Bachelor of Arts - Spanish at University of Prince Edward Island - Program overview

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Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture. With over 600 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is increasingly vital in Canada, especially with growing commercial ties to Spain and Latin America. This program not only enhances language skills but also prepares students for various career paths, including translation, teaching, and roles in diplomacy. UPEI is the only institution in Prince Edward Island offering this program, making it a distinctive choice for students interested in pursuing Spanish studies.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program at UPEI is designed to provide a comprehensive education in the Spanish language and its cultural contexts. The program length is four years, allowing students to develop proficiency in both language and cultural studies. Key features of the program structure include:

Students can choose to complete a major or a minor in Spanish.
A major consists of a minimum of 42 semester hours, with opportunities for exchange programs at partner institutions in Spain, Chile, and Uruguay.
Courses are structured to accommodate students with varying levels of prior knowledge, starting from introductory to advanced levels.
Electives must include at least 12 semester hours in modern languages other than Spanish.
Students are encouraged to participate in exchange programs to enhance their learning experience.

Overall, the program emphasizes both language acquisition and cultural understanding, preparing students for a globalized world.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program at UPEI offers several unique experiences that enhance students' learning and engagement:

Spanish 2030: A four-week immersion course taught at the University of Salamanca, Spain, providing firsthand cultural and linguistic exposure.
Tertulias Spanish Club: A social setting where students can practice their Spanish skills and engage with peers.
Research presentations at the Association of Hispanists of the Atlantic Provinces (AHPA) Symposium, allowing students to showcase their work.
Opportunities to work as teaching assistants in language labs for Introductory Spanish courses, gaining valuable teaching experience.

These experiences not only enrich the academic journey but also foster personal growth and professional development.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program at UPEI can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada and beyond. Some potential job options include:

Translator: Converting written text from Spanish to English and vice versa, often in legal, technical, or literary contexts.
Language Teacher: Teaching Spanish in schools or language institutes, helping students develop their language skills.
Diplomat: Working in international relations, representing Canada in Spanish-speaking countries and fostering diplomatic ties.
International Organization Employee: Positions in organizations like the United Nations or the European Union, focusing on Spanish-speaking regions.
Consulate or Embassy Staff: Assisting in diplomatic missions and providing support to Spanish-speaking citizens abroad.

These career options highlight the versatility of a degree in Spanish, equipping graduates with valuable skills for a globalized job market.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Prince Edward Island official website

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts - Spanish program at the University of Prince Edward Island, prospective students must meet the following admission criteria:

Successful completion of Grade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Program with an overall average of at least 70% (or 75% for Quebec Secondary V students).
Completion of the following subjects:
- English
- One Social Studies or Language
- Any three other academic courses
Grade 12 Math is recommended as it is a prerequisite for some first-year Arts courses.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to ensure that your academic qualifications are equivalent to the Canadian high school standards. Students are encouraged to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. Students should apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines.

It is important to note that students wishing to study Spanish typically start with 1000-level courses, which require no prior background in the language. Those with some experience may enter at a higher level, and students who have taken Spanish at the high school level will need to write a placement test.

Language Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at the University of Prince Edward Island is English. All academically admissible applicants, regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to undertaking studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. Proficiency may be demonstrated by:

Undergraduate programs

Three years of full-time study in English in Canada or in another country where English is a principal language (as recognized by UPEI); evidence of bilingualism (English and another language) is acceptable for those applicants educated in Canada in a language other than English; OR
Submission of an official test score at or above the acceptable minimum, such as:

Test	Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Baccalauréate en éducation, Français Langue Seconde	Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education
IELTS (Academic)	Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6	Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening
TOEFL paper-based test	550 with minimum TWE of 5.5	600 with minimum TWE of 6
TOEFL internet-based test	80 with minimum of 20 in each category	100 with a minimum of 25 in speaking and writing, 22 in reading and listening
TOEFL essentials	8.5 (overall) no score below 8.0	Not accepted
CAEL (including CAEL Online)	60	70
Pearson Test of English	58	66
Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency	Overall score of 176 with 176 in writing and no other skill below 169	Overall score of 185 with 185 in writing and speaking; 176 in reading and listening
GTEC CBT	1176–1250	1250 and above
English 621*	70%	N/A

Applicants without English proficiency test scores, or with scores below the minimum, may be admitted conditionally (NOT available to applicants seeking admission to Nursing, Radiography, Education or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), and will be assessed by the EAP Coordinator upon arrival. Depending upon the assessment result, students may be placed in either full-time or part-time EAP. Part-time EAP is taken in combination with up to three credit courses. Upon successful completion of EAP, with an acceptable test score as noted above, these students will be eligible to begin academic studies without conditions related to English language proficiency.

*Prince Edward Island high school course English 621 or an analogous grade 12 academic English course from another Canadian Provincial curriculum.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!