Studying a foreign language opens doors to other cultures and other ways of thinking. In fact, it’s an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum. It's also a stepping stone to students' futures, whether they're headed into a career in diplomacy, international business, medicine, or service; a reading knowledge of other languages is also a frequent requirement for graduate work in many fields. At Birmingham-Southern, our goal is to broaden students’ perspective while preparing them for future success.
"The Birmingham-Southern College Spanish for the Workplace program has had a tremendous impact on my education. I came in as a freshman unsure of how to use my Hispanic background as a tool to help advance my career. I am leaving with a newfound confidence in my sense of self and my ability to work with the Spanish language. I had the privilege of working with two professors who were always invested not just in my class performance, but also in my personal goals and dreams. They have constantly challenged me to grow and improve. In my classes I learned the fundamentals of Spanish grammar, the beauty of the Argentine culture, and the best way to analyze a piece of literature, among many other things. I gained something from each and every class and I was also able to discover a passion for medical interpretation. It has completely changed my life. I am now able to break down language barriers and help provide medical care for an under-served population. I’m so thankful and honored to have been a part of one of BSC’s most engaging and innovative programs." -- Sabrina Bougrat ‘19, Pre-nursing, Psychology, Spanish for the Workplace minor
"I graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 2017 as a Biology major and Spanish for the Workplace minor with a concentration in healthcare. Now, I am a second-year medical student at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and was selected to be a founding member of their Latino Health Scholars program. Through the Spanish curriculum at BSC, I gained not only a strong foundation in communication skills and cultural competency but also a pre-established understanding of cultural influences in healthcare, medical vocabulary, and the use of medical interpreters. Now, through this program at LSU, I will have the opportunity to continue developing my skills, knowledge, and understanding of the language and culture within the context of medicine. I will shadow Spanish-speaking physicians, work with Latino patients, learn from their perspectives, take medical Spanish courses, have the opportunity to complete rotations abroad, engage in discussions regarding the influence of culture in healthcare, and conduct research within the context of this field. I look forward to having more opportunities to develop my Spanish proficiency and cultural competency with the ultimate goal of being able to break down language and cultural barriers in my future practice to ensure equal healthcare experiences for all of my patients. Working with the Latino population and seeing the effects of these barriers in the healthcare system and society as a whole has emphasized the value in an education in a foreign language and given me a greater appreciation for the education, opportunities, and experiences that have helped to shape my worldview." -- Allie Young, '17, Biology, Spanish for the Workplace minor
"Where do I begin? The Spanish Department at BSC gave—and continues to provide—me a powerful foundation of language, culture, knowledge, and more importantly, the ability to assimilate and acquire skills. Language is ever-evolving, and Spanish is a multi-dimensional experience at BSC. Both Professors Spencer and Domcekova always transformed the classroom into real-world applications, with whatever we were studying (even very difficult grammar) leaping off the pages and coming to life. Learning slices of culture in a variety of situations was invaluable, because it helped me contextualize Spanish. Every course I took at BSC built a solid stairwell to my graduate-study aspirations. Today, I am a student at the University of Alabama, studying law and Spanish. This semester, I am very excited to begin working at Adelante, an organization that focuses on Latino workers’ rights and related immigration issues! Without having pursued Spanish as a major, I would not have been able to find the perfect confluence of using the Spanish I had learned (and continue to learn) and the legal skills I have acquired since leaving BSC in 2015. I am forever grateful to BSC. As someone who dithered between several majors, I urge you to major or minor in Spanish—it will change your life, and will open countless doors!" -- Smriti Krishnah, ’15, Spanish
Donation Challenge
$5,000 if $5,000 is donated in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
Offered by After Hours Match (Courtesy of Ragan Cain '99)
Donation Challenge
$1,000 if $1,000 is donated in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
Offered by Early Bird Match (Courtesy of Camille Spratling '98)
Donation Challenge
$5,000 if 20 donors give in the next over 1 year
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For Classes between 2000 & 2009
Offered by Blair Danley Schoenvogel '01
Donation Challenge
$5,000 if 20 donors give in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
For Classes between 1990 & 1999
Offered by Franklin Danley '97
Donation Challenge
$2,500 if 100 donors give in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
For Friends
Offered by Virginia Gilbert Loftin
Donation Challenge
$2,500 if $2,500 is donated in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
Offered by Sarah Lauren V. Kattos
Donation Challenge
$500 if 10 donors give in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
Offered by Vicki VanValkenburgh
Donation Challenge
$500 if 10 donors give in the next over 1 year
Challenge Complete!
Offered by Vicki VanValkenburgh
Donation Match
$1 per $1 donated up to $10,000
Match Complete!
Offered by Moving Forward Match courtesy of Dr. Weily Soong '95
Donation Match
$1 per $1 donated up to $1,000
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Offered by Graham & Hayes Gaston c/o 2034
Donation Match
$1 per $1 donated up to $750
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For Forward Ever Day - Modern Foreign Languages
Offered by Paul and Dian Hansen
Donation Match
$1 per $1 donated up to $100
Match Complete!
Offered by Mary Stewart Nelson Thompson