Spanish Minor

With all of the degree opportunities that Vanguard University offers, some majors and minors can get lost in the crowd. A perfect example of a degree offering that is lost in the crowd is the Spanish minor.

Some students may have experienced difficult looking for opportunities to expand their Spanish knowledge. This minor is actually housed within the English department. The minor requires only 21 units completed, with a mix of cultural courses, and Spanish language classes.

Laura Batstone, an administrative assistant in the English Department, claims the 21 units are fairly easy to complete, especially when students take into consideration all of the courses that already count toward the requirement. Many students who have already taken intercultural studies courses or anthropology classes could be on track for a Spanish minor.

“There are many opportunities to get Spanish credits,” Batstone said. Some of these opportunities include Spanish housing and trips to practice the language.

Spanish housing is a unique opportunity for students to live in a miniature Spanish culture. Students on the first floor of the Balboa dormitories live on the Spanish-speaking floor, where they can practice the language and attend a weekly meal with an instructor who provides some curriculum to help them reach the goal of being bilingual.

Study abroad programs are also available for students who wish to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. One study abroad program allows students to spend a semester in Costa Rica studying Spanish courses, called Cincel. Students interested in the program should contact the head of the Spanish minor program Dr. Karen Lee.

Also, Batstone mentioned the department’s desire to expand the minor as demand increases. In the Fall 2012 semester, there were around 40 students enrolled in the Spanish minor.

After describing the requirements, Batstone pointed out other benefits to the minor. “Students should consider the many benefits of being bilingual in connection with whatever field of study they find themselves. It always looks good on a resume,” she said.