<p>So I'm trying to decide between Mount Holyoke and Grinnell over the next few days. I want to major in Political Science or History, with a minor in Classics or Arabic, I really, really want to study abroad, and I want to move to Europe, preferably for grad school or right after. I want to get a PhD or go into International Law, probably a PhD. I'm kinda odd, and socially more awkward than not. Identical financial aid packages. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Grinnell will offer you a wide variety of exposure as it’s co-ed. Since you’re planning to go around the globe, you will need substantial interaction with all at a much wider level. MHC may be just too isolated for you.
Good luck.</p>
<p>And how is Grinnell less isolated? </p>
<p>I believe the consortium would provide an equally, if not more, substantial opportunity to interact.</p>
<p>I can’t speak for Grinnell’s study abroad programs but as I’ve researched extensively about this, MHC maintains exchange programs with selected universities. If you care to browse, here’s their listing for programs in Europe</p>
<p>[Mount</a> Holyoke College :: Europe](<a href=“http://www.mtholyoke.edu/global/11837.shtml]Mount”>http://www.mtholyoke.edu/global/11837.shtml)</p>
<p>MHC doesn’t have the Political science major per se, but you can design your own, if I’m wrong -perhaps by amalgamating your Social Sciences courses ? </p>
<p>Update us on how it goes!</p>
<p>MHC is in NO way isolated in study abroad programs/international partnerships. The McCullough Center for Global Initiatives is fantastically helpful, and we have tons of students study abroad every year. As jamapelle stated, MHC maintains numerous partnerships with international universities, including many in Europe. Also, Grinnell is in a small town in Iowa, whereas MHC (also in a small town, no denying that) is within easy traveling distance of Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., making internships and networking opportunities far easier to access.</p>
<p>As for MHC’s on-campus opportunities, our Politics department is world-renowned. Our History department boasts names such as Joe Ellis, among others. Mount Holyoke doesn’t technically offer a minor or major in Arabic (I believe there is a Classics minor), but the Five-College Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies is considered a minor and includes Arabic language. The International Relations major at MHC offers the opportunity to specialize in certain areas, such as combining politics and Arabic or Classics. There is also the opportunity to self-design a major to cater specifically to your academic interests.</p>
<p>Also, not to keep harping on why MHC is better (lol), but I spent a little time poking around on the Grinnell website…and I couldn’t even find any Arabic courses. Are they definitely offered there? I realize it’s not an issue unless you think Arabic is a very viable option for you, but if you are possibly interested…just make sure!</p>
<p>I’m sure Grinnell is a fine institution–I have friends there that love it–but I’m not sure it caters terribly well to your interests…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Grinnell offers Arabic self-study. Whether it will be offered OPs sophomore year, she needs to complete prerequisites her first year, is another matter.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>[Alternate</a> Language Study Option Program - Alternate Language Study Option Program | Grinnell College](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/also]Alternate”>http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/also)</p>
<p>I have a good friend who attended Grinnell. She’s a physician and loved the college.
But there is a diffence between Iowa and Western Ma.</p>
<p>Most kids change majors numerous times. Just today I was talking to an Amherst College woman who changed majors three times. Choose the college where you’ll be most comfortable. To be honest, since you’re self described as a bit socially awkward, MHC might be a great place unawkwardize (it’s a word, well, now it is) yourself.</p>
<p>My D is a Grinnell student and is taking second semester Arabic right now. An Arabic professor was hired last year and at this time Grinnell offers 2 years of Arabic, I think with the intention of eventually expanding the offerings. This is not self-study, this is a regular course that is listed with all other course listings on the registrar’s office section of the Grinnell website. Grinnell has both Classics and Political Science as majors. Also has very comprehensive study abroad options.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Mea Culpa. I missed the course offering. My apologies.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>[Course</a> Descriptions - Registrar | Grinnell College](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/registrar/courseinfo/2009-2010/s10description]Course”>http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/registrar/courseinfo/2009-2010/s10description)</p>
<p>Women sometimes “do better” at a Women’s college, particularly in the sciences-tho i see that isn’t your primary interest.
If you are shy, you might feel more comfortable speaking in class or taking the lead on projects in that sort of environment.</p>