<p>As an International Business Major in Smith planning on double majoring in a social science as well, what program would be best suited for me? Which program is more prestigious? (I know that <em>shouldn’t</em> matter, but it still does. Sorry.) Pros/cons of each?</p>
<p>The program you’re talking about is brand new and is being launched for the first time next Fall - so no students will really have an “insider scoop” on what the program is like. </p>
<p>The major difference between Gemstone and E&I program is that Gemstone is a four year program, and E&I is a two year program. As far as I can see it, Gemstone is a LOT more work, and therefore more prestigious. I believe the new living-learning programs were created in part because Gemstone has an extremely low retention rate - because it is so much work, it takes a special kind of student passionate about research to stick with it. As early as second semester freshman year, you are expected to write a mini-paper - it is only a 1 credit class yet the paper is 20 or more pages, if I remember correctly (certainly not less than that, but I could be UNDERestimating). Students essentially cannot spend a semester or year abroad (excpet in the summer or winter), because you are committed to a group project and can’t just abandon your research team. The actual paper you are expected to produce at the end of four years (with the help of a group), is a graduate-level thesis-type project, that will be presented to a board. Some projects, if done well, could even be published in reputable literature of the field(s) the project is centered in. So, what I mean by the new programs being created to fill a gap, is that many honors students aren’t interested in the commitment Gemstone entails - or aren’t interested in intensive group research projects - but still want to be involved in an honors program that will allow them to delve more deeply in their interests.</p>
<p>So, in short, Gemstone is more prestigious but do it if you’re truly interested in it, and not for a resume boost, because it will be hard enough getting good grades, getting internships, etc. And Gemstone will look good, but other things can take its place that will also look good, which is the real reason why it shouldn’t matter to you. Ex. E&I could be a springboard for you into the Hinman CEO program, which is a 2-yr upperclass living learning program that you have to apply to (E&I could look good on that resume) and is prestigious, for example. I don’t think you’d have time for Hinman if you did Gemstone. So don’t be dumb, think about what interests you, because it’s going to allow you to direct your education towards those things you like most/need most, and direct your education towards prestigious opportunities in those areas rather than prestigious opportunities you DON’T want.</p>
<p>So in this age of technology, we can’t just keep up with team members and email parts of the paper and such? Studying abroad is a big deal for me…</p>
<p>When I talked to current Gemstone students, one of the major problems they mentioned was coordinating study abroad. The research you’re doing is going to involve hands-on participation and expermentation, not just perusing the library or the internet - oftentimes the research is centered on the campus or in a community, and being able to see the area of your work firsthand is important. Also, having worked with skype and teleconferencing and all that, it is definitely a hassle when working on complicated problems that involve a lot of visuals and a lot of discussion. Doing an intensive project when one member is away is hard on the whole group - the person away is disconnected and oftentimes ends up doing less work simply because it’s more convenient to have them do less work.</p>
<p>Additionally, you will be required to take Gemstone classes during certain semesters, which you obviously can’t take at a university abroad, which is going to even further limit when you can go (aside from what is most convenient for your group limiting your options). </p>
<p>Finally, a lot of people want to study abroad, but certainly not everyone in your group can at the same time (though chances of that happening are increased with such constraints placed on when you can go). How are you going to decide who gets to go away and who doesn’t? </p>
<p>If study abroad is so important to you, I think you should talk with current Gemstone students on both sides of the issue (the one that wants/wanted to go abroad, the group that may have been left behind, etc.) candidly about the prospect. You’ll get a chance to do so at orientation, when you go to a special Gemstone presentation. You can talk in person there with current students, and study abroad was actually mentioned in the official presentation as a potential wrench in the Gemstone experience because of the hardship you are placing on your group. You’ll also get a “gemstone buddy” if you accept the program, and can chat with them online (I have found them to be less candid online, but perhaps you’ll get a talker!). You can always accept the program now and learn more about it, then switch programs later on.</p>
<p>Sorry for all of the editing…lol. Tough topic. One of the reasons I personally dropped Gemstone, actually - though I did so before even taking a class, merely from hearing what other people had to say about it.</p>
<p>Here is their official (and very positive) take on the topic in their FAQ which outlines the restrictions: </p>
<p>Can Gemstone students study abroad?</p>
<p>Yes! Gemstone students are encouraged to study abroad as long as they adhere to a few required guidelines. Study abroad must take place second semester sophomore year, or either semester junior year, and must be limited to one semester (year-long programs are not permitted). The semester before going abroad, the student will work with their teammates and mentor to create a contract outlining what he or she will accomplish for the team while abroad. Students will also be responsible for staying up to date on and contributing to the team’s progress. Students are also more than welcome to study abroad as many times as they’d like during the winter and summer terms.</p>
<p>No, thank you! You’ve been very informative and helpful. :)</p>
<p>So we’re allowed to switch honors programs?</p>
<p>Yeah, definitely. If you’re high scoring enough to be admitted into Gemstone, I think they’ll work to try to get you into the program of your choice. I can see some problems switching into E&I after a semester of gemstone or vice versa though, because then you missed class time…but switching around before school even starts shouldn’t be a problem - maybe contact the honors department and ask just in case. The one potential problem I can see is in terms of housing, if the two are housed in different buildings, declaring one late might impact your housing? I’m not sure. At the very least talk to some current Gemstone students before making your decision.</p>
<p>And in terms of professors and class sizes, would you say that Gemstone ones are better/smaller (in comparison to the other honors programs)? I’ve heard that Gemstone students get preferential treatment, but I’m not sure if that’s true.</p>
<p>Gemstone is definitely the crown jewel of the honors program, but in terms of how that impacts class size/etc. I can’t really say.</p>
<p>Your honors seminar classes, if you choose to take them, are going to be the same size and with the same profs as everyone else since you’ll be mixed in with all of the other kids. But the specific Gemstone classes? Wouldn’t know.</p>
<p>You cannot switch programs once you have matriculated. The only program you can switch into is regular University Honors.</p>
<p>Also, in terms of studying abroad you only have Gemstone “class” for the first two semesters. After that your GEMS credit is for team meetings and research progress.</p>