Spanish

Exploration Pathway

spanish

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language worldwide and the fastest growing language in California. Knowing Spanish not only improves your ability to communicate and increases your job prospects; it can bring new appreciation of Latin American and Hispanic culture and history, along with greater awareness of your native language.

Catalog Information

Did You Know?

  • Bilingual job postings jumped 30% from 2020 to 2021
  • 4 in 5 English learners in California public schools speak Spanish.
  • Spanish is expected to be the first language of 50% of the U.S. population within 50 years

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Program Highlights

The purpose of the Spanish program at NVC is for students to study Spanish as a first or second language to communicate successfully with the Spanish-speaking world and understand and appreciate Hispanic and Latin American cultures. Coursework emphasizes language acquisition in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Graduates obtaining an AA or AA-T are prepared to major in Spanish at a four-year institution, focusing on literature, linguistics, or culture and civilization. Students may have the opportunity to participate in a summer Study Abroad program to a Spanish speaking country through Napa Valley College International Education.

Occupations

In California, knowledge of Spanish is essential or useful in many occupations, from law enforcement to customer service to agriculture to education.  More broadly, a degree in a foreign language can prepare students for various career opportunities including, but not limited to, consulting, teaching, editing, international affairs, travel or communications, government affairs and public relations.

  • Interpreters and translators
  • Teachers
  • Diplomatic or foreign NGO workers
  • Globalization consultants
  • Social workers
  • Explore more:
    • CareerOneStop – BLS.gov guide to local wage averages & job growth

After NVC

With three NVC degree tracks to choose from, students are encouraged to meet with a full-time member of the Spanish Department to determine the appropriate emphasis for their goals. Every UC and CSU campus offers an undergraduate Spanish major, so work with NVC Counseling and the Transfer Center to focus your options.

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