Liberal Arts in New York City

St. Lawrence University students participating in the Liberal Arts in New York City Semester will have the opportunity to study and intern in one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world. Students will spend four full days a week in an internship experience throughout the semester while taking classes in either finance or nonprofit/arts management. (Internships are aligned with the students’ interests or intended fields and are not limited to finance and arts.) Field trips, networking events/opportunities, and classes will round out the remainder of each week.

  • Based in Manhattan
  • Fall or Spring semester
  • Enrollment does not normally exceed 18 students per semester
  • Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA; open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Must demonstrate an interest in growing professional, networking, and career skills
  • Must meet with the Center for Career Excellence prior to application to review resume; requires interview after application submission
  • Required internship; students cannot participate in the semester without securing an internship
  • Live in student residence hall
  • Apply Early Decision for this Program: SLU students who submit their applications to this program in full before December 6th will have their $50 application fee waived and will receive an automatic $100 in additional financial aid. 

Apply to the New York City program


Location    Academics    Internships    Housing

Calendar    Orientation    Program Contacts

Location

A semester in New York City gives St. Lawrence students the opportunity to experience all that the Big Apple has to offer. Students will have the opportunity to attend the plays and concerts, visit the museums and galleries, watch the games and parades for which the city is famous.

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Academics

Students have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic semester-long internship program in New York City.  Students will spend four full days a week in an internship experience throughout the semester while taking classes in either finance or nonprofit/arts management. Students will spend four full days each week gaining a deeper understanding of their field of interest through an internship experience. Field trips and classes will round out the remainder of each week. 

Required Courses:

  •  Director's Course: International Relations Unveiled: An Experiential Exploration in the Heart of Manhattan  (1.5 units ND)

    When do states (fail to) address global issues such as climate change, economic/financial crises, human rights violations, and wars? How do international organizations (IOs), corporations, and other non-governmental actors (seek to) influence these outcomes? In this experiential learning course, we will explore the intricate dynamics of international relations, revealing the impact of political, financial, socio-economic, and cultural diversity on global affairs.  

    Located in the heart of Manhattan, the course will leverage New York City's unique position as a hub for over 150 foreign consulates, the United Nations, and Wall Street, offering unparalleled access to diverse perspectives and influential actors. Through immersive site visits, we will engage with policy makers at the national and international levels, gaining insights into their roles in shaping global politics. We will explore the economic powerhouse of Wall Street and learn from former traders and bankers. Additionally, the course will spotlight diaspora organizations, emphasizing the role of identity and culture in international affairs.  

    Ultimately, the course will help you deepen your understanding of international relations and enhance your analytical and critical thinking skills in addressing contemporary global issues. It will also offer numerous opportunities for you to refine your communication, networking, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Internship preparation & Excel course (0.5 unit)
  • Internship Placement (1 unit)

Elective: choose 1: (1 unit)

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management  (PCA 304) (1 unit)
  • Other elective courses may be offered (check with CIIS)

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Internships

Students are expected to research organizations of interest and to develop a plan for obtaining an internship. Students will be given assistance with internship contacts, research techniques, resume reviews, interview workshops and individual mock interviews. Notifications of acceptance into the NYCS program are generally sent in mid-March for fall and spring semesters. Internship arrangements are finalized after these dates.

SLU has a diverse network of organizations interested in interviewing NYC Semester students for internships.

A list of past program internship sites can be found at this link:  here

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Housing

Students live in single rooms or a single-sex double room at the 92YResidence, (92nd Street and Lexington, 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10128) which houses students and interns throughout the year. Students will be provided with a meal stipend to cover all meals while on the program. Cooking facilities are available on each floor at the 92YResidence. Other amenities include laundry rooms located throughout the residence, 24-hour security and free Wi-Fi with full use of all the 92Y facilities.

The 92Y is located in the historic Carnegie Hill section of Manhattan's Upper East Side and is just three blocks from Central Park and Museum Mile.  The 92nd Street Y is one of New York's finest cultural and community centers with weekly events including concerts, lectures, art, music, dance, and language classes. SLU students get discounted entrance rates at lectures & events. Located in a residential area, there are numerous groceries, delicatessens, restaurants and other services in the immediate neighborhood. The facility includes a Health, Fitness & Sports Center, featuring a 75-foot swimming pool, gym, aerobics classes, steam room, and sauna. 

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Calendar

The Fall semester typically begins in early September and ends in mid-December. The Spring semester typically begins in early/mid-January and ends in late April/early May. 

 Fall 2024

Sunday, Sept. 1– Move-In Day

Monday, Sept. 23  – Internships Begin

Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 27-Dec 1– Thanksgiving Break

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Internships End

Friday, Dec. 13 – Last Day of Classes

Sunday, Dec. 15 – Move-Out

 

Spring 2025

Sunday, Jan. 5- Move into 92 Y residence

Monday, Jan. 20- Internships Begin

Wednesday-Sunday Feb. 26-March 2- Mid-semester Break

Thursday, April 10- Internships end 

Tuesday, April 22- Last Day of Classes

Wednesday, April 23- Move-out 

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Orientation

Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in-depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the student's 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, pre-departure preparation, as well as safety and security while abroad.

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Program Contacts

If you are interested in learning more about the New York City program please contact one of the following people:

CIIS Office: Caitlin Hatz, Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.

On-Site Contact: Dr. Sahar Milani - Questions about program academics.

Apply to the New York City program

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