Our department supports students in becoming global citizens, working to enhance their linguistic skills in the Spanish and Portuguese languages, deepen their intercultural competence and build their sense of civic responsibility.

We offer a wide range of language courses, including those geared toward the professions, and advanced multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary courses related to the Hispanic, Brazilian and Portuguese worlds. As active scholars and professors, our faculty carries out research and teaches in the areas of literature, cultures, history, linguistics, translation, visual arts, film, theatre and performance and creative and academic writing.

Beyond an advanced level of language proficiency, our graduates will have analytical and critical skills and the ability to think comparatively in a multilingual and increasingly interconnected world. These competencies are especially valued in the professional world and will help graduates thrive beyond Dickinson.

Students interested in Portuguese may also want to learn more about Dickinson’s Portuguese & Brazilian studies minor.

Contact Info

Chair

Erin DiazAssociate Professor of Spanish

Department Coordinator

Shana KitnerAcademic Department Coordinator

Phone

717-245-1277

Fax

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Location

105, First floor, Bosler Hall Mailing Address

Department Features



Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs:

  • AmeriCorps
  • Global Strategic and Innovative Strategies (GSIS)
  • Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
  • United Nations Population Fund
  • Peace Corps
  • U.S. House of Representatives
  • Mujeres Unidas Avanzando
  • Madeira School
  • BAE Systems
  • SITE Program Lombardia
  • Teach for America
  • San Diego Padres
  • William J Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies

Graduate Schools:

  • Georgetown University
  • Universidad de Málaga
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Virginia
  • Miami University
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Miami
  • Boston University
  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Vanderbilt University
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • House of Blues San Diego
  • Marie Claire
  • Milwaukee Magazine
  • National Defense Fund/Community Coalition
  • Newark Academy Summer Session
  • Nos sobran los motivos (We Are the Reason)
  • PA Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition; CASA
  • Planned Parenthood (Keystone)
  • Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism (RAC)
  • TripAdvisor
  • U.S. Army War College - Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute
  • YSC Sports Marketing

Student Perspective

During the spring of my junior year, I studied abroad in Málaga, Spain. Looking back, this is one of the best decisions I made in college, because it helped me look at my life in a completely different way. I could not believe how much my Spanish improved and how in-tune I felt with the Spanish culture by the time the program ended. 

Olivia Lowden '19 (Spanish, neuroscience)


Please take a look at a series of videos our students have made about their experience while in these programs


Spanish & Portuguese News

Student Snapshot: Christian Gonzalez ’24

Student Snapshot: Christian Gonzalez ’24

Meet Christian Gonzalez '24, a computer science major who interned with the College Farm to help develop a website that helps farms earn organic certification.

Student Snapshot: Maria Smith

Student Snapshot: Maria Smith '22

From presenting original research at a national convention to mentoring first-generation students and studying abroad in Malaga, Spain, Maria Smith ’22 has made the most of her Dickinson experience.

Global Experience Prepares Dickinson Alumna for Successful Legal Career

Global Experience Prepares Dickinson Alumna for Successful Legal Career

Former Spanish major Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio ’82 credits her study abroad experience with preparing her for the position of first female president judge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Spanish Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2022

Spanish Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2022

See what graduating seniors are doing with their Spanish degrees.

Student Snapshot: Olivia Statile ’22

Student Snapshot: Olivia Statile ’22

Learn more about Olivia Statile ’22, an international business & management and Spanish double major, skydiver, ceramicist and sports-marketing intern.

Student Snapshot: Alaina Clemence ’22

Student Snapshot: Alaina Clemence ’22

Spanish major Alaina Clemence ’22 seeks to heighten intercultural empathy through translation.