Trinidad and Tobago
Qualified St. Lawrence University students have the opportunity to spend the spring semester in Trinidad and Tobago with the Pacific Lutheran University program. Students take four courses with the program, and two courses directly enrolled at the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, Trinidad.
- Based in St. Augustine
- Spring semester
- Enrollment caps may be limited to less than 15 per semester based on space limitations.
- Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA; at least one course in Caribbean, Latin American & Latino Studies, or a course with content focusing on India or the African Diaspora
- Participate in Carnival
- Live-in program housing
Apply to study in Trinidad and Tobago
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
The nation of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southernmost islands of the Caribbean archipelago and offers a unique experience because of its blend of African, Indian, European, Chinese, and Lebanese cultures. Conversations about race, gender, class, nationhood and the environment are often acted out artistically in song, dance and theatre and the program benefits from exposure to complex and open discourses on race and ethnicity, a set of rich and diverse ecosystems in its oceans, rainforests and mineral wealth in the tropical setting of a high-income Caribbean nation.
Academics
Students travel to Trinidad and Tobago in early January. All students take five courses -- 4 required courses with PLU and 2 elective courses at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
- J-Term course: topic varies by year, taught by PLU/SLU faculty (4 PLU credits, 1.11 SLU Units)
- Caribbean Culture and Society (4 PLU credits; 1.11 SLU units).
- Living and Learning in Trinidad and Tobago (4 PLU credits; 1.11 SLU units)
- Carnival Performance (1 PLU credit; 0.28 SLU Units)
For more information about the required courses in Trinidad please visit PLU's program website.
Elective Courses:
- Students select two courses at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. UWI is the most prestigious university in the region and serves 18 English-speaking countries and territories in the Caribbean. Courses are available in most disciplines including Education, Modern Languages, Medical Sciences including Veterinary and Dentistry studies, IT & Computer Science, Life Sciences, Math and Statistics, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management, Economics and Accounting, Psychology, Sociology, Government, Engineering, Agriculture and the Creative Arts.
Co-curricular
The program draws students into Caribbean culture and society through involvement in the artistry, folklore, and festivals of the country. Students participate in the events of Carnival, focusing their study of its complex history primarily on the traditional aspects of Trinidad’s world-famous pre-Lenten Carnival. Group study tours guide students through the cultural, environmental, religious, and artistic diversity that make up the two islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Students spend time in Tobago studying marine biodiversity up close and participate in cultural events such as the Hindu festival of Phagwa, the West African Orisha and Shouter Baptist festivals, and the Muslim Hosay commemoration. View a photo gallery of the program.
Housing
Participants live in the Sir Arthur Lewis Hall of Residence, a co-ed dormitory at the University of the West Indies opened in 2010. This new residence provides students with a modern, safe living environment and is located a ten-minute walk away from the main UWI campus; a regular bus shuttle service also operates to and from the campus. The hall is fully gated with surveillance cameras monitoring, access swipe card entry, and 24-hour security. Residents have access to complimentary WiFi, common rooms with TV and work tables, recreation room, mini mart, computer lab, and a large outdoor courtyard with additional recreational seating and activities. The monthly meal stipend allows students to prepare their own food in the communal kitchen in order to live as locals do. Students also have the opportunity to participate in university activities such as fitness classes, hall events, and other social events at the residence.
Calendar
See the PLU Trinidad and Tobago program website for program dates. The Spring semester usually begins in early January and ends in mid-May.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in-depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students' participation in the program. This includes a program-specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock as well as safety and security while abroad.
On-site: Students must take an intensive course in January taught by the program director. This course will acquaint students with some aspects of Caribbean Studies and culture. (4 credits; 1.11 SLU units).
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Trinidad program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Precious Hall - Questions about program academics.