UF Spanish & Portuguese showcased five study-abroad programs at Fall 2025 fair
At this fall’s Study Abroad Fair (2025), professors Paola Uparela, Antonio Sajid López, John Flanagan, Greg Moreland and Mariana Olivera—with support from several teaching assistants—presented a strong slate of international opportunities for students across proficiency levels. Throughout the day, faculty fielded questions, shared syllabi and placement details, and highlighted how immersive learning abroad advances language proficiency, intercultural competence and career readiness. (Photo by César Badilla Miranda.)
UF in San José — Costa Rica
Set in the capital city, this program blends intensive Spanish study with hands-on service and community engagement. Students strengthen communication, critical thinking and cultural awareness while working with local partners and living with host families.
UF in Cusco — Peru
High in the Andes, the former Inca capital offers a Summer A track that pairs language and cultural exploration with health-related experiential placements—an ideal fit for pre-health students seeking clinical context in a Spanish-speaking environment.
UF in Rio de Janeiro — Brazil
A cosmopolitan hub framed by beaches and mountains, Rio invites students to experience Portuguese language and Brazilian culture in one of the world’s most iconic urban landscapes, from Copacabana and Ipanema to Sugarloaf and Tijuca.
UF in Seville — Spain
Located in sun-soaked Andalusia, Seville serves advanced Spanish students aiming to earn major or minor credit while engaging with the city’s deep literary, historical, and artistic traditions.
UF in Valencia — Spain
Combining vibrant city life with a relaxed seaside pace, Valencia welcomes beginning and intermediate learners. Students tap into the city’s multicultural roots and Mediterranean setting to build fluency and confidence.
Faculty reported strong interest across all sites, with students citing the programs’ mix of language instruction, authentic community interaction, and clear academic pathways as deciding factors. The department looks forward to guiding applicants through next steps and welcoming the next cohort abroad.