This document outlines specific opportunities for Spanish students at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign to further develop their language skills and gain experience. It encourages students to be proactive and persistent in pursuing opportunities that match their personal goals such as becoming fluent in Spanish, preparing for graduate school, standing out in their job search, or other goals. The opportunities listed include writing an honors thesis, working in a linguistics lab, experiential learning, interning abroad, assisting a Spanish teacher, leading a student group, and applying to an advisory board.

1. Level up
Your
Spanish
Experience
specific opportunities
at the University of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Annie Abbott
Director of Undergraduate Studies
arabbott@illinois.edu  @AnnAbbott

2. For the following opportunities,
students must…
1. be proactive and persistent.
2. match opportunities to personal
goals:
 Speak fluent Spanish
 Prep for grad school
 Stand out in job search
 Other goal?

3. Write an honors thesis

4. Honors theses work best if
you have developed a
relationship with a faculty
member.
(Click for more info)

5. Work in a linguistics lab

6. Help plan, recruit for, and run
experiments.
(Click for more info)

7. Try experiential learning

8. Take community service
learning classes and gain pre-
professional experience.
(Click for more info)

9. Intern abroad

10. Barcelona internships are
wonderful, but they don’t fall
in your lap. Make one
happen!
(Click for more info)

11. Assist a Spanish teacher

12. Ask about work opportunities
in the Language Academy
(summer camp & after-
school).
(Click for more info)

13. Lead a Mi Pueblo group

14. Gain leadership experience
and focus on a theme that is
meaningful to you.
(Click for more info)

15. Apply to the Undergraduate
Advisory Board

16. Be an influencer and hone
your professional
communication.
(Talk to the Spanish advisor for more info)