<p>Hello everyone! I am a high school senior considering attending either Williams or Middlebury this coming fall. One of my biggest reasons for choosing Middlebury is for the strong language and international studies departments. While I am not sure yet what I want to major in (possibly mathematics, political science, or economics), I know that I do want to take courses with an international focus (including language courses, particularly Spanish). Beyond looking at the course catalog, how strong is the Spanish department at Williams? I have heard that it can be difficult for non-majors to get into Spanish courses at Williams. Is there any truth to this? Lastly, is it difficult to study abroad at Williams if not majoring in a language?</p>
<p>“Lastly, is it difficult to study abroad at Williams if not majoring in a language?”</p>
<p>My DD is a double major in the sciences and studied away last year. The whole process was relatively easy.</p>
<p>Williams doesn’t administer any study abroad programs in Spanish speaking countries, but lists quite a few on its approved list. Middlebury has its own language school in Latin America and also lists other outside programs. I believe that some prior or current study of Spanish is required for most programs, but you need not major in the required language.</p>
<p>Looking at Spanish 101 courses offered each year it appears that Middlebury has several sections and Williams one one, so you may be correct that there are fewer class seats at Williams. If your objective in studying Spanish is to be prepared for your year abroad, then you should contact the adviser of Study Away and ask how this works. The FAQs on Williams website indicate that this is something you can work around, and the popularity of studying abroad confirms that the college wants to make it happen.</p>
<p>Math, political science, and economics are all strong majors at Williams. I wouldn’t consider Williams a destination for study of any foreign language, but the course offerings are strong enough for majors, double majors and supplements for international careers.</p>
<p>Williams is very strong in many disciplines. Language instruction is not one of them.</p>
<p>Spanish was very weak when I was there back in the day, sadly.</p>