VILLANOVA
UNIVERSITy
SPANISH
INTERNSHIP WITH LAW SCHOOL clinics
A Program Designed and
Directed
by Professors
Beth Lyon and Mercedes Juliá
From left to right: Prof. Beth Lyon of the
Villanova Law School Farm Workers Clinic,
Mercedes Juliá, Professor of Spanish at the Villanova Modern Lang. Department,
and Prof. Michele Pistone, Director of the Villanova Law Clinics
Now in its fifth year, the Spanish Internship Program offers a unique experience to students interested in helping the Hispanic Community, while using their Spanish.
GOALS:
* To help students become fluent in Spanish, by translating and interpreting
for student lawyers,while helping members of the Philadelphia Hispanic Community.
* To express publicly, through service and scholarship the Villanova University’s
commitment to promoting social justice and the common good for all.
* To serve the poor and marginalized members of the community through service and
scholarship in recognition of the words of St. Thomas of Villanova: “The Lord hear
the cry of the poor.”
The Department of Modern Languages & Literatures offers qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to integrate their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture with practical experience in the Philadelphia Hispanic Community, working closely with law students and through the College Internship Program.
The Internship Program is designed to help students build a relationship with professionals in the private and public sectors, gain experience and discover their interests and aspirations.
The Spanish Internship Program maintains the academic integrity of the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum through careful planning and by providing uniform requirements and careful supervision. Using field work experiences in the Philadelphia Area Hispanic Community students will gain an understanding of the Hispanic culture and the possibility to practice and improve their knowledge of the Spanish language.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?
Undergraduate students, with advanced Spanish language proficiency, matriculated in Villanova University, and with a grade point average of at least 3.0
CAN I INTERN MORE THAN ONCE?
A student might accumulate a total of (15) academic credits on the student’s transcript, making it possible over a four semester period and a summer to have more than one internship experience. It is recommended, however, not to repeat the same internship more than twice. The Internship will count (3 credits) towards the Spanish Major and/or Minor. Repeats will count as electives.
HOW DO I EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR MY FIELD OF WORK?
You will be granted three credits in Spanish upon satisfactory completion of the program requirements. These credits are course equivalent and can be part of the courses toward your minor or major in Spanish. The course will appear on your transcript. You need not make up additional courses to graduate. Internships are graded S/U.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROGRAM?
The Spanish Internship allows students with excellent command of Spanish to use it in the Community, while gaining professional experience. It is a program that provides the student with intellectual, social and emotional development. Besides personal growth, students gain professional work experience and acquire valuable job contacts.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE SPANISH INTERNSHIP?
You need to contact Dr. Mercedes Juliá and make an appointment. The director will assess your language proficiency and determine whether you qualify for the program. The Director will give you the application form and will provide guidance regarding the process.
ARE THERE DEADLINES?
Normally one registers for the Internship as with any other course. However, the application process should be undertaken as early in the previous semester as possible.
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
To learn more please contact: mercedes.julia@villanova.edu
READ COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS WHO ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE INTERNSHIP
Professors and Students
enrolled in the Internship during Fall 2006: From left to right
second row: Prof. Mercedes Juliá, Amy Knop Narbutis, Prof.
Beth Lyon, Adm. Assistant JoAnn Viviani
first row: Kaitlin Machen, Natalie Hunt, Meredith Puher, Victoria Kent,
Gabriela Davit, Brianne Orner