Our program promotes an understanding of Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as the Latinx/Hispanic communities of the United States. The program includes a strong emphasis on community education and involvement. UCF offers both a bachelor’s degree and interdisciplinary minor in Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies.
Our mission is to provide undergraduate students with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand and work with Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx populations in in the United States, Latin America, and beyond. Students gain an extensive understanding, both in depth and breadth, of the Americas in terms of their historical, cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions.
The Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies programs are interdisciplinary, including the fields of anthropology, art, history, language, literature and political science.
Spanish Placement Test
Interested in learning Spanish or improving your skills in this language? Do you have any prior experience with the language, but you don’t know where to start?
As of March 30, 2026, you must take the Spanish Placement Test if you plan to enroll in Spanish at UCF and you have prior experience with the language but have not earned college-level Spanish credit. To enroll in the placement test, or if you are unsure whether you need the exam, please visit the Spanish Placement Test page on the University Testing Center website. The page includes the Spanish Placement Pre-Test Survey and complete details about testing requirements. The results of the survey and your test score will help guide you to the appropriate course level.
NOTE: You do not need the exam if you have already earned college-level Spanish credit or you have no prior experience and plan to begin in the first-level course.
Building Partnerships Throughout Latin America
We have partnered with several institutions in Latin America and Europe to provide short-term programs on their campus. Partner institutions include the University of San Ignacio de Loyola in Peru, the University Autónoma de la Yucatan in Mexico, Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Sao Paulo, and the Escuela de Idiomas in Spain.
Faculty
Program Coordinator
Jesse Rothbard
Profile Jesse.Rothbard@ucf.edu
Affiliated Faculty
- Maria Julia Cabail, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Karina Lissette Cespedes, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Ana Patricia Camacho, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Ilenia Colon Mendoza, Visual Arts & Design
- Annabelle Conroy, Politics, Security & International Affairs
- Katidia Coronado, Communication and Media
- Rita De Luca Guerriero, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Stacey DiLiberto, Philosophy
- Esmeralda Duarte, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Akosua Fadhili AfriKa (Marie Léticée), Modern Languages & Literatures
- Francisco Fernandez-Rubiera, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Erica Kight, Communication and Media
- Brigitte Kovacevich, Anthropology
- Erin Laureano, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Sandra Leon-Barth, Experiential Learning
- Luis Martinez Fernandez, History
- Cyndia Muniz, Puerto Rico Research Hub
- Lisa Nalbone, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Evelin Pegoraro, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Julie Pomerleau, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Anne Prucha, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Bernardo Ramirez, Global Health Management & Informatics
- Maria Redmon, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Anthropology
- Fernando Rivera, Sociology
- Cecilia Rodríguez Milanés, English
- Romina Sáez Tapia, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Carolina Salazar, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Aimee Schoonmaker, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Sandra Sousa, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Kacie Tartt, Modern Languages & Literatures
- Christina Torres, Modern Languages & Literatures
- J. Marla Toyne, Anthropology
- Natalie Underberg-Goode, Communication and Media
- Karina Cespedes, Philosophy, Humanities and Cultural Studies Program
- Stacey DiLiberto, Philosophy, Humanities and Cultural Studies Program
- Cyndia Muniz, Director of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Culture and Partnerships
Study Abroad
Broaden your horizons, professional and social opportunities by participating in one of our successful study abroad programs. Immerse yourself in a foreign culture, study the language, and gain skills to become more successful in a globalized community.
Featured Stories
UCF Class Spotlight: History of the Caribbean
February 01, 2024 Offered through the Africana Studies program, “History of the Caribbean” teaches students of all disciplines the big significance of a relatively small region.
Operación Pedro Pan Comes to UCF
April 04, 2023 Community experts share their experiences of undergoing the Operación Pedro Pan flights and the aftermath of their new lives in America as some of the 14,000 minors that came from Cuba to the United States.
'Futures in Languages' Podcast Showcases Opportunities for New Language Learners
February 15, 2023 Lecturer Christina Torres shares insight into her podcast, Futures in Languages.
Resources
Internship Opportunities
- Office of Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
- Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Sao Paolo in Brazil
- EducationUSA in Cusco, Peru and Montevideo, Uruguay
Scholarships
Courses