What is LAIS?
Latin American and Iberian Studies at UCSB lets you study Latin America, Iberia, and their global diasporas, past and present, from every discipline and angle — history, literature, language, art, and the social sciences.
It is one of UCSB’s best-kept secrets — a small, supportive programme with almost 70 affiliated faculty across campus, offering the personal attention of a small community and the intellectual breadth of a truly interdisciplinary field.
Build Your Own Path
The LAIS major is flexible and interdisciplinary. Start with LAIS 10, our gateway course, and a lower-division course on Latin America or Iberia from another department. In upper division, specialise in one of three areas — Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, or Language — while exploring the other two, choosing courses from departments like History, Anthropology, Art History, Chicana and Chicano Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, and many more. LAIS is also available as a minor, and the major combines easily with a second major in fields like history, global studies, anthropology, or economics.
See the full course requirements for the major and minor.
A Real Community
LAIS is more than a set of courses. Our monthly community breakfasts bring together students with faculty and staff over breakfast and conversation. LAIS works closely with the Center for Latin American and Iberian Research (CLAIR), which hosts public lectures, book presentations, film screenings, and panels throughout the year. CLAIR’s research labs — in areas like archives and preservation, Central American studies, and restorative environmental work — offer undergraduates the chance to get involved in faculty-led research.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program, with study centres in Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and Brazil. Study abroad is a chance to strengthen your language skills, gain cultural experience, and earn credit toward your degree.
List of pre-approved EAP courses for LAIS majors and minors.
Where LAIS Leads
Our alumni have gone on to careers in teaching and academia — from K–12 classrooms to universities like West Point, Oregon State, and UT El Paso. Others have built careers in journalism and film, including investigative reporting in Central America and award-winning documentaries. Many work in NGOs and international cooperation, community organizing, and policy and administration.
Personal Advising
We know our students. For questions about requirements, course planning, or anything else, contact our undergraduate advisor, Elena Báez, or the LAIS director, Juan Cobo Betancourt.
Explore the rest of our website to learn more about our courses, faculty, events, study abroad options, and alumni.