Elon versus College of Charleston

<p>D is interested in both CofC and Elon. Right now she is leaning toward a Int'l Studies major. Charleston (and the beach) as a place to live for 4 years is a big plus but she hasn't visited either yet (she will this winter). Anyone able to compare the academics/campus life/Int'l Studies programs? The cost for OS is comparable so that isn't a deciding factor.</p>

<p>My S was also considering both schools. I think your D will know once she visits. They have very different atmospheres. Can’t compare the international studies programs, etc., just relaying our experience.</p>

<p>^^^^ ditto that</p>

<p>There is a discussion comparing these 2 schools somewhere in the lengthy parents thread for Jewish “B” students…but I would wait to compare on your visits; very, very different feel</p>

<p>Hi - we visited both last year. Obviously you know, as others have mentioned, that they are quite different. The campuses are so different, and that drives the vibe of each. CofC is very urban. The campus blends into the city of Charleston. I found it hard to know if we were on or off campus until the tour guide pointed out the variation in the brick sidewalk. When you are on a herringbone pattern, you are on the campus. It can be quite charming, if you like urban areas. Clearly you would have the advantages of the city in easy reach, including shopping, restaurants, arts festivals, beach, etc. But in our view, it seemed to lack a campus feel and we missed the traditional quad layout.</p>

<p>Elon is the opposite. Gorgeous campus with fountains, green space, beautiful landscaping, lakes, etc. It feels more like a traditional campus, where most of student life is on the campus. I’m sure students leave campus periodically, but much of student life is on campus.</p>

<p>My feeling is that CofC is more appealing to those who do not want a college experience that is campus-focused. Perhaps for someone who sees themselves as more independent, who likes the idea of exploring a small city on their own or with friends. Elon is a more suited for someone who wants to participate in on campus activities, such as sporting events, Greek life, etc.</p>

<p>I would also add that girls outnumber guys at both, but more so at CofC.</p>

<p>I’ve only seen Elon, not CC, but I would agree with the other posters that a visit is important. I know of one Elon student who transferred from CC because it had more of a community feel. CC is a larger school. It would not surprise me if there was also a student at CC who transferred for a larger and more of a city feeling. I think the choice becomes more of a personal fit and important to match the student to it.
Has she considered Oxford College of Emory University?</p>

<p>Anyone able to share insights about the two Int’l Studies programs?</p>

<p>Not specifically. Elon is big on internships and would probably assist with an internship in a major city or possibly abroad. I would contact the individual departments about such opportunities since it involves study beyond the classroom. They would be able to tell you where other students placed. Don’t know about CC.</p>

<p>S has a friend who will be studying aboad for both the fall and spring who is an international relations major. She decided to do the additional semester studying aboad because she was accepted as an intern for the State Dept. </p>

<p>Sorry I don’t know anything about CoCH program.</p>

bringing this thread up again. We are facing a similar decision between the two and the same major