Dartmouth vs. Swarthmore

slipper1234
Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:33:33 +0000

Dartmouth splits its programs into two areas 1) language study abroad and (LSA) 2) foreign study program (FSP).

The LSA trips take the place of the third language course (i.e. spanish three) plus a literature and art history course. The trips begin with intense course instruction in Hanover which encompasses class and “drill,” where every morning or afternoon you are in a quick response speaking class. Its incredible for learning how to speak before you leave for a term abroad.

Majors also almost all have "FSP"s which teach major related classes. Languages have these as well, and they are much more intensive than the LSAs. Many majors go on an LSA and an FSP. Examples are the Music FSP in London, the anthro FSP in New Zealand, the philosophy FSP in Edinburgh, the Environmental Studies FSP in Africa, Spanish FSP in Madrid etc.

Dartmouth only led programs have numerous benefits, such as a HUGE budget for outside trips and cultural excursions. Not only is a Dartmouth professor advising you and living with you the entire time (a tremendous comfort to have someone from your school managing the trip), every Saturday you go on a totally paid-for trip to museums, monasteries and cathedrals, places of cultural importance, etc. Also, there is a one week trip to another city that many students also go on. On the FSPs it might be trips into the bush in Africa, trips to the opera for music, etc. Once again, its all Dartmouth students with a professor plus local faculty.

Since Dartmouth is on the quarter system, these programs last for one quarter. 2/3 of students go on at least one study abroad, 1/3 go on two, and about 15% go on three. This doesn’t count in funded thesis research, which is also popular but self designed. I got a $10K grant to do anthro research in Micronesia for example. Nothing like having Dartmouth pay to have you live on an paradise of an island doing research under the starts by candlelight. In one year I personally did this thesis research (Winter), an LSA in Spain (Spring) and and FSP in the UK (Fall).