You don’t have to travel to visit the country with the world’s third-largest Spanish-speaking population: you already live there! Only Mexico and Spain have more native speakers of Spanish than the United States. In recent years, Latinos have become the largest immigrant group in many American states, including Rhode Island.

The core of the Spanish program at the University of Rhode Island is language-skills training grounded to a solid understanding of the literature and culture of the Hispanic world. Special programs in international engineering and business lead to a dual degree and include an internship in a Hispanic country. The department also offers work in Spanish linguistics and literature in translation.

The Beginning and Intermediate Spanish program here at URI serves a large number of URI students every year providing them the necessary foundation for gaining proficiency in Spanish. Already have experience in Spanish? Explore the site to view the current syllabi of each course in the beginning and intermediate Spanish sequence, click here to view FAQs and recommendations for initial placement, or visit the Language Department office to inquire about taking a Spanish placement test.