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Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire allows students to develop language proficiency in Spanish along with an appreciation of Latin American culture. At UW – Eau Claire, Latin American Studies students can choose from a broad range of courses in anthropology, art history, economics, foreign languages, geography, history, political science, and religious studies. Latin American Studies majors are well equipped to enter any field or occupation where contact with Latin America or Latin Americans in the United States is important. The following programs are offered in Latin American Studies: a comprehensive teaching or liberal arts major in Latin American Studies, a liberal arts Latin American Studies major, and a liberal arts minor in Latin American Studies.

What will I learn from studying Latin American Studies?

Knowledge:

Latin American Studies students take a broad range of classes ranging from economics to art history. Because of the variety of classes, Latin American Studies majors and minors gain a general understanding of Latin American culture as well as a proficiency in Spanish. The ability to think logically and make analogies is also knowledge that a Latin American Studies student will obtain.

Skills:

  • Organize and memorize detailed information
  • Good listening, clarifying, and responding skills
  • High proficiency in reading, speaking and writing
  • Proficiency in phonetics and ability to imitate sounds
  • Sensitivity to and understanding of other cultures

What are some of the interests and values related to Latin American Studies?

  • Intellectual growth
  • Linguistic ability
  • Adaptability
  • Patience
  • Interest in another culture

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

  • Latin American Studies Club (El Club de Estudios Latinamericanos)
  • El Club Espanol
  • Sigma Delta Pi, National Hispanic Honor Society

Professional:

What career fields are related to a Latin American Studies Degree?

Potential Employers:

Latin American Studies graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of Latin American Studies graduates include: academic and research institutions, cultural organizations, book publishers, museums and businesses.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Employee Relations
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Public Administrator
  • Interpreter
  • Museum Curator
  • Market Researcher
  • Business Manager
  • Attorney

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Latin American Studies graduates?

  • Gr. 6-8 High School Spanish Teacher, Durand School District, Durand, WI
  • Interpreter/ Translator, International Translators, Appleton, WI
  • Intake Worker, Omne Clinic, Eau Claire, WI
  • Marketing Position, Reality Works, Eau Claire, WI
  • International Relations Officer , U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

How can I learn more about Latin American Studies?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors , Blythe Camenson
  • Careers in Foreign Languages , Blythe Camenson
  • Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors , Julie DeGalan & Stephen Lambert
  • Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates , Checkmark Books
  • Opportunities in Foreign Language Careers , Wilga M. Rivers
  • Careers for Foreign Language Officianados & Other Multilingual Types , H. Ned Seelye & J. Laurence Day
Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Latin American Studies?

Internships

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Latin American Studies that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the head of the Latin American Studies Program about enrolling in an internship course in one of the coordinating departments for the Latin American Studies Program.

Study Abroad Experience

Latin American Studies majors are expected to study abroad for at least one semester. Students can choose from various approved locations. For more information see: http://www.uwec.edu/CIE/sac/program/index.htm

Midwest Conference on Latin American Studies

The Midwest Conference on Latin American Studies brings together a range of professionals and students to address issues and share ideas on Latin America. For more information, see: http://www.wku.edu/geoweb/malas/index.html