Sophomore Summer Plans as an International Student
At Dartmouth, the academic calendar follows a unique quarter system known as the D-plan. One aspect that sets the D-plan apart from other institutions is the mandatory summer term of classes, which most people take after their sophomore year, called "Sophomore Summer," However, there are exceptions to this requirement, particularly for international students and some student-athletes.
As an international student exempt from this requirement, I wanted to provide insight into how I'm spending my sophomore summer. Many of my peers are navigating this term in various ways, which I also want to highlight to show that there are multiple ways of making your sophomore summer your own. Some international friends of mine have decided to return home for the summer, either to relax and spend time with family or to work in their home countries. A few others have secured internships across the United States, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while remaining stateside, albeit not on campus. Contrary to popular opinion, taking classes during sophomore summer as an international student isn't impossible. Several international friends opted for this route despite the added extra complications with visas, which I did not want to deal with.
I sought out alternative ways to stay on campus without the necessity of enrolling in classes. I explored various opportunities that would allow me to stay engaged academically and intellectually. I applied for several fellowships and research grants offered on campus, hoping to secure a position that would allow me to stay at Dartmouth during the summer and enrich my academic journey.
I am thrilled to share that I have been granted a stipend for full-time research over the summer! This incredible opportunity allows me to conduct cognitive science research, specifically focusing on the childhood development of modal cognition. My research explores how children generate options in response to hypothetical scenarios and the relationship between these cognitive processes and decision-making.
I am incredibly grateful for the funding and the chance to experience Dartmouth during the summer in this capacity. The opportunity to immerse myself in full-time research without the added pressure of coursework is invaluable. It will allow me to delve deeply into my area of interest, collaborate with faculty and peers, and make the most of Dartmouth's resources.
In summary, while the typical sophomore summer at Dartmouth involves on-campus classes, my experience as an international student will take a different path. I am excited to stay engaged and enjoy all that Dartmouth has to offer during the summer term!