I think it’s important to situate that article in the context of when it was published: 2021. Many of the students interviewed for it were abroad during the global pandemic, and returned to a campus still impacted by pandemic-related policies. I will also add that the cost information listed for the Arcadia in London program is way off. The current fee as listed on the website is $18,550.00 plus an additional $5000.00 in estimated expenses. Financial aid is available through Arcadia. As someone who has built her career in international Education I can say that every student who studies abroad experiences re-entry challenges when they return to their home country/culture. Separating those challenges out from the challenges unique to being a Jan would be difficult to decipher.
My son was also admitted as a Jan this year in ED I, and he is thrilled at the prospect of starting off his college career with a study abroad experience. He looks forward to coming to the Clinton campus in August for orientation, and to connecting with other members of his cohort. We have talked to several families of Jans and the experiences were overwhlemingly positive–including when students came to campus in January. Jans are able to participate in athletics, join clubs, and pre-register for Spring classes in November. I will also add that in contrast to the stereotype listed in the article from three years ago, my son received a very large financial aid award.