NEW MAJOR
Spanish The Department of Modern Languages offers the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Modern Languages with specialization in Spanish. The Spanish major is designed to provide students with a proficiency in practical communicative skills in Spanish as well as familiarity with the cultures in which it is spoken. Spanish is used by more than 300 million people worldwide and it is the one of the fastest-growing languages in the United States. Having the ability to speak and understand the Spanish language will provide you with many professional opportunities. The Spanish major is excellent preparation for careers in business, journalism and communications, law, medicine, the service professions, and teaching. This program fully articulates with Hunter College’s bachelor degree programs in Spanish. For more information contact Prof. Silvia Álvarez-Olarra Rm. S601R • Phone: 212 220 8000 Ext: 5214 salvarezolarra@bmcc.cuny.edu Visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu/languages
Why Study Spanish? Here are 9 really good reasons: 1. It’s a global language. There are 329 million native speakers of Spanish in the world and it is one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and a working language of numerous international institutions. 2. Spanish isn't a foreign language anymore. It is one of the fastest-growing languages in the U.S., with the number of speakers up 233% since 1980. 3. Learning Spanish will help your career, improve your cognitive skills, and will open doors. 4. Spanish gives you access to the history, literatures, arts, traditions, and politics of 21 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. 5. Spanish bolsters your appeal to employers. Stand out in a competitive job market: 96% of employers prefer individuals who can speak Spanish fluently.
6. For many, learning Spanish is rapidly becoming a business necessity. 7. Expand your horizons. Command of Spanish will open up many opportunities to contribute to local and international community-based projects, since many charitable and social organizations serve monolingual Spanish-speaking children and families. 8. Spanish gives you the opportunity to live, volunteer and travel abroad. You’ll learn to better appreciate people and cultures! Unlock a world of travel destinations or, if you want, work abroad. 9. Become a more independent person! Speaking Spanish opens up an array of networking opportunities closed to individuals only confident in one language.
What can I do with an A.A. in Spanish? Really anything you want! The possibilities are endless! Because Spanish is becoming more widely used in the world, having the ability to speak and understand the Spanish language will provide you with many professional opportunities. A selection of possible careers available to those with Spanish degrees: Education:
Importer/Exporter Government:
Bilingual Educator College Professor
Business:
International Relations Consultant Foreign Exchange Trader Publishing Specialist Foreign Correspondent Proofreader
Translator/Interpreter International Account Manager International Banking Officer Bilingual customer support
Culture/Tourism:
Cultural Events Coordinator Travel Agent Translator/Interpreter Escort/Interpreter/Guide
National Security Agent Immigration Officer Court Interpreter Cultural Attaché UNESCO Official Translator/Interpreter FBI Agent Foreign Diplomat Missionary Foreign Service Officer
Resources in Spanish at Modern Languages Department Students can explore our own collection of films and instructional videos; become an editor and contributor for our Spanish magazine Acentos Latinos; participate in our annual Student Symposium of Modern Languages; or participate in a Study Abroad program in Spain with 60% of the cost covered to grow linguistically and expand your cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking societies.