Spanish Heritage Program

Spanish Heritage Program at FSU: Bilingualism for Professional and Global Success

Welcome to the Spanish Heritage Program! This program allows you to complete FSU’s foreign language requirement in one semester, which normally takes three semesters.

The Spanish Heritage Program at Florida State University is designed to support heritage speakers of Spanish, helping them develop their linguistic skills to enhance their career opportunities. Our courses are designed for students who have grown up in Spanish-speaking environments and seek to strengthen their Spanish proficiency for professional and personal growth.

Why Study Spanish as a Heritage Speaker?

Bilingualism is a competitive advantage in today’s job market. Spanish heritage speakers have unique linguistic and cultural skills that are in high demand across industries, including business, healthcare, law, education, government, and global markets. Our program helps students refine their Spanish to excel in professional environments, develop cross-cultural expertise, and engage confidently in bilingual communication.

Are you a heritage language learner or bilingual speaker?

If one or more of the following statements apply to you, then you probably are a heritage learner or a bilingual speaker.

  • My first language was Spanish (or both Spanish and English)
  • I grew up speaking and/or listening Spanish at home
  • I speak Spanish (or both Spanish and English) with my family
  • I lived in a Spanish-speaking country for three years or longer

The linguistic abilities of Spanish heritage speakers and learners vary significantly depending on their language dominance, usage, and proficiency level in Spanish. Some heritage bilingual speakers are highly proficient, using Spanish fluently and confidently in diverse formal contexts, such as academic and professional settings. Others, however, may have basic speaking and listening skills and feel less confident using Spanish, even in familiar situations.

Still unsure? Consider the following:

  • Some Spanish heritage bilingual speakers have received formal education in Spanish and can speak and write proficiently in both languages.
  • Others speak Spanish fluently but may struggle with reading and writing.
  • Heritage language learners may understand Spanish well but find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

If you have questions about our classes, we’d love to help! Visit us in DIF 302A or email Dr. Brandl at abrandl@fsu.edu.

The two courses in the Spanish heritage program are:

  • SPN 2340 – Basic Spanish for Bilinguals/Heritage Learners
    This course fulfils the FSU Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirement, normally completed in three semesters. SPN 2340 counts towards the Spanish minor and it is a pre-requisite for the Spanish major.
  • SPN 3350 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers
    This course is equivalent to SPN 3300 and SPN 3400. It counts for minor or major credit.

Placement:
To be placed correctly into one of our two courses, you need to make an appointment with one of the heritage program professors listed below:

Anel Brandl, Ph.D.

Delia Poey, Ph.D.