The Spanish Program at Briar Cliff University: A Gateway to Language, Culture, and Global Impact
At Briar Cliff University, the Spanish Program is more than just language instruction—it is a comprehensive, career-focused, and culturally immersive experience that prepares students to thrive in today’s interconnected world. With offerings that include a major in Spanish Translation and Interpretation, a minor in Spanish, and specialized concentrations in Spanish for International Business, Spanish for Health Care Professionals, and Latino Cultural Competence in Social Work, students gain practical skills that can be applied to diverse professional fields. In addition, the program provides Elementary and Secondary Education endorsements, preparing the next generation of Spanish teachers to meet the growing demand for bilingual education.
Study Abroad: Immersion in the Spanish-Speaking World
Our students don’t just learn Spanish—they live it. Briar Cliff offers enriching study abroad opportunities in partnership with prestigious institutions:
- Universidad de los Andes in Santiago, Chile
- Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Cádiz in Cádiz, Spain
These international experiences give students firsthand exposure to Spanish language, culture, and society, allowing them to return with enhanced fluency and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.
Community Engagement: Internships in Siouxland
Closer to home, students put their skills to work through internships with Unity in Action, the leading Latino nonprofit organization in Siouxland, and with other local agencies that serve the Spanish-speaking community. These internships provide professional experience and help students build strong connections between classroom learning and real-world impact.
Research and Excellence: The Excellence Event
At Briar Cliff, undergraduate research is celebrated through The Excellence Event, where students present projects in Spanish that demonstrate their linguistic, cultural, and analytical growth. For many, this experience is transformative.
Student Ryann Coughlin explained:
“Presenting at the Excellence Event provided an opportunity to work on my public speaking skills, especially in Spanish. It challenged me to communicate outside the classroom and strengthened both my research and presentation skills.”
Crew Jones shared a similar experience:
“Presenting boosted my confidence and professional skills. It got me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to learn more about a culture and language I am genuinely interested in.”
These opportunities ensure that students graduate not only with language proficiency, but also with research, communication, and leadership skills that distinguish them in any career.
Project-Based Learning: Language in Action
The Spanish Program emphasizes Project-Based Learning (PBL), allowing students to engage deeply with the language and culture. Whether creating Day of the Dead altars (as Ryann recalled), researching Mexican trajineras (as Nayeli Lupercio enjoyed), or showcasing Hispanic traditions on campus (as Tylar Lutgen described), students immerse themselves in real cultural practices.
As Tylar put it:
“Project-based learning forces you to do research and truly connect with the culture. It makes the Spanish Program stand out because you’re not just memorizing words—you’re living the experience.”
Student Voices: Why the Program Stands Out
The best way to understand the value of the Spanish Program is through the voices of students themselves:
• On Linguistic Competence:
Ryann Coughlin emphasizes that “Spanish is everywhere. Being linguistically competent allows you to communicate with more people and access more of society and culture.”
• On Cultural Appreciation:
Nayeli Lupercio reflected that “Learning Spanish helps me appreciate traditions, holidays, and ways of life in different countries. It makes me feel more connected to where I come from.”
• On Career Relevance:
Crew Jones explained: “Employers will be looking for bilingual professionals. My Spanish skills will allow me to succeed in business and connect with clients more personally.”
• On Confidence and Growth:
Tylar Lutgen shared: “The program has helped me overcome my fear of speaking Spanish in public. Now, I see being bilingual as one of the most rewarding skills I can bring to my career.”
Spanish International Club: Building Community in Siouxland
Beyond the classroom, students participate in the Spanish International Club, which brings cultural learning to life through social and community events in Siouxland. From celebrating Hispanic holidays to engaging in service, students find a welcoming space to practice Spanish, build friendships, and connect with the vibrant Latino community in the area.
A Unique and Outstanding Program
What makes Briar Cliff’s Spanish Program truly unique is its integration of language learning, cultural immersion, professional preparation, and community engagement. Students leave not only with the ability to communicate in Spanish but also with the cultural competence to serve others, the confidence to lead, and the practical experience to excel in their chosen careers.
As Ryann summarized:
“The Spanish Program is welcoming and supportive. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be willing to learn. The passion and encouragement from peers and professors make it a great place to grow.”
And as Tylar concluded:
“Being bilingual helps you stand out in the job market and allows you to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s the most rewarding part of studying Spanish at Briar Cliff.”
At Briar Cliff University, the Spanish Program is not only about learning a language—it’s about building bridges, advancing careers, and making a meaningful impact on communities locally and globally.
Dr. Wilfrido Suárez-Meza studied Business Administration in Mexico and later earned his master’s and doctorate in Spanish at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He teaches Spanish language and culture, research Latino communities, and mentors students. He also serves on local boards supporting health, education, and community engagement in Siouxland