<p>I know the following questions are a bit detailed … But I really need the answers to evaluate my choices. PLEASE help! ;D</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Someone says Brown students can take up to 4 courses in RISD while they are at Brown. Is it true? Does this statement means that students can only take 4 courses in 4 years, something like one course per year, while 1 year consists of 3 semesters? Or the cross-registration is flexible enough to let students take more courses in RISD?</p></li>
<li><p>Does a student still have any chance to study abroad once in the Brown&RISD dual degree program?</p></li>
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<p>Thanks for everyone who look at the quetions/ reply !</p>
<p>Brown runs on a semester system, not on trimesters which makes the RISD class thing “interesting” for some people. Without petitioning for special permission of some kind, students who are admitted to Brown can take four courses (spread out however you want) during your time at Brown at RISD and receive credit toward your Brown degree.</p>
<p>You should also check out our own VA department if you’re the kind of person that may take more than four classes at RISD.</p>
<p>Since both Brown and RISD students can study abroad, it’s common sense to think that someone in the combined program can study abroad too.</p>
<p>I’ve heard people say that it is possible to petition to take more classes at RISD, but given the different schedules, most students find it difficult to take any classes at RISD. It’s doable, but not easy.</p>
<p>I agree with modestmelody – check out Brown’s VA department.</p>
<p>I agree that you should check out Brown’s VA department. My D is a junior, concentrating in VA and she truly loves the department. She was considering taking a RISD class this semester, but it was very inconvenient in a number of ways. Not that she wouldn’t have done it; she was very interested. As it turns out, she is really happy that she didn’t take the class, and she is totally enjoying the VA department at Brown. It has absolutely everything she wants and needs. She may not end up taking a course at RISD at all… From the admissions numbers, it is super hard to get into the dual program. It’s hard enough just to get into either one of the schools.</p>
<p>kimcat, yes a student in the Brown/Risd dual degree program can study abroad. The European Honors program at RISD works best for this. I’d encourage you to not let the statistics scare you off and go ahead apply to the dual degree program. Present your passion.</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone who replied! I will definitely check out the Brown VA program, and if it’s really hard to balance the schedule of RISD, maybe the VA program will also be a great place to be in.
I actually did present question 2 to a Brown AO during an info session, her answer was ambiguous enough: I can’t answer this question because this is a new program, but I believe the professors will try to provide you with best opportunity. (if you want to study abroad they might provide you the chance)
Thanks ^^</p>
<p>The art major is going to step in and throw out some answers</p>
<ol>
<li><p>RISD is not on trimesters. RISD has 2 semesters and a winter session shorter than our winter break. It depends on the department you are trying to become affiliated with, but generally speaking it is highly possible to take RISD classes. Because scheduling is a difficulty, you simply have to make the RISD class a priority in order to make it work. Desperately attached to your Brown MWF class? Then RISD isn’t goign to happen. If you are flexible, it will. You also have to be very proactive, talk to the professor a semester ahead of time, show them your work, explain your dedication, etc. Be persistent. And know that some teachers and some departments are more flexible than others. </p></li>
<li><p>I think it would be possible to go abroad, but most likely during a brown year, as the RISD requirements are so highly regimented. </p></li>
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<p>As to the flexibility of the art department: yes, it is possible to take more than 4 courses at RISD. As to the general flexibility of the department. the professors will be ever so supportive in your creative path if that creative path is something they deem worthy. If it’s not, they don’t give a crap. i have a love hate relationship with the department here.</p>