<p>I keep hearing everyone talk about how huge the workload is for students in the Walsh School of Foreign Service, which is to be expected. I would actually start to get a little concerned if students thought everything was lax. </p>
<p>But after hearing all of this, I'm wondering "Am I doomed to become a library hermit?". I can handle big workloads, but I still want some time to enjoy life a little. I know college is primarily a time of academic learning, but I still want to have some fun in college!</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing. All I’ve heard is that SFS is “harder” than the other schools. I’m not sure whether or not it destroys souls.</p>
<p>It would be awesome if a current student answered this…</p>
<p>I’m not a current student, but a current parent of an SFSer. Relax, you will have a life outside of SFS. Yes, the workload can be intense at certain points in the semester, but that’s Georgetown in general. Freshman year, my S had time for a minor intramural sport, a small role in a play, newspaper writing, and a 10 hour/week job. He made some great friends and explored the city as well. Time management and organization is key. Don’t be intimidated by the workload rumors. SFS is a great program.</p>
<p>One of the biggest differences between high school and college is that work comes in waves. Somedays I have a ton and some days (like today!) I have barely any. Each school has certain class requirements that are notoriously tough. Dr. Angerio’s bio class in the NHS, accounting in the business school, econ (well at least for me) in the SFS. Each school is tough in their own way, but I really do think if you stay on top of things you shouldn’t be too overwhelmed all the time no matter what school you are in. You will spend your fair share of time in the library, but you will only be a hermit if you choose to be. Midterms and finals are stressful, but they are stressful for everyone. SFS students go out just like everyone else and are just as involved on campus. I have a job with the Corp and am taking 16 units (5 classes plus Map of the Modern World which is one credit) and I think my soul is intact.</p>
<p>Speaking as an SFS alum: it depends on how much you do outside of class, how much time you typically need to study/read (some people are absurdly fast readers or know a lot about certain subjects already, others need more time), and what/how many classes you’re taking. I knew kids who probably could have listed their favorite cubicle in Lauinger as their permanent address, as they toiled away for days in pursuit of that Summa Cum Laude degree in International Economics that would get them a $100,000 per year job at Goldman Sachs or Credit Suisse. I knew other people (like my roommate) who spent a couple of hours each day at the gym, played on the Club Basketball team, spent plenty of time hanging out with friends and going out, and did just fine academically as well.</p>
<p>As a freshman, you probably won’t have too many time committments as far as clubs and such go, since you won’t be high enough in the hierarchy to have to devote that much time to it. Unless you join the crew team and actually stick with it haha. Anyway, this gives you some time to figure out how much time you need to devote for academics, to develop the studying regimen that works best for you, etc.</p>
<p>Everyone I tell that I’m interested in SFS gets this weird look on their face and goes “ooooh, good luck!.” No pressure there!</p>