Welcome to UCR's Spanish Language Program
The Spanish Language Program helps students develop Spanish as a meaningful skill for communication, cultural understanding, academic growth, and future professional opportunities. Whether students are beginning Spanish, continuing from previous study, or building on Spanish as part of their family, community, or cultural experience, our courses support language learning as a valuable part of the undergraduate experience. Students are invited to strengthen their communication skills, expand their linguistic resources, and engage with Spanish-speaking cultures and communities in meaningful ways.
Across the Spanish Language Program, students build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through meaningful communication. Depending on the course level and theme, students may explore topics connected to everyday life, culture, identity, literature, history, and Latino communities in the United States and beyond.
Through communicative activities, cultural exploration, and meaningful course themes, students learn to use Spanish in ways that are practical, reflective, and socially relevant.
Why Study Spanish?
Spanish Adds Value to Your Degree
Studying Spanish can strengthen many academic and professional paths, including education, healthcare, business, law, public service, social work, media, and community-based work. Spanish language skills can help students communicate across communities and expand future opportunities.
Language Learning Is a Cultural Experience
Spanish courses introduce students to cultural products, practices, histories, and perspectives from Spanish-speaking countries and Latino communities in the United States. Students learn language alongside culture, not separate from it.
Communication Comes First
Our program emphasizes meaningful communication. Students are encouraged to participate, take risks, and build confidence. Language learning is a process, and students do not need to be perfect to communicate effectively.
Community Matters
Learning Spanish offers students a meaningful way to engage with language, culture, and community. Our courses invite students to reflect on how language shapes identity, belonging, culture, and social life.
Contact the Spanish Language Program
For questions about Spanish placement, course sequencing, or enrollment in Spanish language courses, please contact your advisor. If you have further questions, please contact:
Dr. Linda R Lemus
llemus@ucr.edu
Director & Coordinator of the Spanish Language Instruction Program
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Department of Hispanic Studies
Before contacting the program, students are encouraged to review the placement, prerequisite, and course progression information in Courses.