Latin American and Caribbean studies

Enhanced by strong language programs in Spanish and Portuguese, extensive study abroad opportunities, and a broad multi and interdisciplinary curriculum, the major in Latin American and Caribbean Studies provides students with specialized knowledge and firsthand international experience. This flexible, adaptable program can lead to interesting and rewarding careers in a variety of areas and serve as excellent preparation for graduate and professional school.

A degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies prepares you for a globally oriented future:

An international perspective, global awareness, proficiency in a second language and specialized knowledge of other countries and cultures in the Western Hemisphere make graduates of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program highly attractive to prospective employers in many areas. Graduates find a variety of careers open to them with private businesses and corporations, non-profit agencies and NGOs, international organizations and many other entities.
The program also serves as excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs. You can go on to earn an advanced degree in LACS or in other related areas such as history, political science, sociology, international relations or public policy. You can also choose to continue your studies in law school or business school.
The following list provides examples of a few of the careers LACS graduates can pursue. Some, but by no means all, require a graduate or professional degree.

Attorney
Business manager
Conflict resolution specialist
Cultural affairs officer
Diplomat Editor/writer/journalist
Foreign Service officer
International aid administrator
International trade specialist
Medical professional
Museum/art gallery administrator
Politician
Non-profit administrator
Researcher
Social services specialist
Teacher
Translator

Active Learning Opportunities

Internships: Both credit and non-credit internships give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. They also enhance your academic résumé and give you an edge with employers and graduate schools.

Independent study and research: All LACS students are encouraged to include independent study courses or research in their academic programs. Tutorials and bachelor’s essays offer you the chance to conduct in-depth research in an area of special interest, working closely with a faculty supervisor.

Study abroad: Current programs that are sponsored by the LACS program include:

Argentina: A semester-long program of study at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Students live with Argentine and other foreign students in “residencias” that provide an enriching cultural and social experience.
Chile: A semester-long program in Santiago, Chile. Students live with host Chilean families and take classes at the Universidad Diego Portales, one of Chile’s finest institutions of higher learning.
Cuba: Semester-long study program in Havana. Classes are held in Vedado in conjunction with the Instituto de Filosofía. The program is designed to further Spanish language skills and to provide exposure to Cuba’s culture and economy and its political and social history.
Summer in Brazil: An intensive, two-course program that examines how Brazil’s history has contributed to the rich regional diversity of the country. The program includes study tours of museums, cultural centers, historical sites and major cities.

Bi-lateral Programs where students are enrolled at the College of Charleston, but take courses at an affiliated institution include:

Brazil
The Federal Center of Technological Education, Parana, Curitiba; Universidade Federal de Minas Geraís, Belo Horizonte; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre
Chile
Universidad de Diego Portales, Santiago
Argentina
Universidad Nacional de La Matanza, Buenos Aires

Model OAS (Organization of American States): College of Charleston students have participated in the Model OAS in Washington, D.C. for the last 24 years, serving as representatives of member states in a simulation of the OAS General Assembly.

In 2006, the College was one of a small, select group of U.S. universities invited to join Latin American institutions in an international Model OAS simulation, held in the Dominican Republic.
Both simulations are six-day events that include learning about OAS structures and processes, in-depth learning about topical issues facing the hemispheric region, and learning and practicing the art of diplomacy.

Other Special Opportunities

Internships for Academic Credit
An internship will enable you to achieve one of the primary goals of our curriculum—the ability to apply what has been learned at the College of Charleston. An internship will help reinforce theories and concepts with concrete experiences and apply perspectives of the discipline in a work setting. Internships combine experience and applied knowledge melded with course and research work. Additionally, they can help you in both the job market and with graduate school admission. Internships are normally available through the individual departments contributing to LACS.

Independent Study and Research
All LACS students are encouraged to complete a portion of their studies through independent course or research work. Faculty from all participating departments can sponsor these projects and students can get credit for work done in those departments as well.

Bachelor’s Essay
Students may do an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Essay in LACS or may get credit for one within a particular discipline when the project is specifically on Latin America or the Caribbean.

“This program has provided me with experiences inside and outside of the classroom that can only be described as life-changing. The time dedicated to this program has left me a different person – more informed, open, and appreciative of the world and our immediate hemisphere.”

Charles Formoso ’07