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Spanish Program

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Are you interested in learning Spanish and immersing yourself in its rich cultures? Do you want to join a fun and supportive community of learners and professors? Do you want to boost your career opportunities with a valuable language skill? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then learn Spanish at Cypress College!

The Spanish Program at Cypress College offers a variety of courses and activities to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Learn valuable language skills all while you study topics such as art, film, cuisine, history, customs, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.

All of our courses are transfer-level credit courses (UC/CSU, AA, GE) and are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for assessing language proficiency. Our faculty members are all native speakers of Spanish, have master’s and doctorate degrees in Spanish, and have extensive experience in teaching Spanish as a second and/or heritage language. We also provide free textbooks, free tutoring, online resources, and a Spanish Club.

Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or a heritage language learner, the Spanish Program at Cypress College can help you reach your full potential in Spanish. Enroll today and discover the benefits of learning Spanish at Cypress College! This curriculum is designed to provide an opportunity for the Spanish major to achieve an Associate in Arts Degree in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T in Spanish) which completes the first and second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution, elementary, and/or intermediate level certificates of achievement.

Cypress College Spanish Program offers these courses:

  • SPAN 101 (Elementary Spanish I) has no prerequisites
  • SPAN 102 (Elementary Spanish II) requires a grade of C or better in SPAN 101
  • SPAN 200 (Conversational Spanish) requires a grade of C or better in SPAN 102
  • SPAN 201 (Spanish for Spanish Speakers I)
  • SPAN 202 (Spanish for Spanish Speakers II) requires a grade of C or better in SPAN 201
  • SPAN 203 (Intermediate Spanish III) requires a grade of C or better in SPAN 102
  • SPAN 204 (Intermediate Spanish IV) requires a grade of C or better in SPAN 203
  • SPAN 298 Spanish Seminar
  • SPAN 299 Spanish Independent Study

Cypress College Spanish Program offers Spanish classes in a variety of formats:

  • In-person classes for all courses
  • Hybrid classes (a combination of in-person and online instruction)
  • Online asynchronous (all instruction and work are done online via Canvas)

Degrees and Certificates:

Transfer Information:

All courses in this program meet transfer and degree requirements for CSU and UC. To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of C or better.

For further transfer information, please email:

Textbooks:

Our Spanish Program is transitioning to become Zero-Textbook-Cost (ZTC). SPAN 101 and 203 course materials will be available online fall 2024. SPAN 102 will be ZTC beginning spring 2025. Additional free instructional materials will be given in the classroom and/or embedded in Canvas. Taking ZTC courses are a great way to save money on your education and access course materials that utilize innovative and multicultural approaches to learning Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why learn Spanish?

Spanish is among the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. 1

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with about 486 million native Spanish speakers and almost 100 million non-native Spanish speakers. 2

The United States has almost 57 million Spanish speakers, with 42 million being native Spanish speakers and the remaining being bilingual. Approximately 10 million of these Spanish speakers reside in California. 3 Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, with the majority of them being Spanish speakers. 4

Spanish is the second most used language on the internet. 5

Is learning Spanish useful?

Absolutely! The culture and economy of the United States have become increasingly diverse and globalized. Knowledge of a language other than English is a highly sought-after professional qualification as well as a valuable life skill. In addition to increased brain function, such as improving memory and communication skills, learning Spanish increases your career prospects in a variety of fields such as accounting, aviation, business, government, health care, law enforcement, teaching, technology, research, the visual arts and many more.

Is there data on the value of learning Spanish?

Yes! Here are some statistics. Spanish is an official language in 21 countries, and learning it provides you with a valuable skill that increases your career opportunities and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Employers highly value proficiency in Spanish, with 79% of recruiters citing it as the most sought-after language skill. Bilingual speakers may even enjoy a wage premium, with an average increase of 1.7%. By mastering Spanish, you can enhance your career prospects and stay ahead in today’s competitive job market. 6

The Spanish speakers in the world have a combined purchasing power of around 9% of world GDP. 7 Mexico is the biggest trading partner of the United States. 8 In 2023, the U.S. imported more than $427 billion worth of auto parts, medical equipment, electronics and other goods. Other big Spanish-speaking economies include Argentina, Colombia, and Spain. 9

How can learning Spanish help my career prospects?

Language majors in the US earned the highest average starting salary of all liberal arts majors. They also have better employment prospects overall. In a study of over four million resumes, the college liberal arts major with the fewest underemployed graduates was “Foreign Languages, Literature, and Linguistics” (2018). 10

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and learning it can open up opportunities for work. Many companies are looking for employees who can speak Spanish to cater to their Spanish-speaking clients or customers. There are also many industries that specifically require bilingual candidates, increasing your chances of working on international projects or even relocating to a Spanish-speaking country for work.

Is the number of Spanish-speakers growing?

Yes! By 2060, the United States is expected to have the second largest number of Spanish speakers in the world, after Mexico. 11

How do I get started?

You must be a current student to take a Spanish class at Cypress College. When the registration period for the term opens, review the class schedule  and choose a course level and day/time/modality that fits your needs and your schedule. Then enroll for your chosen course via myGateway.

If you are not a current student, you will need to go through the admissions and orientation process before you can enroll in a Spanish course. Go to the Admissions and Registration page and follow the steps there to apply.

I took Spanish in high school. Can I skip SPAN 101 or 102, and start taking higher level?

Yes. To skip SPAN 101 or 102, contact Professor Karen Le Cornet to request a waiver of the prerequisite. She will assess your Spanish proficiency. If you are proficient enough, you will be granted a waiver.

I want to take Spanish for fun or just to learn. I do not plan to transfer to a four-year university. Is there a non-grading option?

Yes, there is an audit option. Auditing a class means that you will not receive any college credit for the class, but you will be able to attend lectures, learn Spanish and participate in activities. To audit a class, first send an email to Karen Le Cornet to request permission. Then go to Admissions & Records Forms and submit an Audit Request online.

I am interested in taking Spanish because I want to work in a Spanish-speaking country. What kind of job can I get?

The type of job you can get in a Spanish-speaking country depends on your major, skills, and experience. Moreover, you have any of the following options:

  1. you can choose a different major while taking Spanish courses
  2. you can double major in Spanish and another discipline
  3. you can minor in Spanish 

If you want to work in a Spanish-speaking country, it is important to first learn as much Spanish as you can. Start with taking a Spanish course at Cypress College where we offer different levels: SPAN 101, 102, 201, 202, 203, and 204.

Once you have completed the elementary level (101 and 102), consider certifying your ability to use Spanish by getting the DELE or SIELE Spanish diplomas.

The DELE Spanish diplomas are awarded by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Professional Training. When registering, candidates can choose which level of Spanish they want to certify from the six available, established according to the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). DELE exams are graded on a pass/fail basis, and the various tests are designed to assess the person’s overall communicative competence in Spanish (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking).

The SIELE certifies the level of proficiency in the Spanish language through four tests, which are carried out electronically: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Written Expression and Interaction, and Oral Expression and Interaction. The SIELE exams are not linked to a pass/fail qualification; instead, they produce a result associated with one of the six levels. This certificate is promoted by the Instituto Cervantes, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, the Universidad de Salamanca and the Universidad de Buenos Aires.

In addition to the DELE or SIELE, below is a list of certificates and associate degrees that can boost your resume by combining your professional interests and Spanish skills:

What are some career opportunities for people who know Spanish?

Having Spanish skills widens your career opportunities and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Your career opportunities will increase in many industries such as:

  • Business: Businesses are always looking for bilingual employees. You could work as an accountant, marketing manager, or business consultant.
  • Consulting firms: Consulting firms are another great option for people with Spanish skills. For example, Mexican consulting firms often work with international companies on a variety of projects, such as market research, strategy development, and IT consulting. If you have strong Spanish skills and an MBA, you could work as a management consultant for a consulting firm.
  • Education: You could teach Spanish to English speakers or teach English as a Second Language. One excellent example of a fantastic opportunity to start your teaching experience and immerse yourself in a different culture is the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program in Spain (NALCAP). This program offers participants the chance to teach English as language assistants in Spain, gaining valuable hands-on experience while also immersing themselves in the rich Spanish culture.
  • Fashion: Many fashion houses and luxury brands (Balenciaga, Loewe, Paco Rabanne, Manolo Blahnik, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Carolina Herrera) are headquartered in Spanish-speaking countries but have a global network. You could work as an apparel associate, sales associate, stylist, visual merchandiser, or retail buyer.  
  • Finance: Banks are always looking for bilingual employees. Many banks have a global network, which include subsidiaries and branch offices in the U.S. and abroad. Some examples are Santander, Banorte, and CaixaBank.
  • Government: Local, state, and federal agencies are constantly seeking bilingual employees. Being proficient in more than one language can even lead to a wage premium for bilingual speakers.
  • Hospitality: You could work as a tour guide, hotel receptionist, or restaurant server in a hotel or restaurant and assist Spanish-speaking clients or customers.
  • Law: Law firms are increasingly hiring bilingual lawyers to help them with international transactions.
  • Media: Media companies are always looking for bilingual journalists,  content creators, editors, public relations specialist, social media specialists, and production assistants.
  • Medical: You could work as a Spanish translator, interpreter, or medical assistant in a hospital or clinic in the U.S. or abroad.
  • Technology companies: Spanish is a major player in the global technology industry, as it is the second most widely used language on the Internet. If you have strong Spanish skills and a background in technology, you could work for tech companies.
  • Tourism: You could work as a travel agent, airplane attendant, tour guide, or event planner for Spanish-speaking tourists.
  • Technology: You could work as a software engineer, product manager, or technical writer or marketing manager.
  • Trading companies: Trading companies operate in a wide range of industries, including import/export, logistics, accounting, and finance. If you have strong Spanish skills, you could work as a business development manager, market researcher, or financial analyst for a trading company.

How can I get help with my Spanish studies?

We have an amazing and experienced tutor named Alexandra Vargas. She is here to support you throughout the semester. I encourage you to see her for help with Spanish conversation practice, learning grammar, reviewing writing assignments, or studying for exams as often as needed.

Alexandra provides free Spanish tutoring services at the Learning Resource Center. She is usually available for walk-ins and appointments. Please send her an email to schedule an appointment or to ask about details on tutoring services.

How much are the textbooks?

The Spanish Program is transitioning to become Zero-Textbook-Cost (ZTC), which means all course textbooks will be provided free of charge! Beginning fall 2024, Spanish 101 and 203 course materials will be available online. Beginning spring 2025, SPAN 102 will also be ZTC. Additional free instructional materials will be given in the classroom and/or embedded in Canvas.