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Puerto Rico Winter Institute

Next Deadline: Passed.

Program Overview

The Puerto Rico Winter Institute (PRWI) is a two-week seminar in collaboration with the College of Humanities at the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras (UPR). The program is led by UPR Professor Pedro Reina Perez. 

The program aims to:

  • Establish a new, mutually productive exchange between Faculty and students from Harvard University and the University of Puerto Rico, in an annual seminar

  • Foster conversation on themes of common interest for Puerto Rico that will lead to collaborations (publications, symposia, academic exchanges)

  • Engender awareness and understanding of Puerto Rico and its present condition to produce new scholarship and expand academic ventures

  • Take advantage of San Juan as a center of academic and intellectual activity at the crossroads of the hemisphere

  • Enhance understanding among faculty and students through teaching and outreach activities

Program Description

2022 Program Themes: Agriculture & Food Sovereignty 
This year’s Institute will focus on Puerto Rico’s increasing interest in agriculture relative to aspects such as food sovereignty, sustainability and culture. Lectures will explore connections to health, ecology and economic development, among others. Site visits to emerging projects and talks to entrepreneurs and community leaders will complete the agenda.

Program Dates

  • January 2 - 17, 2022

2021-2022 Timeline for Applicants:

September 20- DRCLAS Student Programs Info Session (slides)
September 30- PRWI-specific Info Session (video, slides)
October 11- Deadline to Apply for all Harvard and UPR students 
November 1-5- Notifications of application status delivered 

Eligibility

24 students will be selected to participate in the seminar (12 from Harvard University, 12 from the University of Puerto Rico). Undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible to apply from all disciplines and schools. Preference will be given to graduate students, and/or students whose research interests best align with the themes of the seminar and region. Fluency in Spanish is required. 

Each student will submit a final project/deliverable focused on selected topics relating to the program. A project blog will feature the writings of participants, together with photos and video.

Application Requirements

  • A completed application form via CARAT
    • Undergrads may access the application here
    • Graduate students may access the application here
  • A personal statement
    • 500 words written in English stating your: area of expertise, research interest(s), potential contribution(s) to the outcomes of the seminar, time to graduation (year of study)
  • Updated resume
  • Current Fall 2021 Unofficial Transcript 
    • You must demonstrate proof of enrollment in Fall 2021 courses

Program Costs & Availablity of Funding

The PRWI is generously supported by the Wilbur Marvin Foundation and has no program fee.

Admitted students will be billed a $50 confirmation deposit to secure their spot.

A stipend will be provided to participants to assist with participation. 

Questions?

Contact Pedro Reina-Pérez or Rachel Murray-Crawford