Study Abroad Program

In January 2024, Prof. Magdalena Sagardia led a group of Lehman students to Puerto Rico for a Winter Hyfield Study Abroad course focusing on arts and culture in Puerto Rico. The course was cosponsored by Humanidades Puerto Rico, and we are grateful to all of the institutions and individuals who helped us in Puerto Rico and at Lehman, including the Office of International Programs and Community Engagement, the Lehman College Foundation, the Dean and Provost. Special thanks to Marisol Díaz, a masters student in the Arts Dept. for her fabulous photo documentation of the trip. Students felt it was life changing. Here are a few quotes from them:

• • Eilyn Scarlett Pena:  "My experience on this trip was extremely transformative. Not only did our group immerse ourselves and gain education on the rich history and culture of the island, but we also connected deeply with the experiences and activities in which we participated. As someone from the Caribbean, this trip was incredibly inspiring to me. I felt a strong sense of belonging in Puerto Rico, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this trip a reality. It served as a powerful reminder for me to never forget my roots and to continue working towards my dreams. I forged lifelong connections and overcame my fear of public speaking, and it was truly amazing. I hope to have the opportunity to experience such an enriching journey once more before graduating from Lehman, and I have faith that this program will continue to inspire other students as it did for me."

• • Jency Fernandez:  “Traveling for the first time to Puerto Rico felt magical in a literal manner. I never knew how little I knew about a place I thought I knew a lot. As a Dominican, I have always studied and experienced Puerto Rican culture from outside and with Puerto Ricans of the diaspora. When I went with the Lehman study abroad program, I discovered that I needed to experience culture more firsthand. I was also glad that I didn't know everything because those surprises meant a lot more. I recommend other people like me to see the world outside of books and outside of others perspectives  because living the experience it's worth a thousand stories you read or hear. I will never forget what I said when I was leaving "I will not cry because I am coming back".”