Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies in Philadelphia United States | Temple University

Embark on an immersive journey to learn Spanish and discover Latin American culture through Temple University's College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Certificate in Latin American Studies. Since 1973, the interdisciplinary Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) certificate program has offered a distinctive 17-credit spring semester experience for students passionate about Latin America's culture, economy, language, politics, and society. Housed within the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, this intensive program features daily Spanish-language courses across multiple disciplines, fostering both regional expertise and language skills. Students form close bonds with peers and faculty while preparing for the program's highlight—a three-week February/March excursion to Quito, Ecuador. During this international experience, participants study at the Andean Center for Latin American Studies, discover Ecuador's landscapes, and stay with host families. The LASS curriculum prioritizes language mastery and cultivates cross-cultural understanding through classroom instruction and Philadelphia-based community service before and after the overseas component. Graduates earn both a certificate and fulfillment of the General Education World Society requirement.