Hispanic Studies

As a general rule of thumb, the Hispanic Studies Department recommends the following for students who wish to study off campus.

• First and second-year students who intend to study abroad in the Spanish-speaking world should keep in mind that most programs taught in Spanish require students to have completed a minimum of second-year Spanish (SPAN 205 & 206) or the equivalent prior to enrollment.  However, we strongly recommend that students planning on studying in Spanish complete at least one semester of third-year Spanish prior to studying abroad.  The more Spanish courses a student has prior to departure the better.
• Students with little or no background in Spanish prior to entering Whitman should take SPAN 108 Introductory Spanish spring semester their first year. Students who have a previous background in the language must take the Spanish placement test prior to registering for classes and should then enroll in a Spanish course at the appropriate level.
• A full year of off-campus study will yield the greatest linguistic benefit.  In many cases, students are able to obtain 11 credits in Spanish language and literature in just one semester.
• Students may study abroad in either the fall or spring semester or for the academic year.
• Note to Heritage speakers of Spanish and students with a strong background in Spanish: Program admission applications will require at least one graded Spanish course on your Whitman transcript at the time of application.

Which requirements can Hispanic Studies majors fulfill while off campus?

• 400-level equivalent major credit in Spanish and/or Latin American literature, film, theatre
• Elective major credit from courses in Spanish language and literature
• General Studies distribution credit
• General degree credit

Major Credit Limitations

• The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Hispanic Studies major from off campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 11 credits with the approval of your major adviser. All transfer credits in Spanish must be equivalent to 300 or 400-level courses.

Minor Credit Limitations

• A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.

What are the types of OCS programs recommended by the Hispanic Studies Department?

• Direct enrollment in a foreign university with local students

Which Partner Programs are recommended by the Hispanic Studies Department?

Spanish majors should enroll in study abroad Partner Programs that offer courses that can be applied to the major, which are typically available on the following programs.

• IFSA: Argentine Universities Program (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• IFSA: Mérida Universities Program (Merida, Mexico)
• IES: Granada - Study in Granada (Intermediate & Advanced) (Granada, Spain)

Students interested in Off-Campus Studies should attend an OCS First Step meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their major adviser, and schedule an appointment with an OCS adviser.