LMC's new Spanish Language Certificate offers opportunities for cultural connection

Robert Burgess thought his college days were well behind him.

The last time he needed to attend a college class was to complete his master's degree in educational leadership at Grand Valley State University back in 1980. 

That changed, however, when the retired Certified Public Accountant, who served as the Chief Financial Officer for Lakeshore Public Schools from 1993-2011, became the volunteer coordinator for the United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for Berrien and Cass counties. 

"I work with a wide variety of clients, and some of those clients are Spanish speaking," Burgess said. "That's why I decided to take Spanish language classes at Lake Michigan College. I hope that it allows me to do a better job in ensuring their taxes are prepared correctly and that the families we serve are more comfortable with this United Way service." 

Burgess is one of the first students on the verge of completing LMC's new Spanish Language Certificate of Achievement. The certificate, which is open to all students, can be earned by completing four classes – Elementary Spanish I & II and Intermediate Spanish I & II – at LMC's Benton Harbor, South Haven, and Niles campuses. For students with Spanish language experience, testing options are available to move directly to the intermediate level.  

The four courses meet Higher Learning Commission (HLC) requirements and are designed with both career and transfer in mind. Credit earned also can be applied toward most associate degrees at LMC. 

"This allows our students to not only learn a new language but also to connect with cultures and peoples locally and around the globe," said Nicholas Brittin, LMC's Foreign Language & Communications Department Chair. "In only four semesters, we can foster more connections and cross-cultural understanding." 
Brittin added that LMC is offering the certificate to help meet the growing demand for bilingualism in the workplace. 

Spanish is one of the most popular languages in the world, next to Mandarin Chinese and English. About 425 million people worldwide use Spanish as their primary means of communication. It is the official language of 20 countries as well as the United States territory of Puerto Rico. 

With the increasing socioeconomic power of Spanish-speaking communities in the United States, this certificate will be useful in industries ranging from hospitality and education to business administration and journalism.  
Although Burgess had a specific reason to pursue the certificate, he said he sees how others could benefit from it as well. 

"West Michigan has a diversity of ethnic backgrounds," he said. "Students with a solid foundation in Spanish enhance their career prospects with international companies like Whirlpool and many others by having a background in a second language. Students planning a career or already working in the social services, education, or health care fields would better be able to serve their clients with a solid Spanish background." 

LMC Spanish language instructor Emely Poloche, who has taught Burgess in all four certificate classes, agrees. 

"I think it is going to be a plus for anyone who earns this certificate," she said. "Students who earn this certificate could get a job translating for patients in a hospital. You can help translate into so many businesses and careers. It's a great opportunity for our students. Not all colleges or universities offer a program like this."