you might find, just like I did, that it opens doors you never expected.
Lannah Dee
Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spanish
Class of 2025