University of Richmond

Experiential Learning

Four walls can’t contain an entire education. That’s why, at Richmond, most students extend their educations by participating in experiential learning opportunities. They provide the chance to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, either via research, an internship, service or study abroad.

Service

Aside from studying abroad, the single biggest way students can improve their language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture is by stepping into their own backyards to meet and help the Hispanic population of Richmond, Virginia. Professors in the department are strongly committed to outreach and service and emphasize ways students can use their language skills to better their community.  

Students regularly volunteer in elementary schools with a large Hispanic population, visiting for an hour at a time to read children’s books in Spanish to school kids. At medical clinics, LAIS students and faculty provide translation services, offering immigrants a voice to describe their ailments effectively and guarantee proper medical treatment. By establishing relationships with Hispanic families, students learn about the many reasons Hispanics immigrate to the United States and about the problems they face, both in their home countries and this country.

Students can earn one unit by taking “Spanish in the Community” (Spanish 388) and dedicating themselves to volunteering in the Hispanic community for a semester. Students register for the course and track their volunteer hours, scheduling meetings with the director of the department’s outreach program as needed. For more information about outreach, contact us.

Internships

Spanish language skills continue to be increasingly useful in the workplace. Government agencies, corporations and area non-profits are often happy to employ interns who understand the Hispanic cultures and the Spanish language. To explore internship opportunities that will utilize your skills, contact the Career Development Center.  

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is vital to students studying languages, literatures and cultures. The Department of Latin American and Iberian Studies works with the Office of International Education to help you coordinate your study abroad experience. The University of Richmond has exchange agreements with universities in Argentina, Mexico and Spain. Each summer, LAIS faculty members lead two study abroad programs—one in Latin America and one in Spain.

In order to gain credit through the LAIS department for your international experience, you must fulfill the following requirements prior to submitting an application to the Office of International Education for study abroad in Latin America or Spain:

  • Have an overall GPA of 3.0
  • Have a LAIS GPA of 3.0
  • Have completed at least two 300-level language courses in LAIS
  • Have completed the LAIS study abroad approval form, which entails meeting with an appropriate LAIS faculty advisor to discuss your academic program, completing the form and filing it with the department. A copy should also be sent to the Office of International Education and filed with your application for international study.

Remember that specific institutions in Spain and Latin America may have their own academic requirements and criteria, which you will be expected to satisfy prior to admission.

Students completing the international business concentration through the Robins School of Business should contact Tom Cossé for advisement on studying abroad.