Latin American Studies is a gateway to the region and its cultures, politics, and history. The region is at the forefront of policy reform, embedded in the complex networks of global economics, development, social engagement, and cultural expression. The program at Washington University offers a major and a minor for undergraduates and a graduate certificate in Latin American studies for master’s and doctoral students.

Additionally, the program hosts film series, study abroad trips, lectures, and the like, to allow students to explore the processes that resulted in the integration of the so-called New World and Western civilizations, from the discovery of America to the present. Latin America also offers an increasing number of study-abroad and fellowship opportunities. At Washington University, we have in-house programs in Chile, Mexico, and Ecuador, with other countries forthcoming.

Some of our students apply to other programs and fellowships with environmental, political, and social organizations in the region. NGOs and institutions such as Fullbright, Comexus, the Ford Foundation, Human Rights Watch, and Greenpeace have a strong presence in Latin America, and students with a Latin American background have a wide array of fellowship and internship opportunities in them.