<p>If I were to choose Vandy for grad school, would I get an element of wanting to make a difference in the world? I dont mean to judge the school because of its profile, but I just couldnt picture a Vandy grad going out into the rainforests o fsouth asia to teach math to the local villagers or that certain causes towards improving the lives of others would be present there. I am sure that there is that element there and its more rampant than what I picture it to be, but I need someone to assure me that its there.
I have heard a lot about community involvement and how Vanderbilt has been a pioneer in volunteer efforts around Tennesse but what about abroad? Would I be better going to a university that fosters that kind of enviroment or can I get that at Vandy? I have the option to go to Emory for law, but I really want to go to Vanderbilt and study economics. A little help guys?</p>
<p>Ruben, as you know, Vandy has always strongly contributed to Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area. Chancellor Gee has pioneered efforts to globalize the effect Vandy has on the world, so, if anything, you'll have an easy time fitting in with the direction they/we're headed.</p>
<p>Good question. I encourage you to check the link below.</p>
<p>Chancellor Gee's spring speech to the faculty senate is all about expanding beyond our borders. It can be read here:</p>
<p>All the best from Nashville,
Brad</p>
<p>Many students from Vanderbilt (and, come to think of it, around the nation) participate in the student-led Alternative Spring Break program, which is a service campaign that takes place over SB. Students go abroad and help build houses, construct community centers, aid in schools, etc. ASB was actually started at Vanderbilt</p>
<p>There is also a group of scholars who participate daily in community service and aid in finding solutions to social problems -- <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ingram/%5B/url%5D">http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ingram/</a></p>
<p>You will find countless people who are passionate about social change at Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>Great! I like it already. It seems that Gee is also helping the school to be more internationally recognized.</p>