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Spanish Language Internship Program

The Spanish Language Internship Program (SLIP) connects Spanish-speaking students with partnered community-based organizations and schools to provide unique service-learning opportunities with the Latino Community.

This engaged learning course exposes students to a broad study of Latino experiences in the U.S. and focuses on crossing borders, fair labor practices, citizenship, racism, Latino history in the United States, comparisons of discrimination and inequality, along with current political and community issues. Through volunteering efforts, students gain insight and stronger understandings of Latino experiences in the United States.

SLIP offers this unique opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning related to community service work as well as improve and apply their Spanish speaking and writing skills. Students are required to volunteer three hours per week and attend a discussion that takes place on Thursdays 4-5:30 pm.  Remote volunteering experiences are available, see below for details. 

Fall 2022 Note: This course fulfills the MCSP Civic Engagement Course Requirement. See the MCSP page for details.

Note: This course is offered during the Fall & Winter semesters, fulfills the R&E requirement, and is open to all LSA students. 

Register for SLIP

RCSSCI 307 or LATINOAM 301.001; 3 Credits 

Contact 

Teresa Sanchez-Snell, tssnell@umich.edu

Internship Opportunities 

There are a wide variety of internships available! See below for placements in education, communications, translation, community organizing, and more. 

  • Corner Health Center: Interns support efforts to provide judgment-free, quality, affordable health services to young people aged 12 through 25. Volunteers will assist in translating patient information forms, clinic documents, and website page(s). Interns may work directly with clinic staff to assist with interpretation for Spanish-speaking patients when appropriate.
  • Ypsilanti High School & Ann Arbor Public Schools (K-12th grade): Students can select the grade level they would like to work with and will assist Spanish-speaking students in the classroom with individualized language support.  Students will review class materials, translate materials when necessary, and assist with homework. Students will also support EL learners with vocabulary retention, reading, and encourage social acclimatization. Remote placements are available with A2PS.
  • Mexiquenses en Michigan: This organization was established by a committed group of Spanish-speaking immigrant parents concerned about the pandemic's devastating and long-lasting effects on children's academic development, already greatly affected by socioeconomic, cultural, and immigration-related barriers.  Volunteers will support high school students with a virtual SAT prep project, review materials from the study guide, and serve as mentors.  Volunteers will meet once a week with two high school students, day/times TBD.
  • Foundations Preschool: Students will assist with research and create bilingual materials for Spanish-speaking parents so that they have a better understanding of upcoming school events and important information. Students can also request to assist teachers in the classroom.
  • Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON): JFON provides affordable immigration legal services through family reunification and humanitarian-based cases. JFON helps immigrants understand their choices and navigate the complexities and barriers of the immigration legal system. Pro bono legal services are also provided to low-income immigrants living in Michigan communities. Students will work remotely or in person under the direction of a staff attorney, provide translations, and help with administrative duties.  
  • Bright Futures, Afterschool Program: Students assist Program Director with afterschool tutoring, reading, and other activities with Spanish-speaking elementary school students.  This program requires volunteers to be comfortable with reading aloud in Spanish, along with conversational spoken Spanish. This program operates, M – TH, 3-6 pm.
  • En Nuestra Lengua Program: Students would assist with the Saturday morning Spanish program for heritage language speakers of Spanish. Duties range from classroom support to administrative support, depending on Spanish proficiency. ENL operates completely in Spanish.
  • Community Action Network: Volunteers will work with identified Spanish-speaking children in the after-school program and will assist with tutoring during homework time, art projects, and free-time activities.
Note: A background check is required for placements involving children. Please refer to U-M Children on Campus for more information or contact Teresa Sanchez-Snell for details.