Latin America and Caribbean Certificate

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Interdisciplinary study program "Latin America and the Caribbean"

Are you interested in Latin American and Caribbean literature, in Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, in Wilson Harris and Maryse Condé? For the history of the "first black republic": from its "discovery" to the present day? Or for sustainable banana cultivation in Colombia? Do you want to take your foreign language skills to the next level?
Since the summer semester 2025, students and doctoral candidates from all disciplines have had the opportunity to acquire a certificate for interdisciplinary Latin American and Caribbean competence alongside their studies. The Latin American and Caribbean Certificate certifies specialist knowledge of the cultures, histories, literatures and societies of the region as well as the acquisition of foreign language skills in at least one of the locally spoken Romance languages (French/Portuguese/Spanish). In an optional practical module, students can put this knowledge to the test during their studies: In the context of work placements, project seminars and specialist conferences.

Intercultural competence

The certificate program is of interest to anyone who wants to explore the diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean, improve their language skills in French, Portuguese and/or Spanish and look beyond the boundaries of their studies. In addition to a large number of courses from the range of academic and practical language courses offered by the Institute of Romance Studies, language courses attended at the Language Center of the University of Kassel as well as lectures and seminars from other departments that deal with various aspects - be it politics, society, history or economics - of Latin America and the Caribbean can also be credited.

With the certificate, graduates not only prove to their future employers that they have region-specific specialist and language skills, which make them particularly interesting for jobs that shape international cooperation between Germany, Latin America and the Caribbean. Students also demonstrate a willingness to develop and pursue their own interests beyond the scope of their studies, as well as the ability to think and act in an interdisciplinary manner.

Course structure

To obtain the certificate, students must provide evidence of successful completion of freely selectable courses totaling at least 15 ECTS credits. Courses and excursions from all departments of the University of Kassel can be credited, provided they have a regional connection. The program is divided into the following three modules:

  • Module 1 (at least 3 ECTS in total): Languages and Cultures - Spanish or French A1 / A2 / B1 / B2 / C1 / C1+ (according to CEFR) or Portuguese A1 / A2 (according to CEFR)

  • Module 2 (at least 6 ECTS in total): Latin America and the Caribbean - Regions and Cultures

  • Module 3 (optional module): Practical Perspectives

At least one course must be taken in Module 1 "Languages and Cultures". A maximum of three practical language courses can be credited. In Module 2, courses from at least two different departments at the University of Kassel must be taken.

It is essential to note that courses, other courses or internships already credited for the subject cannot be credited twice for the certificate.

The decision on whether courses can be credited is the responsibility of the two academic advisors.

Seminario Internacional ¿Cómo volver? Restituciones, reparaciones, resiliencias ambientales en narrativas y universos visuales en el Caribe

Webinar by Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Komorowska and Kirenia Rodríguez Puerto (Universidad de la Habana) in the coming winter semester on 24.10.2025 // 21.11.2025 // 23.01.2025, each from 4-6 pm via Google Meets.

Seminario Internacional ¿Cómo volver? Restituciones, reparaciones, resiliencias ambientales en narrativas y universos visuales en el Caribe: Read More

News and contact

Information event on 20.10.2025

When: 16:00-18:00
Where: KW5, Room 0016

Contact us

Dolores León and Dr. Kirsten Behr

Regulations and crediting