Spanish at Lakeland University

Why study Spanish at Lakeland University?

The United States is a bilingual nation, having the second largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.

600 million people (or 7.6% of the global population) speak Spanish, and the United States is the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world (after Mexico) It is projected that 27.5% of the U.S. population will be of Hispanic heritage by 2060. As a result, communications in Spanish on the internet and in business has increased 1,511% over the past 20 years.

Earn Your Spanish Degree

What makes Lakeland’s Spanish degree distinctive?

  • Our Spanish program offers a well-balanced route for the acquisition of linguistic as well as professional skills aiming at preparing Lakeland Spanish Majors/Minors for a highly competitive, interconnected world that has an ever-growing demand for bilingual professionals.
  • Our class sizes are perfect for personalized education, as well as one-on-one attention in tutoring services.
  • Our program offers experiential learning by allowing students to use the skills learned in the classroom in jobs with local businesses through Lakeland’s Cooperative Education. Examples include translation and interpreting, Spanish for teaching, digital humanities and intercultural communication.
  • Our program offers Spanish heritage and bilingual speakers a track to professionally enhance their Spanish knowledge traditionally acquired at home.
  • Our program gives students a competitive edge and distinct advantage in the global market.
Spanish at Lakeland University

There is a need in the job market for bilingual speakers. The Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies have reported that bilingual job postings across all sectors have tripled between 2010 and 2019, showing that 71% of business leaders plan to grow in markets where English is not the primary language and they are willing to pay bilinguals between 5% to 20% higher per hour than the base rate.

Lakeland’s program allows students to acquire linguistic as well as cultural proficiency. We strive to provide our students with a well-balanced, ambitious program while integrating many initiatives and projects led by students

A Lakeland University student teaches to an introductory Spanish class.

Unique Opportunities

Immerse Yourself In Spanish Culture

Students enrolling in the Spanish program evidence the ability to immerse themselves in the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through coursework, projects and research. Students who successfully complete a B.A. in Spanish from Lakeland University will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening speaking/communication.
  2. Exhibit cultural competence on the Spanish speaking world’s traditions, history, literature, as well as contemporary topics.
  3. Possess a command of standard Spanish (spelling, punctuation, accents, among others) aimed at academic as well as professional environments.
  4. Enhance academic research and documentation capabilities while fostering critical thinking.

What career paths could you pursue upon graduation?

According to the Economist, you can earn between $50,000 to $125,000 more just because you know a foreign language! This makes a Spanish major a lucrative choice with so many well-paying careers for Spanish majors.

Here is a selection of top 10 jobs usually pursued:

There are hundreds of different kinds of writers, and thousands of job openings for bilingual writers who can bring stories and products to life on paper. From book authors to bloggers, for which Spanish majors are perfect for this role as they have excellent writing and proofreading skills.

Translators have a starting salary at around $32,080 yet this number rapidly goes up with experience. The highest earners earn more than $77,000 per year, while the average salary is $50,187.

Between 2019 and 2029, employment of interpreters and translators is expected to rise by 20%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Washington DC has a huge need for bilingual speakers to help put government and political documents into other languages. As a result, it’s one of the top locations for translators! The median salary at this location is $68,722 with the top 10% of earners receiving over $111,000.

Many people mistakenly believe that interpreters and translators are the same profession. Interpreters work with spoken words, whereas translators only work with written documents.

The starting salary for interpreters should be $33,320. The middle compensation for translators is $44,312, while the most generously compensated mediators make more than $77,000. 

Through their interactions with other nations and international organizations, foreign service officers act as ambassadors for the United States government abroad. Promoting and safeguarding U.S. political and economic interests abroad is their responsibility.

The field of foreign services is highly sought after. Truth be told, practically 90% of unfamiliar help officials stay in this field forever. The starting salary is approximately $55,000, but after the second year of service, it rises to approximately $85,000. 

The Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization of the United Nations is UNESCO. Through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture, this non-profit organization is committed to promoting world peace and security.

UNESCO provides a plethora of opportunities for those who are interested in culture through its 53 Field Offices and Institutes worldwide and headquarters in Paris, France. Official salaries start at around $43,866 per year.

Social work is a rewarding career that aims to assist those in need in the community. Social specialists work at emotional well-being facilities, schools, clinics, from there, the sky is the limit. 

Social specialists make a normal of $49,022 each year yet a graduate degree in friendly work can assist you with finding administrative roles in the field. On the off chance that you love helping other people and are great at handling tough spots, social work may be appropriate for you!

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is in charge of managing legal immigration, employs immigration officers. They research and examine applications, petitions, and documentation of possible settlers. In addition, they evaluate applicants' credibility through interviews. When it comes to denying or granting petitions that can have a significant impact on people's lives, these officers play a crucial role.

Immigration officers have a very high job rate of satisfaction and earn an average of $59,789 per year. 

On the off chance that you love to travel, think about becoming an airline steward. Flight attendants are entitled to free roaming around the world! Their responsibility is to guarantee traveler security and solace during the long excursion. From giving food and drink to dealing with client objections, they are the travelers' primary resource on air.

Compensations starts at around $41,000 each year however goes up with experience and the area worked. 

Managers of business development find and capitalize on new business opportunities. This versatile job does everything necessary to establish a successful business, from networking to cold calling.

Spanish majors can succeed in this position by utilizing their communication and problem-solving abilities. With an average annual salary of $74,476 and a job satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5, this is one of the highest-paying careers for Spanish majors.

One of the most popular careers for Spanish majors is teaching! To meet the high demand for Spanish teachers, the United States is desperately in need of more. Teachers in high schools earn an average of $50,701 per year, but their salaries rise as they progress through college.

To teach in middle or secondary school, you just need a four-year college education and instructing confirmation. Professors at colleges are paid more and require further qualifications.

Spanish at Lakeland University

Experiential Education

Explore the World

Lakeland's Cooperative Education program will provide Spanish students with the ability to earn 12-18 months of full-time work experience, academic credit for their work, and a combination of scholarships and wages that will significantly reduce or eliminate post-graduation debt.

Cooperative Education

Ready to add Spanish to your studies? Contact Lakeland University for more information.

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