<p>i have no idea when your friend saw Brandeis. yes there are a few smokers, but we definitely don’t have an overwhelming number. i would bet we were well well below the average number of smokers at most schools. there’s plenty of vegetarian options. i would suggest eating at Sherman Kosher on dairy days because you’ll have lots of choices without meat. we don’t have IR, but we have IGS, international and global studies. it’s a very strong program. robert art is definitely a big deal in the IR world. [IGS</a> | Brandeis University](<a href=“http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/igs/]IGS”>IGS | International and Global Studies Program | International and Global Studies Program | Brandeis University) you’ll definitely feel like part of an international community because of our well-regarded international business school. [Brandeis</a> University International Business School: Business, Economics and Finance for Global Leadership](<a href=“Global Brandeis | Brandeis University”>Brandeis International Business School) I believe EVS is also strong. [Brandeis</a> University - Environmental Studies Program Website](<a href=“Environmental Studies Program | Brandeis University”>Environmental Studies Program | Brandeis University) It just became a major two years ago. I know of friends that did an environmental field semester where you go on a lot of trips to different farms and other environments [Brandeis</a> University - Environmental Studies Program Website](<a href=“Environmental Studies Program | Brandeis University”>Environmental Studies Program | Brandeis University) Also, because of the initiative of one class, the student government started a Deis Bikes program, where you can rent one of ten bikes to reduce our carbon footprint. </p>
<p>i love the atmosphere of Brandeis and so does nearly everyone else i know, so i would take your friend’s comment with a grain of salt. </p>
<p>good luck!</p>