Sarah Lawrence Programme

Every year some thirty students from Sarah Lawrence College, and other colleges within the United States, spend a full year in Oxford undertaking a rigorous academic programme. Integrating with the Wadham community the students join the SU and live in College accommodation at Merifield.

The Sarah Lawrence Programme (SLP) students are taught through the tutorial system, and take two papers a term. They study a wide variety of subjects from Organic Chemistry to English Literature. They also participate in a Core Programme which aims to illuminate aspects of British history and culture and broaden the intellectual experience of students. From 2014 the Core Programme includes a series of evening lectures (‘Sarah Lawrence Presents…') on topics of wide interest, which are open to all members of Wadham.

SLP students take part in a range of activities while at Wadham College. They have been in sports teams, organised fashion shows, helped with charitable work organised by the Chaplain, enjoyed the sunshine and music at Wadstock, been chapel wardens and choir members, joined numerous societies and been active members of the SU.

They have brought many aspects of American life into the College, and Thanksgiving and Super Bowl parties have become part of Wadham student life.

The exchange between Sarah Lawrence College and Wadham College is valuable for both parties. Personal friendships are made, greater understanding is promoted between “two nations divided by a common language” and the strong multicultural character of Wadham is enhanced.

Each year there is an opportunity for Wadham College students to visit and study in Sarah Lawrence College. Six Wadham students are selected to go on a three-week all expenses paid exchange to New York in Spring Break. This keenly contested opportunity develops further the ties between the two institutions. Find out more