Spanish Courses for Heritage Speakers Benefit Students in Any Major

Luis Fernando Restrepo

¡Mi lengua, mi comunidad!

The U of A Spanish Program offers three levels of courses for students who grew up in Spanish-speaking households. Heritage speakers can earn credit for all the basic Spanish courses (SPAN 10103, 10203, 20103 and 20203) when they take an upper-level course. More importantly, they can easily complete a minor or double major in Spanish, adding valuable credentials to their professional portfolio. Spanish is needed in basically any industry in the U.S. today, and it may represent higher earnings.

Heritage speakers can also take Spanish courses on Latino education (SPAN 45603, offered fall semesters), business (SPAN 43303, offered fall semesters), health professions (SPAN 45803, offered spring semesters) or translation and interpretation (SPAN 38803, offered both semesters), plus other courses that would enhance their understanding of their cultural heritage and rich cultural and literary traditions. Most of these courses have a service-learning component that will build your resume and provide key professional contacts.

There is also a "Fast Track" exam for heritage speakers through which students can earn credit for six hours and save a considerable amount on tuition.

Fall 2024 Courses

SPAN 21203 Heritage Speakers I — MWF 8:35 a.m.

SPAN 31203 Heritage Speakers II — MWF 8:35 a.m.

SPAN 41203 Heritage Speakers III — Online

To consider their options in Spanish and for help finding the right level of courses to take, students can contact the advisers for Spanish heritage speakers Manuel Olmedo Gobante (molmedog@uark.edu) and Violeta Lorenzo Feliciano (violetal@uark.edu).