Study Abroad

Students in the Hispanic Literatures & Cultures major are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester studying abroad.

Why study abroad?

  • Study abroad is the best way to achieve the proficiency in Spanish and intercultural awareness you will need in our increasingly interdependent world. 
  • Knowledge, insights, and skills gained abroad greatly enrich your educational experience back home.
  • This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Think about it: once you graduate, you may be able to travel, but when will you be able to live and study in a different country?
  • Study abroad is financially feasible. All financial aid may be used to cover the cost of a Wesleyan or Wesleyan-approved program. 
  • Graduating seniors regularly identify their experience abroad as one of the most rewarding aspects of their undergraduate education.

How will study abroad affect my progress toward graduation?

  • Credits received while studying on a Wesleyan or Wesleyan-approved program count toward graduation.
  • The Office of Study Abroad is responsible for converting grades and credits for courses taken abroad. Click here to consult the conversion charts for courses taken on Wesleyan’s Program in Madrid.

What should I consider when choosing a program?

We strongly urge HISP majors to consider the Wesleyan Program in Madrid hosted by the Universidad Carlos III. Students interested in Latin America should consider studying at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, under the auspices of Wesleyan's bilateral exchange agreement with that university.  Other preapproved programs in Latin America for HISP majors are listed on this website (see About the Major). Whichever program you choose, we urge you consider the following:

  • Opportunities to take regular courses designed for native speakers at the host university.
  • Housing options that promote your cultural immersion.
  • Opportunities for cultural enrichment beyond the classroom (e.g., museums, theater, cinema, concerts, and on-site learning through excursions).
  • Opportunities for engagement in internships, special-interest activities or organizations, and regular contact with local undergraduates for the purpose of social interaction.
  • An administrative safety net and access to resources designed to meet your special needs and support you in case of an emergency.

How will study abroad affect my progress toward completion of the major?

  • Of the 9 courses required for the HISP major, up to 4 may be taken abroad.
  • Courses bearing .75 credit or more will count as one course within the HISP major.
  • Students may request the ad hoc approval of their advisor for bundling partial-credit courses.
  • At least half of the courses for the major should be taken through direct enrollment.
  • Language and orientation courses taken abroad do not count toward the major, even if required by the program abroad.
  • Students abroad should remain in close communication with their advisor during the course registration period abroad to resolve any doubts concerning the applicability of given courses for the HISP major.

For more information on study abroad, consult the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) website.