The International Studies Program in the Spanish-Speaking World aims to help students cultivate their Spanish language skills while acquiring knowledge about the countries and regions where Spanish is spoken. Used in more than 20 countries and regions including Spain, Latin America, and the United States, Spanish is the mother tongue of more than 400 million people worldwide. The Spanish-speaking world is home to an extremely rich and varied range of histories, cultures, and regional conditions. By studying Spanish and the Spanish-speaking world together, the scope of applications for your language ability will expand considerably.
To this end, the International Studies Program in the Spanish-Speaking World at Hiyoshi Campus occasionally offers General Education Seminars on interesting topics relevant to Spain and Latin America (mainly taught by the Spanish language instructors of the Faculty of Business Commerce), as well as a wide variety of general education courses on Spanish and Latin American society and culture (including Latin American Studies, Area Studies–Spain, Area Studies on Culture, Literature, Art, and other such courses focusing on Spain and Latin America). At Mita Campus, the International Studies Seminar is complemented by recognized seminar courses offered by other faculties.
Student Voices
An Exploration of the Culture and Politics of the Spanish-Speaking World/Sawa Namba (Graduated in the 2023 academic year)
My high school exchange program in Spain sparked my interest in the politics and economics of the Spanish-speaking world, leading me to pursue the International Studies Program. During my first and second years, I studied the cultures and political systems of Spanish-speaking countries in the General Education Seminar, while also enrolling in intensive language classes to strengthen my grammar and vocabulary. Then, in my third year, wanting to use the program to build on what I learned at the Hiyoshi Campus, I applied for Keio’s exchange program and was accepted to study in Argentina.
Through the program, I developed an interest that extended beyond Spain to Latin America, broadening my career options, including the possibility of further study abroad. Furthermore, since the language classes were intensive small-group sessions, I had ample opportunities to speak up. This allowed me to significantly improve my speaking skills, so much so that my host family from my time in Spain were impressed by my progress. I believe that, thanks to this program, I can now travel to Argentina with confidence. I would encourage everyone to give this program a try and experience everything the Spanish-speaking world has to offer!
Dreaming of Barcelona, the “City of Art”/Mai Miyake (Graduated in the 2023 academic year)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to stay home right after starting university. Dreaming of traveling the world once the pandemic had ended, I resolved to take action and enrolled in an intensive Spanish course and the General Education Seminar. Since I began studying, I’ve been captivated by the light and airy cadence of Spanish, allowing me to consistently enjoy my daily learning. Furthermore, while researching Spanish artists in the General Education Seminar, I developed an interest in arts and cultural management, which led me to set my sights on study in Barcelona, the city of art. Through lectures incorporated into the program, I developed my basic language skills and an appreciation for art and culture before heading to Spain. This foundation allowed me to not only achieve academic success there but also build strong relationships and learn how to truly enjoy life. I think that participating in the program will provide you with a supportive environment and people who will encourage your growth. I hope that it will inspire students to pioneer a new era while developing an appreciation for those who made it possible.