Duke University Romance Studies

Spanish Service-Learning: Changing Students' Lives

Spanish Service Learning Coordinator: Bonnie McManus

Since its inception in 2004 with a grant from the Duke Clinical Research Institute and a single course, the Spanish Service-Learning program has taught over 250 Duke undergraduates, spent over 5000 hours learning and working with the Latino/a community, and partnered with more than fifteen different community organizations in Durham and the surrounding area.

From the beginning, numerous students have let us know that taking Spanish Service-Learning courses changed their lives. Many students from these courses have gone on to law school, medical school, and other professional paths with a clear focus on working with the Latino/a community. At least two students from the Spanish 106C course, “Issues in Education and Immigration,” have stated that their course work and service inspired them to apply to Teach for America in order to continue their work with Latino/a youth in inner city schools. Other students have continued volunteering with their community partners for several semesters after completing their coursework. All of these students have found their “calling” through the work they have done in Spanish Service-Learning and the Durham community.

Recent Duke graduate Joseph Reardon, who took the Spanish 106A "Spanish for the Health Professions" service-learning course in 2006, is just one of many students who have continued their work with the Latino/a community beyond their semester of service and have made career choices based in large part on their service-learning experience. Starting Harvard Medical School in the fall, Joe describes his journey as such:

"When I came to Duke, I knew that I wanted to apply my learning outside of the classroom, and I thought that engagement with the Latino community in Durham could be a particularly valuable experience. Thankfully, the Spanish Service Learning program provided me the perfect opportunity to escape the ivory tower and learn in the real world. With ‘Spanish for Health Professions,’ I taught CPR and First Aid classes in Spanish with the local Red Cross, and in the classroom I learned about the broader health trends in Latino populations that affected those I served….Teaching CPR to Spanish-speaking populations has defined a significant component of my Duke experience. When I attend medical school this fall, I am sure that I will use the lessons on health, service, solidarity, and effective communication that I learned in 'Spanish for Health Professions.'"

The Spanish Service-Learning program strives to create opportunities wherein students may be enriched by experiences in the community as they advance in their Spanish studies. The course offerings complement the other service-learning courses across campus. As Duke advances its mission to build civic engagement, Romance Studies is well-represented and is touted as a model program within this endeavor.