What is an Internship? | A Student’s Perspective | Sign Up or Learn More | Featured Internships | Other Internship Opportunities
What is an Internship in Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures?
Internships give you valuable work experience that you can put on your resume and talk about in job interviews and gives you projects you can showcase to future employers. You get to use the language, culture, and linguistic skills you’re practicing in the classroom in real-life contexts to help real people. Still have a hard time answering “what can I do with my major?” An internship shows you exactly how employers value your degree.
But don’t take it from us… Here’s what Nemi Shah, a UCA alum and former Spanish intern, has to say:
A stepping stone toward life post-graduation & Real-world application of Spanish skills
I would consider the internship to be a stepping stone towards life post-graduation. Before working at CAPCA, I didn’t have any experience working in an office setting. I admit it felt daunting at first, but I’m glad I did it. It built my confidence especially since I worked with people outside of my age group. In school and UCA I have always been around peers close to my age. Working with older, more experienced folks definitely made me nervous, but with time I was able to adjust. I learned that despite being younger and less experienced, I still had valuable input and ideas to bring to the table.
Regarding the Spanish component of the program, I was able to utilize my Spanish skills to translate a major grant application. It was a bit challenging as I wasn’t too accustomed to technical formal Spanish writing. This real-world application also gave me insight into the logistics behind HeadStart. I had no idea what HeadStart was before joining CAPCA. Although I didn’t spend much time interacting with the children, it was nice to see how my work contributed to the program.
I recommend other students give an internship a try. Not only will you gain real-life experience, but also build your confidence in applying your Spanish skills. Spanish provides countless options in various work fields. I specifically chose CAPCA to gain insight into non-profit organizations. Completing an internship allows you to explore potential areas you would want to work in while also receiving credit towards your degree.
Interested in doing an Internship? Or, just want to hear more?
Enter your information in the form below, and we’ll follow up with you personally to advise you about internships, get you connected with opportunities, and help you see how what you’re learning in the classroom can help you do good in the world and build your resume.
What are the requirements for an Internship in Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures?
An internship means that you undergo a community partner’s hiring process (including a job interview), become an employee with that organization, and work a minimum of 100 hours for them. You will be assigned a direct supervisor with the organization, and work in this professional setting, while taking WLAN 3390, a 3-credit internship course. The LLLC internship coordinator will be able to tell you more about specific requirements for your area of specialization (Spanish, French, Chinese, Linguistics, etc.). Some internships are paid, but most are not.
Featured Internship Opportunities
Conway Brain Injury Community (Advanced Spanish)
Location: Conway, on campus, in person
Possible duties:
- Students with Advanced oral proficiency in Spanish will provide direct interpretation for Occupational Therapy and Health Coaching sessions for patients recovering from brain injuries.
- Additional responsibilities might include translation of documents, such as assessments and learning activities.
Inter-professional Teaching Center (Intermediate Spanish)
Location: Conway, on campus, in person
Possible duties:
- Students with Intermediate language skills will perform a variety of duties at the Inter-professional Teaching Center and associated clinics (Speech Language Hearing Clinic or the ITC Health and Wellness Clinic.)
- Duties might include translating documents such as intake forms, developing (written) bilingual assessment tools, communicating in Spanish with clients prior to language assessments, providing basic instruction in Spanish during clinical assessments (such as speech or hearing assessments), developing promotional materials, and performing outreach to the Latinx community to let them know about available services.
Faulkner County Juvenile Court (Intermediate Spanish)
Announcing a new LLLC internship opportunity with the Faulkner County Juvenile Court! Departmental majors and minors (Spanish, LALS, TESOL) with intermediate to strong Spanish oral communication skills are encouraged to apply to this for credit internship. Receive three credit hours toward your major/minor and possible monetary compensation depending on skills and experience. Interns will assist with day to day communication with Hispanic youth and families outside the courtroom. The internship will include onsite training and supervision.
Location: Conway, Arkansas
Possible duties:
- Interns will assist with day to day communication with Hispanic youth and families outside the courtroom.
- Receive training and supervision on site.
To apply, contact Dr. Alana Reid at areid@uca.edu; 501-450-5096; Irby 207D. Once Dr. Reid gives the green light, you will also need to fill out the attached application (physical signature required) and return to: Leeanna Brown, Chief of Staff, 20th Judicial District-2nd Division Circuit/Juvenile, 801 Locust Street (Mailing Address), 510 S. German Lane (Physical Address), Conway, AR 72034. (501)328-5922 (Office), (501)450-4957 (FAX), (501)499-1487 (Cell).
UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center (Intermediate Spanish)
Location: Little Rock (In person, evenings)
Clinic hours: FALL, SPRING: M,W,Th 4-8:30; occasional Tuesdays. SUMMER: M, Th 4-8:30
Possible Duties: Perform the following duties in Spanish and English:
- answer phones
- patient check-ins
- patient education
- appointment scheduling
- food pantry
- information on additional services
- document translation
Chiloumaz (French)
Location: Niamey, Niger (remote)
Possible duties:
- Help the organization draft materials for its website, including translating materials from French to English
- Research grants for which the organization is eligible and prepare reports (in French)
- Support the organization in preparing health-related materials for the populations it serves
Other LLLC Internship Opportunities
- Faulkner County Courthouse in Conway, AR: Assist with domestic violence prevention and advocacy.
- CAPCA in Conway, AR: Translate documents, assist with community programs, conduct clerical and HR related work.
- Arkansas United in Little Rock, AR: Assist with community development (interview community members, lead focus groups with parents and teachers about how to meet educational needs of Spanish-speaking families) and non-profit administration.
- El Zocalo in Little Rock, AR:Possible responsibilities include helping clients register, serving as a case worker to connect community members with health and social services, assist with the financial empowerment program, and/or support the organization with social media and client communications.
Know of an organization that’s not listed here that you’d like to intern for? No problem! Email our internship coordinator, Dr. Alana Reid, and we’ll see whether that organization could be a good fit!