Spanish

Why Study Spanish?

Spanish is spoken by approximately 400 million people in 21 countries. The study of Spanish opens doors not only for international business, service, teaching and travel, but it also promotes cross-cultural understanding within the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators for languages such as Spanish will remain strong, and the job market for all translators and interpreters is expected to increase 24 percent through 2016. The U.S. has the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world after Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Colombia. No matter which career you choose, you are likely to interact with Spanish speakers.
 

Spanish at Heidelberg

All Heidelberg Spanish majors spend a semester abroad, living with a host family and studying in a Spanish-speaking country. This total immersion experience is the most effective way to become fluent in the language and to feel truly "at home" in the host culture. While abroad, students live the cultural experiences that others only read about. At a cost that is comparable to spending a semester on Heidelberg’s home campus in Ohio, this study abroad experience is a cornerstone of the Berg Spanish major.
 
Heidelberg students also can participate in a service-learning course, preparing and implementing enrichment activities for a summer program for immigrant children in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
 
In addition, Heidelberg students of Spanish can practice their language skills at the Spanish Conversation Table, which meets weekly for coffee, snacks and conversation in Spanish. Spanish majors also may choose an internship with En Camino, a local agency that works in the Spanish-speaking migrant community.

Department of Languages

Heidelberg’s Languages Department offers majors in German and Spanish, and minors in German, Spanish and Latin American Studies. The Department also offers courses in French, Greek and Chinese.
 
Department Philosophy

In a world of increasing interdependence, we seek political, economic and humanitarian solutions to complex global and regional issues. We need more people who have acquired sensitivity toward other cultures, and appreciation of other points of view and behavior patterns. An effective way to achieve this is through the study of foreign languages and their cultures, through residence and travel abroad and through acquaintances and friendships with citizens of other countries.

Contact Information
 
Heidelberg’s Department of Languages
310 E. Market St.
Tiffin, OH 44883-2462
telephone: (419) 448-2037
facsimile: (419) 448-2124
email: lng@heidelberg.edu