Welcome!!!
This section contains information about the Spanish Language Program at UW.
Our program, organized into two levels to be completed over two years, is designed to help you develop strong oral and written communication skills in Spanish, while fostering intercultural knowledge and understanding. Through engagement with the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, including Latinx communities in the U.S., you will broaden your perspectives and connect language learning to real-world contexts.
Our program embraces and celebrates the diversity of our students and faculty. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. We pursue excellence in teaching and learning while upholding the values of respect, empathy, and social responsibility.
Courses offered
Spanish 101: ELEMENTARY SPANISH. First course of the first-year program.
Spanish 102: ELEMENTARY SPANISH. Second course of the first-year program.
Spanish 110: ACCELERATED ELEMENTARY SPANISH. Intensive course covering the equivalent of Spanish 101 and Spanish 102 in one quarter.
Spanish 103: ELEMENTARY SPANISH. Third course of the first-year program.
Spanish 201: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH. First course of the second-year program.
Spanish 202: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH. Second course of the second-year program.
Spanish 203: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH. Third course of the second-year program.
In addition, you can study Spanish in our study abroad programs or, if you grew up in a home where Spanish was spoken, by enrolling in our Spanish Heritage Language Program.
Getting started
There are many pathways to start or continue your study of Spanish at UW:
- You have no prior knowledge of Spanish: Enroll in Spanish 101 or Spanish 110.
- You have studied Spanish before: Take the Spanish placement test, from home or in person at the Language Learning Center.
- You have some prior knowledge but need a refresher: Enroll in Spanish 110.
- You took Spanish AP or Spanish IB: You may enroll directly in one of our intermediate-level courses. See placement guidelines.
- You studied Spanish at a community college or another university: You can use those courses for placement. Contact Humanities Academic Services at has-center@uw.edu)
- You grew up speaking Spanish at home or in your community: You are invited to join our Spanish Heritage Language Program. Contact Prof. Angélica Amezcua at aamezcua@uw.edu.
- Not sure where to being: We are happy to help! Contact Humanities Academic Services at has-center@uw.edu.
Why Spanish?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S., with over 40 million speakers—nearly 14% of the population. Worldwide, nearly 600 million people speak Spanish as their first or second language. Learning Spanish will provide you with valuable skills for communication, career development, and cultural understanding. You will be able to engage in Spanish with Spanish-speaking communities both locally and internationally, while strengthening your resume with a highly valued skills in many professional fields, including healthcare, education, communication, and business.
Beyond professional benefits, Spanish offers you a gateway to rich traditions, vibrant music, influential cinema, and the voices of diverse Latinx cultures. Learning Spanish will broaden your horizons and transform the way you experience the world.