<p>Posting for a family friend currently choosing between these Grinnell and University of Richmond -- interested in gauging some thoughts on the culture and academics at the two schools </p>
<p>On the student:
- international student from India
- interested in international relations and/or economics
- not sure what his future goals are
- currently waitlisted at Bates + Bard + Lafayette </p>
<p>My questions:
- Does Grinnell have a large and active international student population?
- Given its location in IA is it difficult to have access to internships and other experiential learning programs? Are there programs like a semester in Washington etc?
- It sounds like Grinnell has excellent well-established study abroad programs; correct?
- Are there enough things to do to stay entertained in Grinnell? (I went to school in DC and Ann Arbor so I am not sure what going to school in a small rural town would be like)
- What is the student culture like in terms of drinking/partying/sports life/political affiliation/diversity?
- Are there any other major factors to consider? </p>
<p>It sounds like -- based on my very limited knowledge of the schools -- that Grinnell may be the better choice but neither is ideal; yes or no?</p>
<p>Grinnell’s international population is about 12-14%. Not sure what you mean by active. After my time on campus as a parent, I’d say most of the students are active</p>
<p>Last I knew, Grinnell has its own program in Washington DC. They also have a program in London. The school helps students who want to go to other countries link up with other programs. My son studied in Morocco with an excellent and well-established program.</p>
<p>Lots of students do research with their profs over the summer. Grinnell provides some funding for unpaid internships. </p>
<p>Yes, there are LOTS of things to do on campus. The college brings in speakers, music, dance performances, etc. Plenty to do right on campus. They have their own movie theater and there are “official” parties every weekend in addition to lots of unofficial ones. The town is small and rural, but it is right there next to the campus, so convenient. If a student wants an urban environment, this isn’t that.</p>
<p>I consider the student body to be quite diverse, especially considering the location. There are a lot of opportunities for partying, but most students take their studies very seriously</p>
<p>The sports are Div III, so not a huge focus, but there are plenty of opportunities for anyone to participate in a sport. Politically there are more left-leaning students and faculty than right-leaning.</p>
<p>Classes, even intro ones, are small and students get a lot of attention from profs. A very high percentage of Grinnell grads go on to grad school. A large percentage also go on to programs such as Peace Corps. It’s a casual friendly place. My son was very happy there and made lots of friends.</p>
<p>If you google Grinnell in Washington and Grinnell in London, you’ll se descriptions of those programs. They both can involve internships.</p>