Modern Languages Degrees & Programs

“My Spanish minor is one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my undergraduate career, and it continues to provide benefits in my professional and personal development. To experience all the benefits of learning a foreign language, make the most of your opportunities. Study abroad; I treasure my semester in Barcelona—I’ve returned twice. I developed lifelong friends, gained a strong appreciation for a culture other than my own, and bridged the gap between being a student of Spanish and a speaker of Spanish. Practice whenever you can. Have a Spanish-only rule with your classmates and professors, order your burrito in Spanish, volunteer to help the customer or client with limited English, or find an international pen pal. I earned a master’s degree in psychology at the University of the Pacific specializing in parenting research, and it was a blessing to communicate with Hispanic mothers in my parenting class in their language. I am now in a doctoral program in psychology at Utah State University and will use my Spanish to expand my clinical outreach.”

“I graduated from Westmont with a degree in Spanish. College is for memories, friends, and learning to live away from home, but I encourage you to soak up as much knowledge as you possibly can about something you enjoy. Additional schooling is expensive, and college is the best time in life to learn. At my first job, we often had Spanish-speaking callers.  Being bilingual helped me get hired and allowed me to handle these customers. I have also used Spanish to communicate with neighbors who don’t speak English and during an around-the-world trip I took with my husband.  I’m grateful for my wonderful professors and the opportunity to learn something that I love. I now work as a full stack web developer at Bracket Labs.”

“I came to Westmont with a passion for Spanish but with little direction. Through my Spanish classes and my semester abroad in Querétaro with Westmont in Mexico, I learned to love the Spanish language and Hispanic culture that continue to shape my life. My Spanish literature professors exposed me to stories and novels that make statements about human nature and Hispanic culture alike. As a Christian, I have found it important to read the literature and study the culture of people from around the world to better understand humankind as God’s creation. I earned a master’s degree in Spanish literature at UC Davis and work at the university’s Dixon Language Center as an assistant instructor."

"I came to Westmont with a love for learning Spanish, but I was initially unsure about majoring in it. After I met the faculty and took my first class in the department, I was more than convinced to jump in! My professors took a direct interest in my well-being, asked me questions I had never considered, encouraged me to apply my learning in our community, and cultivated a lively atmosphere of discussion. From the cities of central Mexico to the hilarious life lessons of Don Quijote to the nuances and persistent legacy of colonization, my time as a Spanish student introduced me to perspectives I would not have otherwise explored. Majoring in Spanish also opened a series of unique international leadership and career opportunities, leading me to my current position as a Fulbright grantee in Spain. As I’ve transitioned between roles in human services, education, and nonprofit administration, my degree in Spanish has always amply prepared me to serve well."

“Being a Spanish major was the great unexpected gift of my Westmont experience. Initially aiming to fulfill a language requirement, the department quickly became a home, as I was enveloped in grace and the rich knowledge of the Spanish professors who invest in students in deep, dignifying ways. Amidst pre-medicine and kinesiology classes, my small Spanish courses were a breath of fresh air, where I learned how to discover humanity, my own and others’, with honesty and curiosity. I’ve learned to trace the histories of Spain and Mexico, discuss complicated social topics, read and write poetry and literature, and gained confidence, particularly while participating in Westmont in Mexico, where my growth was catalyzed by a loving host-family, local professors, internship opportunities, and a freedom to explore. This learning has come to life in Santa Barbara, where I’ve found it easy and fulfilling to use my Spanish every day. Surrounded by some of the most talented and dedicated students and learning from professors so knowledgeable and kind, I have never questioned the value of pursuing Spanish at Westmont. I have no doubt I am a better person and  learner, more marketable employee, and more faithful follower of Christ because of this program.”

“Since graduating in 1997, I have worked in the non-profit sector with a small, international ministry that took hope to abandoned children and women, attended law school at the University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder (Class of 2001), and launched into a productive and rewarding career in the area of agricultural law for the Colorado Office of the Attorney General. Knowing and continuing to study French has given me the personal reward of living and traveling in France while cultivating and maintaining life-long friendships with French people. Studying a foreign language taught me more than how to speak in that language, though. Understanding a foreign tongue allows me to perceive the complexities of cultural differences and the unique gifts of cultural diversity in both work and travel. The study of language blessed me with a desire and an ability to see, hear, and even to tell the story through the eyes of another person.”

“Being able to speak Spanish played a role in being hiring for all my jobs, and I have used Spanish in each one. Westmont’s Spanish professors are some of the most knowledgeable scholars in their field and faithful and devoted believers who pursue knowledge and understanding to know God and glorify him. They are some of the wisest and kindest people I know, and they taught me as much about life as they did anything else. I lived with Dr. Elias’ family for a semester, worked closely with Dr. Cardoso on a special project, and traveled to Mexico with Dr. Docter, so I got to know them well. Talking with them and observing their personal disciplines have helped me understand concepts like my relationship with God and gender roles in our society and cultivated my ability to listen, develop the discipline of self-sacrifice, and live a tangible, authentic and relevant faith in Jesus Christ. I work as a content producer at the Rock Church in San Diego."

“As a French student at Westmont, I was able to simultaneously pursue my love for foreign language and learn the intricacies of a different culture; my French courses better prepared me to engage with the wider world and enter into conversation with those different from me. As someone eager to live abroad again, my Westmont French experience has given me new insights at an age of great personal development—I will take with me the language skills and the greater cultural awareness I’ve developed wherever I go in the future!”