Discover the language and culture of Spain and Hispanic America
Study a language spoken by over 500 million people worldwide—the most widely spoken language in the western hemisphere.*
At Calvin, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture through classes and activities that take you from Spanish-speaking churches in Grand Rapids to the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Overview
Every Spanish major at Calvin gets to study abroad—to immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures, their histories and their people. As a Spanish major, you can build skills and gather experience in Spain, Peru, Mexico, or Honduras, all while working on your requirements for graduation.
Skills in Spanish can be indispensable if you're studying to be a nurse or a speech pathologist, a church outreach coordinator, or an entrepreneur. You'll also use Spanish in the local community, interacting with any of the 29,000 Hispanics living in Grand Rapids. Spanish opens many doors—step through!
Explore Spanish at Calvin
Majors and Minors
Choose from a variety of majors and minors, such as Spanish, Spanish education, ESL, and Latin American Studies.
Spanish Activities
Become a part of the Spanish community at Calvin—live, worship, and even dine in Spanish!
Study Abroad
Live with a family in Honduras, explore historic Oviedo, Spain, or hike the Andes Mountains.
Department Info
There are no announcements at this time.
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From first-year class to Fulbright
When Mimi Sterenberg came to Calvin she hadn't taken a Spanish class in her life. Now, through a Fulbright scholarship, she's headed to Spain to teach English.
News & Stories, May 17, 2019 -
Children’s book invites anyone to explore the Lord’s supper
En la mesa de Dios-At God's Table is a Spanish-English children's book that explores the richly symbolic practice of the Lord's Supper in Christian worshiping communities.
News & Stories, November 1, 2017 -
Thinking deeply and helping employees thrive
Jamie Cheeney '15 is an employment specialist at Kamps Pallets, drawing on Christian business practices she learned at Calvin.
News & Stories, August 4, 2016 -
Calvin grad hiking 500 kilometers to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis
2016 grad Katie Slemp was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago, now she's hiking 500 kilometers on the "Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage" to raise awareness of the disease.
News & Stories, May 31, 2016 -
Walking Boldly: Kathryn Knox
Kathryn Knox '15 is heading to Guatemala for two years to serve in the Peace Corps.
News & Stories, June 8, 2015 -
Calvin College debuts on Peace Corps' annual Top Schools rankings
Calvin ranks 20th among small schools nationwide for number of graduates currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers.
News & Stories, February 19, 2015 -
Spanish prof uncovers history by preserving newspapers
Ed Miller is working to bring forgotten 19th century Afro-Argentine newspapers to the public through a web archive.
News & Stories, August 13, 2014 -
Faculty Profile: Maria Rodriguez
Calvin Spanish professor Maria Rodriguez trusted in God's plan even when the odds were stacked against her.
News & Stories, July 16, 2013
No upcoming events at this time.
*Demographic information about the Spanish language on this page is from the Cervantes Institute 2013 Yearbook