<p>I am trying to decide between these schools. Going for Government/Politics, as a transfer student (3 semesters done, 5 more to go)</p>
<p>Basically whittled it down to: Smith makes it a lot easier for me to study abroad. Mount Holyoke seems to have more interesting classes.</p>
<p>Smith is a great school but they offer less Government courses than MHC - not by alot- but also the descriptions at MHC just seem much more interesting. Then again, sometimes courses don't live up to the course description (for good and bad).</p>
<p>Study abroad is a huge deal for me, and at MHC I'd have to apply for separate financing through Laurel Fellowship. Since I studied abroad (in my home country for high school) it seems others with no experience would have priority as far as financing, I'm concerned I might not be able to pay for it, or I will have increased debt.</p>
<p>Any people have experience at either of these schools in Politics/Government? I know I can take courses at MHC as part of 5 Colleges Consortium. Anyone have experience taking courses at the other colleges? Is it really doable? And might I get locked out of courses because they fill up with resident students first?</p>
<p>btw, I don't drive, so I'm used to relying on public transportation and have had 2 hours commutes before.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m a biochem major, so I can’t help you too much when it comes to the government department. However, I do know many people who are gov majors and they all seem to like the department and the professors. As you said, you can take classes at any of the other colleges. I personally have not done this but I have friends who have taken classes on other campuses. It takes more planning with your schedule, but otherwise it is not difficult. From their experiences, it doesn’t seem to be harder to get into classes on other campuses. </p>
<p>Smith has really great study abroad programs. The Geneva program is really popular for people interested in government and there is also an option to spend a semester in DC. I am going to Paris next year with the Smith program, and the process of applying through Smith was very smooth and easy. Their system of continuing to pay the Smith tuition while abroad is also really convenient and makes the whole process simpler.</p>
<p>I’m sorry I couldn’t give you more personal perspectives on the government department or taking classes through the consortium. Good luck with your decision! </p>
<p>thanks @Smithie55! yeah being able to just pay as if going to Smith is a huge plus. That’s awesome that you’re going to Paris! There’s so many options, but that Geneva program definitely caught my eye. Specially because I’m not required to take courses in French. </p>