Languages Take You Places
Why study Spanish?
Spanish is spoken by more than 400 million people across all five continents in over 22 countries, including Spain, most of Middle America and South America and in the United States, where it is the main second language. Spanish Language specialists are constantly in demand in the modern world of global travel and communication. As New Zealand continues to strengthen its international relationships, there will be a need for Spanish speaking graduates to represent New Zealand’s interests in the Spanish-speaking world.
Learning a language broadens horizons. The University’s exchange programme enables you to embark on an adventure with unforgettable experiences abroad. Living for several months in a country thousands of miles from home gives you a boost to your confidence and valuable first-hand knowledge and understanding of another culture.
Spanish at Otago
Spanish is taught through the communicative approach, which emphasises your production skills in the language you are learning. You will have many opportunities to improve your speaking and comprehension skills using the latest text, audio, video and internet resources, including regular screenings of recent Spanish-language movies.
The University of Otago has a collaboration agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Education which means our students have priority in the language assistance programme in Spain where they can choose to study for either half a year or a full year.
Every year the Spanish programme grants an award to the top student studying toward a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Spanish.
Detailed information about Spanish papers.
Diploma in Global Cultures
The Diploma in Global Cultures (DipGlobalC) prepares students for the pressing need to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for intercultural communicative competence and responsible, global citizenship.
The DipGlobalC is a separate qualification normally completed alongside a degree programme and replaces the Diploma in Language and Culture.
Go to details about programme requirements and regulations for the DipGlobalC.
Background required
No previous knowledge of Spanish is required.
Career opportunities
With Spanish in your background, you can carry your language skills into the fields of planning and consultancy, information sciences, journalism, publishing and advertising, finance and banking, tourism and hospitality and all levels of the education system.
Depending on your choice of papers, you will be able to offer specialised skills in dual-language business management or the literature, politics, society and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
Student Exchange
Otago has established exchange relationships with universities in Spain and Latin America. If your marks average B or better, you may qualify to attend one of these institutions for a semester or two. Honours students are able to benefit even more with a semester of immersion, in-country study. You pay only your New Zealand fees, and complete your qualification within the same timeframe as if you had never been away. Competitive scholarships are available to support students on exchange.
