Program Overview

Latin American Studies Program

Overview

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) offers a minor and an extended minor in Latin American Studies as part of its Bachelor of Arts program. This interdisciplinary program combines courses in language, history, culture, global development, and geography, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex history and rich culture of Latin America.

Program Structure

• The program allows students to achieve competency in Spanish and develop broad cultural expertise in preparation for a career that could take them across borders.
• Students can choose from several options to practice their Spanish and experience Latin culture first-hand, including:
  • Studying abroad for a term in one of UFV's partner post-secondary educational institutions
  • Joining a study tour led by UFV faculty to explore a region's culture, history, and landscapes
  • Completing an international internship placement for a full immersive work and cultural experience

Career Opportunities

• Combining language and cultural competencies with discipline-specific skills by adding a major in Economics, Geography, Global Development Studies, History, Peace and Conflict Studies, or Political Science to the minor or extended minor in Latin American Studies can boost employment opportunities.
• Graduates may also pursue a graduate education in fields such as law, business, medicine, public policy, or global development.

Career Outlook

• With over 400 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is the most spoken language in the Americas and the third most spoken language on the planet after Mandarin and English.
• Latin American Studies can open doors in fields such as travel and tourism, journalism, diplomatic relations, public service, education, international law, sustainable development, social work, business, and international trade.
• Multi-national corporations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations value employees familiar with the language and culture of the countries where they operate.