<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm really interested in Juniata, HWS, Goucher, and Ursinus. I'd like to major in Int'l Relations, but I'm not sure which school offers the better program. At Juniata, they offer a peace & conflict resolutions major (or minor?) and that really interests me. While at Goucher, I think study abroad is required (?), so it's something that I'm def. looking into. Any suggestions are welcomed! Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Any insight?</p>
<p>Son graduated year before the requirement went into effect for study abroad. It was so emphasized at that time that he spent a month in Africa and 6 months in Thailand. It was really well organized, and the school gave him a grant for the AFrica trip (as did his department, theater) and they helped him apply for a Freeman Asia scholarship ($5000) towards Thailand, which he got. The President of Goucher, Sandy Unger, once did a stint as the head of Voice of America. It really emphasizes the global outlook. I believe now study abroad is required and part of your tuition comes back to you as a stipend for travel.</p>
<p>I think HWS is worth a serious look particularly with their very capable President:</p>
<p>Hobart and William Smith President Mark D. Gearan exemplifies the strongest attributes of the Colleges he serves: civic engagement, global awareness, a focus on the 21st century and a commitment to students.</p>
<p>President Gearan’s appointment to Hobart and William Smith in 1999 made him one of the nation’s youngest college presidents. In the course of his tenure, he has reinforced the Colleges’ commitment to academic rigor, global understanding, study abroad opportunities, community service and service-learning, with the goal of providing these elements through contemporary facilities and state-of-the-art technology.</p>
<p>When named president, Gearan was serving as director of the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., a post he assumed in 1995. Under his leadership, the Peace Corps experienced a resurgence of interest. The Colleges have similarly progressed under his guidance.</p>
<p>Prior to his Peace Corps directorship, President Gearan served at the White House as Assistant to the President and Director of Communications, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff during the Clinton administration. During the 1992 presidential campaign, he was Al Gore’s campaign manager, segueing to the position of Deputy Director of President-elect Clinton’s transition team.</p>
<p>There are some significant differences among the schools–all good schools to be sure. HWS is by far the most preppy and Goucher the most laid back, with Juniata being closer to Goucher and Ursinus to HWS. Same with frats. Goucher and Ursinus are near major cities; the others very far. I have not heard of significant IR differences.</p>
<p>Goucher has far more girls to boys. In this categiory, Dickinson prides itself on IR and others worth a look in the same region are Franklin & Marshall; Susquehanna; Drew; Muhlenberg; Alfred; Gettysburg and Alleghenny.</p>