Study Abroad
We live in a complex multicultural society, and it is our duty to educate you and give you the resources to thrive in the world we live in. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese strives to increase your cultural and linguistic understanding within the transnational and regional contexts where Spanish and Portuguese are spoken. Therefore, we encourage you to spend some time studying abroad, exploring different cultures, and immersing yourself in a language for proficiency and fluency.
If you are interested to study abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese speaking country, we encourage you to plan your academic career carefully with the help of our Undergraduate Advisors and Study Abroad & Global Engagement. Please review the Study Abroad Guide for help in studying abroad in Spanish or Portuguese.
- With careful planning you can study abroad and still graduate on time.
- The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher, though exceptions for the GPA requirement are considered after submission of a petition. Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
- Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, you might consider reserving some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
- Scholarships are available for study abroad through both the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Study Abroad & Global Engagement, and national organizations. You should research your opportunities early.
- There may be certain courses within the Spanish and Portuguese curriculum that you should plan to take at KU. Meet with our Undergraduate Advisors to learn more about any restrictions that may exist in your curriculum so that you can effectively plan for a study abroad experience.
Although we strongly encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity to enhance their linguistic and cultural knowledge, study abroad is not required to complete a Spanish major.
Featured Spanish Language Programs for Spring 2026
This is the only study abroad program that offers SPAN 340. Take Spanish and elective courses. Intermediate Spanish students are eligible to participate.
Language Prerequisite: Students in SPAN 111 or above in Fall are eligible for the program.
Application deadline: September 1
Universidad de Costa Rica (San José, Costa Rica)
Directly enroll at UCR and take courses from a wide variety of departments.
Language Prerequisite: SPAN 340 (to take major or minor courses); SPAN 216 (otherwise)
Virtual info sessions about the UCR program will be held this Fall. See the program page for the registration link.
Application deadline: October 1
Universidad de San Andrés (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Directly enroll at San Andrés and take courses about Latin America.
Language Prerequisite: SPAN 340
Application deadline: October 1
List of All Study Abroad Programs
Within our department, we currently offer:
Race, History & Health in Brazil (Winter)
Learn about the interconnections between race and racism, history and politics, and health and inequality in Brazil's Afro-diasporic communities.
Semester in Salamanca, Spain (Spring)
Earn upper-level Spanish language and elective credits in historic Salamanca.
Language, Literature, and Culture in Barcelona, Spain (Summer)
The Summer Institute in Barcelona, Spain is designed for students with intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish proficiency to earn six to nine credits and improve their Spanish skills. Students will live with host families to further improve their Spanish.
Language and Culture in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Summer)
During this 6-week program students will earn 8 or 9 hours of Spanish language credit and live with an Argentine host family.
Language and Culture in Salvador, Brazil (Summer)
Study Brazilian Portuguese at the beginning , intermediate, or advanced level and live with a Brazilian host family.
Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Semester or Academic Year)
Study upper-level Spanish during the fall or spring semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica (Semester or Academic Year)
Spend a semester or academic year taking a wide variety of classes in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Student Initiated Programs in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America
Study abroad in Spain, Portugal, or Latin America through an approved and accredited non-KU study abroad program.
