The Spanish program at Austin College has successfully maintained a high level of interest among the students by offering a dynamic and varied curriculum. The department seeks to provide the students with proficiency in the Spanish language and in-depth study of Spanish and Spanish-American literatures and cultures.

Students are encouraged to acquire firsthand experiences by studying abroad in different programs from three weeks (in January term courses) up to an academic year. Almost all of our majors spend at least a semester abroad, in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, or Argentina.

See the Day of the Dead Photos!

Spanish Program Details

Spanish Major Checklist

Spanish Minor Checklist

See Spanish Classes

See the Austin College Bulletin

See the Classical & Modern Languages Department

Spanish Placement Details

At left: A photo from the city of Queretaro, Mexico, taken by Julie Hempel.

Meet Our Alumni

Danielle Tarin ‘00

Danielle Tarin is an Appellate Attorney for the National Security Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. She represents the United States on appeals in national security cases involving terrorism and law-of-war offenses. She recently won a case in the Supreme Court challenging the simultaneous service of military officers on both the criminal courts of… [Read More]

Edgar Araiza ‘07

After graduation from Austin College in 2007, I completed my Medical Degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston (2012), residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Kansas School of Medicine (2017), and specialization in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Health (2018). I joined Methodist Dallas Medical Center as Orthopedic… [Read More]

James Skinner ’09

I graduated from Austin College in 2009 with a double major in Psychology and Spanish. I earned my Juris Doctorate in 2012 and practice in West Texas. My passions are serving my community and conflict resolution. My legal practice focuses on negotiating multi-party agreements in the areas of agriculture, energy and real estate. Additionally, I… [Read More]

Ashley Overturf ’11

Ashley Overturf is a 2011 graduate who double majored in psychology and Spanish. She attended graduate school at Texas Woman’s University—Dallas where she obtained a masters degree in occupational therapy (OT). She is an occupational therapist at Parkland Hospital where she has helped develop and expand inpatient psychiatric OT services while also working on the… [Read More]

Allison Schmitz ’05

“When I started Austin College, I thought I would just take a couple of Spanish classes to fulfill my language requirement. Thanks to AC’s engaging Spanish department, by the time I graduated, I had spent a year in the Jordan Language House, spent a Janterm in Spain, and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Spain.… [Read More]

Rosemary Vega ’97

My experience in the Spanish language program was a great influence in my life. I use Spanish every day as an immigration lawyer. I am able to communicate with very educated businessmen in Spanish to those not so educated and can distinguish between the different nuances from different countries because of my exposure to Spanish… [Read More]

Neema Dad ’12

Studying Spanish at Austin College was invaluable and gave me deeper insight into the Hispanic culture. It prepared me to confidently communicate with and treat patients while in dental school, now during my pediatric dental residency, and eventually in private practice. Learning Spanish is definitely something I would recommend for anyone pursuing a field in… [Read More]

Hairo Peña ’07

Participating in the Spanish program at Austin College was a very positive experience as it complimented my Mexican-American upbringing and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish culture. I was able to refine my Spanish writing skills and learn how to articulate myself professionally. I also discovered I enjoy poetry, specifically the literary characteristics associated with… [Read More]

Jennifer Hilton ’04

Majoring in Spanish at Austin College was one of the foundational building bricks of my life. I always knew I wanted to study Spanish, but AC made that goal life-changing. AC opened the doors to amazing unique opportunities like living in the Spanish wing of the language house, and designing my own year abroad in… [Read More]

Kelly Griesenbeck Carter ’00

International Marketing Director, American Heart Association – My Spanish major is the defining moment of my career, and one of the best decisions of my life. It is the backbone of my entire career path, from international political consulting in Latin America to my current role as International Marketing Director for the American Heart Association.… [Read More]

Jordan Family Language House

All students who take Spanish are encouraged and eligible to apply for a space in the Spanish House in order to immerse themselves in Spanish outside of the regular classroom and on a daily basis. The Spanish House is part of the Austin College Jordan Family Language House. The Los Amigos Club of Austin College hosts film nights and other events at this location. Each student in the language house receives personal attention in the target language by a native language house teaching assistant.

Jordan Family Language House Residence Application

Spanish Major & Spanish Classes Offered By Austin College