Study Abroad & Local Immersion

The Department of Romance Languages strongly encourages students to study abroad. We sponsor several of our own faculty-led programs in different countries. Visit UC International Programs in Edwards 1 (Room 7148) for information on other programs.

Credit earned in university-sponsored study-abroad programs and accredited language schools is generally transferable to UC (and applicable to majors and minors). To make sure your credit will transfer, consult the Undergraduate Advisor before leaving.

For information on scholarships and grants for study abroad can be found on the International Programs website.

The Department of Romance and Arabic Languages and Literatures offers a few competitive scholarhips for study abroad in Spanish and French speaking countries. More information can be found on the individuall study abroad pages.

Sunset in Over The Rhine - Local Language Immersion

Sunset in OTR, by 5chw4r7z on Flckr

The Local Language Immersion (LLI) experience accelerates language learning by simulating elements of a study-abroad environment, drawing from the rich cultural heritage within the local context of the Cincinnati area. This six-credit, six-week summer program provides a springboard for students to develop their linguistic and cultural competence, affording opportunities to transfer classroom knowledge to the real world. LLI students will actively participate in a series of co-curricular activities while also taking a summer language course. The LLI program empowers students to communicate confidently, providing meaningful opportunities to use the target language in an environment devoted to academic excellence, diversity, and intercultural communication.

A four image collage depicting a class posing on the quad, a food demonstration. a dance class, and a lecturer talking to students.

Local Spanish Immersion Program:

All students will enroll in SPAN 3020. Intermediate-level students will also enroll in SPAN 2016, and advanced level students will enroll in 3040.This 6-credit program counts towards the minor/major. 

Visual indicating the course options for the Spanish LLI program. The information is outline in the text just below this image.

Courses:                                                                                                                                                  SPAN 2016: This 3-credit-hour course is the second of the Composition and Conversation sequence.  Emphasis is on the continued building of linguistic and cultural competence in Spanish through communication.

SPAN 3040: This 3-credit-hour course focuses on the understanding of issues related to Hispanic language and culture. The topics may vary from one summer to the other. Contact the coordinator if you want to get more information about it.

SPAN 3020: This “course” offers 8-10 hours of weekly co-curricular activities that promote sustained use of Spanish. These activities will focus on: a) implementation of daily activities in Spanish, such as cooking, board games, or sport activities; b) engagement with scholarly activities focused on culture, such as art exhibitions, workshops on script writing or lectures; and c) contact with local communities in the Greater Area of Cincinnati.

Schedule:                                                                                                                                                    LLI for 2025 will take place during Summer Session B, from July 7th to August 9th. Courses will follow the summer block schedule. SPAN 2016 and SPAN 3040 will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 2:00-4:40pm. The immersion experience, SPAN 3020, will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:00-8:40pm.

Immersion Activities:                                                                                                                          Some of the co-curricular activities that taking place during the Language Immersion Experience are: 

  • Cooking classes
  • Film festivals
  • Art workshops (dance, music, script, …)
  • Guest speakers from the Latino community from UC and outside UC
  • Sports activities
  • And many others!

Cost:
The only cost to students is for the six credits. The Program has a $90 program fee to cover the cost of some of the activities.

How do I apply?
Contact Dr. Juan Godoy (godoyjo@ucmail.uc.edu)
Coordinator of Local Spanish Immersion Program

Faculty:
Dr. Juan Godoy (godoyjo@ucmail.uc.edu )
Coordinator of Local Spanish Immersion Program and Program Co-Designer
Assistant Professor Educator in Spanish

Dr. Kara Moranski (kara.moranski@uc.edu)
Affiliated Faculty and Program Co-Designer
Assistant Professor

If you would like to know more information about the program, please watch this 
Information Session about it.