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Student Resources and Opportunities

Academic Resources and Opportunities

Departmental Scholarships

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is pleased to announce the following awards and scholarships:

Scholarship Criteria Eligiblity

The Glenn Barr Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and need to Spanish majors of junior or senior class standing.
  • Current Spanish Major
  • Academic merit
 Junior or Senior Class Standing

The Irvin Essay Awards

Awarded to the best essay submitted by an undergraduate student. Undergraduate essays should be 3-5 pages written in Spanish on any aspect of Hispanic culture (personal experience, literature, linguistics).
  • Best essay (majors or minors)
 Any Undergraduate Class Standing

The Robert Newman Memorial Award

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate of senior class standing enrolled in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Annual nomination to be provided by the Chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  • Outstanding undergraduate
 Senior Class Standing

The Timothy J. Rogers Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a Spanish major or minor of any undergraduate class standing on the basis of academic merit. Recipients must be enrolled in an accredited study abroad program in Latin America or Spain during the semester(s) he/she receives the scholarship. The scholarship may be awarded to a student studying abroad for the fall semester, spring semester, winter or summer. 
  • Academic merit
  • Current Spanish Major or Minor
  • Have taken courses at the 300 level or higher
  • Studying abroad for the fall semester, spring semester, academic year, or summer term
 Any Undergraduate Class Standing

The Washington Vázquez Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and need to Spanish majors who will be participating in a semester-long study abroad program in Latin America or Spain. 
  • Current Spanish Major
  • Full semester study abroad program (any country)
 Any Undergraduate Class Standing

The Willis Knapp Jones Award

This award is to be used by students majoring in Spanish who will be studying abroad during the next academic year or semester, or during the summer or winter session.
  • Current Spanish Major
  • Study abroad related expenses
 Any Undergraduate Class Standing

Learn More

Spanish and Portuguese Advising Center

Location: Irvin Hall 232
Phone: (513) 529-4502
Email: spanishadvising@MiamiOH.edu

General Information:

  • Contact us if you have questions about your placement exam score.
  • Take the Spanish Placement Exam or access your score. PLEASE REMEMBER!  If you are taking this placement test within 48 hours of your registration period, please expect that you may not be able to register for the course you intend. Results from this Canvas placement may take up to two (2) business days to process into the university systems, depending on the time of day you've taken the placement.
  • Contact us for appointments or general questions
  • Contact us if you are trying to switch levels for your Spanish course
  • Need to know who your advisor is? See the current department listings of advisors.

Advisors assist students to:

  • declare a Spanish major
  • declare a Spanish minor
  • discuss study abroad options
  • plan for study abroad
  • plan courses for subsequent semesters
  • check on progress in degree completion
  • review transfer credit
  • discuss career options

Tracking & serving advisees:

  • Students’ information is entered to Google Docs database.
  • Adviser meets with advisee regarding the major, minor or study abroad.
  • In the database, we track advisee information such as banner ID, major, minor, intended study abroad destinations, courses needed abroad, etc. This allows advisers to more effectively meet the needs of students who are on campus, studying abroad or recently returned from abroad.
  • With the shared database, advisers can quickly access advisee information needed to respond to advisee inquiries.

Determining transfer course equivalencies:

  • Advisers consult list of approved course equivalents from abroad.
  • For courses not on the list, the CDA makes a recommendation to the consultation committee.
  • Consultation committee members review syllabi and coursework to determine final course equivalency.

SPOT (Spanish and Portuguese Open Tutoring)

SPOT (Spanish and Portuguese Open Tutoring) is a free student service offered by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese which strives to enhance students’ performance and proficiency with the language. Free drop-in tutoring is available for elementary and intermediate level students enrolled in SPN 101- SPN 311. All students enrolled in Spanish, at any level, are encouraged to drop-in to practice and converse with a tutor to work on speaking and conversational skills.  Writing consultations are also available for those enrolled in SPN 311 and above, by appointment only, to enhance student writing, at any stage of the process.  In addition to the services above, SPOT is excited to welcome an advisor from the College of Arts and Sciences, to address CAS specific requirements and issues, and a University librarian to provide information to library services and resources during Drop-in hours.  See the Calendar for Drop-in opportunities, or schedule a writing consultation, and stop by and see us.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about our services at spot@miamioh.edu. 

Also, to ensure that the services provided by SPOT are meeting the needs of our students we ask that you please take the time to complete the form on our feedback page once you attend a session.

Irvin Hall 36
Department of Spanish & Portuguese
400 East Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
spot@miamioh.edu
Phone: (513) 529-4500

Learn More

Materials and Resources for Learning Spanish

Portuguese Language and Culture Resources

SPN 101-311

SPN 312 and above

Culture/Literature/Art/Film

Media

 

Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honorary

Sigma Delta Pi Logo"Spanías Didagéi Proágomen"

Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica
National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society

Welcome to the Miami University Alpha Alpha chapter of Sigma Delta Pi. Our organization was founded at the University of California, Berkeley in 1919 and has over 555 chapters across the nation. Members of Sigma Delta Pi have been nominated by a Spanish professor for their exemplary academic achievement and interest in the Spanish language and Hispanic culture, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 in their coursework in the Spanish Department.

Consejeros: Dr. Luis Pradanos and David Motta

Sigma Delta Pi Activities

  • Tutoring at the SPOT center
  • Potluck meals with food from various countries
  • Dinner and chatting in Spanish at local restaurants
  • Movie nights featuring films from various Hispanic countries
  • Salsa nights in Cincinnati
  • Teaching ESL at local schools (future activity being planned)

For more information about the Sigma Delta Pi National Organization.

Learn More

Spanish Language Table

Se Hable Español Sign

Do you want to practice your Español?

 

Good food! • Great friends! • Fun times! • Food for the soul

Organizer: Valerie Higuera 
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Russell Simonsen

Spring Semester 2024

Tuesdays from 5:15pm to 6:15pm in IRV 220
 

Internship and Career Information

Internships

Miami University has established internship courses in all departments (340) and they are programmed not to count for the major or minor. The following proposal formulates possible learning objectives and procedures for our department.

Spanish 340 (Zero credit)

Students pursue an internship with a non-profit or business that allows them to enhance their critical thinking, research skills and communication abilities as well as further develop their knowledge of the career paths of Spanish graduates.

Spanish 340 (1-6 credits)

Students pursue an internship with a non-profit or business that allows them to enhance their critical thinking, research skills and communication abilities as well as further develop their knowledge of the career paths of Spanish graduates.  Students will also enhance their Spanish-language skills and further develop their knowledge of Hispanic/Latino communities.

There are several non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses that offer internships in which you can practice your Spanish-language skills and develop your knowledge of Hispanic/Latino communities.

Required number of hours

0 credits = less than 37.5 work hours
1 credit = 37.5 total work hours 

2 credits = 75 total work hours

3 credits = 112.5 total work hours 

4 credits = 150 total work hours
5 credits = 187.5 total work hours 

6 credits = 225 total work hours 


Note: Students may not earn more than six (6) credits per term or semester or ten (10) 
credit hours per year in internships or independent study work of any type. Co-curricular internships may not be substituted for degree requirements. 


 

Careers in Spanish

Spanish use throughout the World

Spanish is the official language of 21 countries.

Spanish serves as an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, World Trade Organization, North American Free Trade Agreement, and the World Bank.

After Chinese, Spanish is the second most commonly used language in the world with currently 500 million native speakers.4

 Spanish is the third most commonly used language online where it has grown by 800% in the past few years, according to a 2013 report from Spain’s Cervantes Institute.5

 The Hispanic population in the United States constitutes 17 percent of the nation's total population, making people of Hispanic origin the largest ethnic or racial minority in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that Hispanics will make up 31% of the U.S. population by 2060.6

Possible Careers

A degree in Spanish opens the doors to many jobs in a variety of sectors. Consider these possibilities:

Education: Spanish teacher, bilingual educator, English as a Second Language teacher, curriculum specialist, teacher trainer, GED instructor, multicultural education & outreach, Teach for America volunteer, textbook publishing company copy editor, marketer or development specialist

Service: translator/interpreter, social worker, community outreach specialist, youth services, client services coordinator, events logistical liaison, various positions in non-profits and non-governmental organizations, income tax consultant, museum work, historian, researcher, law enforcement, public health, nursing, medicine, legal assistant, paraprofessional, travel agent, tour guide, cultural events coordinator

Government: translator/interpreter, court interpreter, cultural attaché, research associate, foreign service diplomat, immigration specialist, US customs officer, intelligence specialist (FBI, CIA, DEA), volunteer for service programs (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or VISTA, etc.), various positions in Agency for International Development; Department of Treasury, Census Bureau, Armed Forces, etc.

Communications: translator/interpreter, journalist, TV/radio/web writer or editor, production crew member, executive, technician, advertiser for Spanish-speaking markets, publishing editor or specialist

Business: translator/interpreter, bilingual customer support, international relations consultant, personnel manager, recruiter, administrative assistant, business development manager, researcher, technical writer, fashion buyer, medical research writer, liaison for U.S. firms abroad, liaison for foreign firms in U.S., marketing, advertising, sales, public relations, international law, banking, import/export firms, airport and airline personnel, booking/reservations, management in travel industry, restaurants or hotels

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top-paying liberal arts majors for 2014 graduates are foreign languages and literature with an average starting salary of $46,900.2

 “Translators and interpreters are expected to be one of the 15 fastest growing occupations in the nation, according to the Department of Labor”, as reported by CNN Money.3

What job opportunities can I use with Spanish or Portuguese?

  • Academic Librarian
  • Adult Education Lecturer
  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Advertising Account Planner
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Bank Manager
  • Brand Consultant
  • Broadcast Journalist
  • Broadcast Presenter
  • Chartered Certified Accountant
  • Chartered Management Accountant
  • Commissioning Editor
  • Commodity Broker
  • Conference Center Manager
  • Corporate Investment Banker
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Environmental Manager
  • Event Organizer
  • Facilities Manager
  • Financial Risk Analyst
  • Financial Trader
  • Fundraiser
  • Heritage Manager
  • Higher Education Careers Adviser
  • Higher Education Lecturer
  • Hotel Manager
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Information Officer
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Interpreter
  • Investment Analyst
  • IT Consultant
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer, Legal Assistant, or Paralegal
  • Location Manager
  • Magazine Features Editor
  • Management Consultant
  • Marketing Executive
  • Media Buyer
  • Media Planner
  • Newspaper Journalist
  • Operational Investment Banker
  • Press Officer
  • Press Editor
  • Production Manager
  • Program Researcher
  • Project Manager
  • Public Affairs Consultant
  • Public Relations Account Executive
  • Publishing Copy-Editor/Proofreader
  • Publishing Rights Manager
  • Radio Broadcast Assistant
  • Radio Producer
  • Records Manager
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Recruitment Manager
  • Retail Buyer
  • Retail Manager
  • Runner (Broadcasting/Film)
  • Sales Executive
  • Sales Promotion Account Executive
  • Stockbroker
  • Tax Inspector
  • Tax Trainee
  • Teacher (Abroad)
  • Television Floor Manager
  • Television Production Assistant
  • Television/Film Producer
  • Volunteer Coordinator

1Hart Research Associates. “It Takes More Than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success.” Liberal Education. 99.2 (2013). Association of American Colleges and Universities. Web. 21 May 2014.

2Kurtz, Annalyn. “The hottest job skill is…” CNN Money. CNN, Fortune & Money. 30 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 May 2014.

3Weber, Lauren. “The Liberal Arts Majors That  Pay the Most.” At Work. The Wall Street Journal. 15 May 2014. Web. 19 May 2014.

4Alganaraz, Juan Carlos. “As Spanish Nears Half a Billion Speakers Worldwide, Its Next Conquest is Asia.” Worldcrunch 21 Jan. 2013. Web. 2 June 2014. Web. 30 May 2014.

5Resumen del Informe 2013 ‘El español: una lengua viva’.” Cervantes.es Instituto Cervantes, n.d. Web. 30 May 2014.

6United States. Census Bureau. Profile America Facts for Features: Hispanic Heritage Month 2013: Sept. 15-Oct. 15. N.p. n.p. 30 July 2013. Web. 30 May 2014.

Career Checklist for Spanish Majors

To prepare for an effective job search, Spanish Majors are expected to complete these three phases:

1. EXPLORE CAREER OPTIONS. As a first-year student, complete BOTH of these tasks:

  • Become familiar with the Center for Career Exploration and Success resources available to you by exploring their website, making an appointment with the CAS Career Adviser, or taking a career exploration course.
  • Attend a career-related workshop. Topics range from career planning to interviewing.

2. PREPARE FOR THE JOB MARKET. In your first or second year, strive to complete the following:

  • Prepare a résumé and seek individualized feedback from the CAS Career Counselor or a Career Assistant in Armstrong Center.
  • Create profiles on CAREERlink and LinkedIn.
  • Explore internship opportunities at the Center for Career Exploration and Success in Armstrong Center or through their website:
  • Secure a summer job or internship that helps you broaden your skill set and complements your classroom learning. Attend workshops at the Center for Career Exploration and Success. Relevant sessions include Optimizing Your Job and Internship Search, Résumés & Cover Letters, Opportunities in Nonprofit Organizations.

3. LAUNCH YOUR JOB SEARCH. As a junior or senior, complete as many of the following as possible:

  • Research graduate school options and application procedures, if applicable.
  • Identify and contact faculty and supervisors who may serve as your references.
  • Update your résumé and meet with Career Counselor or Career Assistant for individualized feedback.
  • Complete the “Telling Your Story” booklet with the assistance of a Career Counselor. This activity teaches you how to effectively market yourself in a job interview.
  • Attend Career Fairs.
  • Attend career workshops relevant to your job search.
  • Schedule a mock interview.

In addition to completing the checklist, seek advising along the way.

Meet with an advisor to discuss options and review your progress on this checklist:

Consider planning out when you will accomplish each of these tasks during your time at Miami.  emester breaks, even J-term, can be a great time to make progress on this checklist and/or for job shadowing and short-term internships that you may initiate.

Career Resources

Career Services: The Office of Career Services provides an array of services designed to help you build your careers.  Take advantage of their services related to topics such as

Graduate School Opportunities: Students may choose to continue their education in Spanish, Spanish Literature, Hispanic Linguistics, Hispanic Culture, Education, Bilingual Education, Translation or Latin American Studies.

GRE and Testing Information

Certificates of Proficiency in Spanish: Consider obtaining an official rating of your proficiency level.  The most well-known rating of oral proficiency in the U.S. is offered by the American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).  Testing is also available for writing, reading and listening skills.  

Internships in Spanish: Looking for an internship?  Be sure to check out the resources available at:

Contact the Department

Irvin Hall South Entrance