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Sarah Lawrence College in Havana (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: Spanish Housing options: Apartment
Areas of study: Art, Art History, Biology, Caribbean Studies, Culture, Dance, Economics, Environmental Studies, Film, Gender and Women's Studies, History, Independent/Directed Research, Latin American Studies, Literature, Media Studies, Music, Performing and Visual Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Pre-Health, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Direct enrollment, Hybrid Language level: Spanish 44 or the equivalent
GPA: 3.0
Program Description:
sarahlawrenceCuba's unique blend of cultures from Africa, Europe, and Asia, coupled with its unparalleled economic and political history, serve to create a fascinating and complex environment in which to study and live. The Sarah Lawrence College program is based in Havana, a city of 2.1 million people and located on the northwest coast of the island. It is a lively city that is full of contrasts and can be explored easily by foot or public transportation. The University of Havana serves as the host institution for the program. The university was established in 1728, is the largest and oldest university in Cuba, and its programs and research centers enjoy a fine international reputation. 

Please note that Sarah Lawrence College has an early application deadline for the fall program. 

Academic Program
Students take four courses, all of which are taught in Spanish:
  • A core seminar at the Center for Demographical Studies (CEDEM). In this seminar students conduct research on a topic under one-on-one supervision of a Cuban professor (4 U.S. semester credits; 1 Pomona credit)
  • Three electives at 4 U.S. semester credits (1 Pomona credit) each in either the humanities, social sciences, and/or the arts (12 U.S. semester credits; 3 Pomona credits total) at partner universities. Depending on language placement, students may be required to take an Advanced Spanish language course as one of their electives.

Students on this program follow the same curriculum as Cuban students do, subject to the same standards and requirements. Course work in the humanities, sciences, literature, and social sciences may be taken at the University of Havana. Film history is taken at the University of Havana or at the Fundacion del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano, and the performing and visual arts are offered at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA).

Students may not take the core course on a CR/NC basis, however, students may take direct enrollment university courses on a CR/NC basis.

Living Arrangements
Students live in a casa particular, a private residence, while in Havana. This is similar to a homestay and students have a double room with their own bathroom and refrigerator. Breakfast and dinner is provided daily and the casa particulars are within a 20-minute walk of the University.

Number of Students
Sarah Lawrence College enrolls approximately 15 students per semester. The university's current enrollment is approximately 6,000 students. 

Host Institutions
Sarah Lawrence College
University of Havana
Centro de Estudios Demograficos (CEDEM)
Instituto Superior de Artes (ISA)
Fundación del Nuevo Cine Latino-Americano (FNCL)

Faculty Liaison
Miguel Tinker Salas

Eligibility
  • Completion of advanced Spanish (Spanish 44), or the equivalent, within one year of program start. Solid oral and written Spanish with the ability to follow Spanish-taught university coursework. 
  • A college-level course with Latin American content is highly recommended. Students who have not taken such a course should contact a member of the Latin American Studies faculty to develop a pre-departure reading list. This list should be submitted with the study abroad application.
Internet Link
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/havana/

Travel Advisories  

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 09/08/2024 10/04/2024 TBA TBA