<p>Posting for a family friend currently choosing between 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 the school have a large and active international student population?
- Given its location is it difficult to have access to internships and other experiential learning programs? Are there programs like a semester in Washington etc?
- Does U of Richmond have well-established solid study abroad programs?
- Are there enough things to do to stay entertained in Richmond? Is it really conservative?<br>
- 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>I can’t answer all of your questions however, I can help answer some. As for the international students, there are many at UR. In the class of 2017 there are already a quite a few international students, including a few from India. For study abroad programs, UR has an incredible program. It is very well established and around 60% of students study abroad. It is one of the things that UR is well known for. As for internships, I know that there are plenty available for students. Students can also take trips into Washington D.C. and NYC and tour around different companies, meet with the heads, and discuss the business or organization. I do not know if there are study programs in Washington for a semester or not. I hope this helps!</p>
<p>One school is in a medium sized city surrounded by other hospitable places. The other is in the middle of Iowa. One has over 1 million people in the metro area and is a 90 minute drive from the nation’s capital. The other is in a town of less than 10,000 people. </p>
<p>That to me would be a big consideration.</p>
<p>About 10% of UR’s students are international. One of my best friends at UR was from Hyderabad. Very strong international student body, great international club and affiliate organizations (South Asian Student Alliance, Bhangra dance club, etc.) Internationalism is something UR is well known for, with an extremely well established reputation. 75 study abroad programs in 45 countries. Also opened a new International Center on campus in 2011.</p>
<p>Second Spiders05’s comments. If proximity to opportunities is important, then East Coast/medium-sized city/90 miles from DC is clearly the winner. There’s no semester program in DC, but it’s the most popular spot for summer internships, and career development has very strong connections (like the road trips that jfrenchy mentioned.) The majority of my friends who graduated in 2011 live in Richmond, DC, and NYC.</p>
<p>City of Richmond is a great place to go to college. Not nearly as “conservative” as some people expect. Actually really diverse, with great restaurants, nightlife, cultural offerings, etc. For example, the largest folk festival in the U.S. takes place in Richmond each October. Folk groups from around the world converge for the celebration - one of the most international events I’ve ever been to in the U.S.</p>
<p>Ive been to the Grinnell campus in Iowa and have seen their students first hand. Stereotypically, the Grinnell students are a polar opposite of the typical Richmond student. The kids at Grinnell are energized by the liberal arts, as they love learning for the sake of learning. Many are VERY intellectual, a little quirky and quite liberal. You find a fair number of counter-culture eccentrics at Grinnell. Theyre drawn to undergraduate majors like history, sociology & political science. Its my belief that the typical UR student is generally more practical and pre-professional, given the strong business school focus, etc. While the preppy stereotype at UR is somewhat overblown, students, nonetheless, are far more fashion conscious and concerned with appearance than students at Grinnell. Theres somewhat of cookie cutter uniformity to the appearance of most UR students, (men and women). At the Iowa campus, youll see a more natural, earthy look among coeds and little pressure to fit a predetermined look.</p>
<p>While both schools are excellent, recognize the culture differences in your analysis and which setting might best fit the students personal style and academic preferences.</p>
<p>One other thought: the dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at UR, Kathleen Skerrett, was a professor and associate dean at Grinnell for 13 years before moving to UR in 2011. In my few interactions with her she was always extremely open and helpful, and I’m sure she’d do the same for a prospective/admitted student. She might be someone to reach out to regarding this question, as someone who knows both schools well.</p>
<p>[Kathleen</a> Roberts Skerrett New dean of arts and sciences has history of interdisciplinary education as both a teacher and lifelong student - University of Richmond](<a href=“Newsroom - University of Richmond”>Newsroom - University of Richmond)
[Kathleen</a> Skerrett - Directory - University of Richmond](<a href=“http://directory.richmond.edu/bios/kskerret/]Kathleen”>Dr. Kathleen Roberts Skerrett -)</p>