Hello there! My name is Joanna Jou, a '26 from El Paso, TX. I love Hanover sunsets, relaxing out on The Green, and Still North Matcha w/ honey + almond milk. I'm beyond stoked to have y'all follow along as I create my own version of Dartmouth!
A discussion-based class co-taught by two notable professors in the Russian and German translation/scholar community. We read a series of poems and short stories written by poets who lived under totalitarian regimes (specifically in Germany and the Soviet Union) while examining the role poetry played in communicating trauma and the living of life.
Coming in with no economics background, ECON 1 is an introductory class that explores how individuals and firms make independent choices, how it is reflected in the market place while analyzing it through consumer and producer perspectives, and exploring the theories involved in resource allocation and output determination. Taught by the amazing Dr. Ha Yan Lee, her dedication to the class and her students made me excited to come to her lectures, office hours, and to continue taking classes in the economics department.
As a freshman, we are required to complete a seminar course as part of our first-year writing sequence. With a variety of departments to choose from, I elected a course on the Green New Deal with the history department since I wanted to explore the department a little more. As a discussion-based class, the way Professor Link structured his course and how he led discussions undoubtedly became the highlight of my spring term; not only did I learn some history and improved my writing along the way, but it also encouraged me to pursue the history major (and more classes with him).
SummerEl Paso, TX
Back home for the summer in Texas as I spend time with my family, focus on my mental and physical well-being, and start a new role with the Admissions Office as an Admissions Communications Intern!
Initially taking this course to fulfill my distributive requirement, I ended up really enjoying ANTH 50.49. Although I am a self-proclaimed museum enthusiast, I didn't think to inquire about the development or evolution of museums, which is why I thought this course would also be interesting to take. Nevertheless, Professor Meredith Ferguson '08 did a lovely job in shedding light on various angles in the museum world such as its natural history, curating/conserving, "heritage", repatriation and restitution, and public trust. In addition, we wrapped up the course by finally thinking about the future of museums, and their representation in society today.
I initially took this course purely out of interest as I didn't have any prior experience with the government department. Nevertheless, Politics of the World is the reason why I've decided to pursue a government minor. Taught through a comparative lens, I quickly realized that much of my academics interests lie at the intersection between comparative politics and international relations; thus, this course served as an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience, which made it a highlight of my winter term.
I was immediately drawn to this course just by the title. To put it simply—wow, just wow. Through studying two centuries of wars, reforms, and revolutions, I've gained a deep understanding of Chinese nationalism, not just as part of national history, but also how it was carried overseas by an array of influential characters. Professor Yi Lu is one of the kindest, most genuine, accommodating, and thought-provoking professors I've had a pleasure to know and learn from at Dartmouth!
SummerThe Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Studied abroad in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the government department! As post-Soviet countries, the Baltic states have become democratic success stories after major political and social transformations. This government seminar—taught by the program director—featured a variety of guest lecturers and excursions exploring the concept of democracy, its pathway and development in the Baltics, and the region's future given its geopolitical significance at the forefront of potential global conflict.
One unique experience at Dartmouth is "Sophomore Summer," a required on-campus term following the summer after sophomore year. Since the majority of campus will be students from your class year, many campus activities, classes, festivities, and traditions serve as an opportunity to bond with their classmates. While Sophomore Summer is mandatory, there are a few exceptions such as being an international student, having an internship lined up, or participating in a study abroad program. At Dartmouth, around 60% of students study abroad at least once, so I knew that going abroad was definitely something I wanted to do over the course of my time here.
This past summer, I decided to spend my Sophomore Summer studying abroad in the Baltic countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. While this decision came with a lot of thought, I considered that this abroad program, only offered in the summer, would be a rare opportunity; I mean when would I ever be able to go to the Baltics again? Three months after confirming my spot, I was on a plane to Vilnius, Lithuania!
The Language, Energy, and Politics (LEAP) Foreign Study Program (FSP) is a relatively developed program—inaugurated in summer of 2023—affiliated with the government and Russian departments, and Irving Institute for Energy and Society. The FSP offers two tracks: Government-Energy, or Russian language. This summer, with a cohort of ten students, the majority of us were on the Government-Energy track, while two students were on the Russian language track. The Government-Energy students took 3 classes: Baltic Politics, Baltic History and Culture, and Baltic Energy Systems. Meanwhile, the Russian language students took 2 intensive language courses, and joined us for the Baltic History and Culture class. Furthermore, the LEAP program also worked in partnership with Vilnius University in Lithuania and Tartu University in Estonia; thus, our classes were held at these universities, and also taught by local professors and guest lecturers at the affiliated institutions.
A distinct aspect of this study abroad program is that you are not just living in one country, but three! We spent 4 weeks in Lithuania, 2 weeks in Latvia, and 4 weeks in Estonia, which was very insightful and crucial to understanding the region's politics and energy transition as we were able to immerse ourselves in three different nations. Additionally, while we stayed in a specific city in each country, the program sponsored various day and weekend trips to cities such as Trakai, Klaipeda, Kaunas, Daugavplis, and Narva—with all group meals paid for!
A day trip to the island castle in Trakai, Lithuania!
As I reflect on my first study abroad experience, it has been an academically and culturally enriching experience that I will forever be grateful for. The Baltic states—along with their distinctive geographic location—showcase a complex history of democratization intertwined with the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, and embodies a living laboratory experience as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia navigate the green energy transition and address energy security concerns. On a personal note, while our abroad cohort was smaller than a typical Dartmouth abroad group, I shared tons of smiles and laughter with my abroatemates whom I might not have met otherwise on campus. I must add that I also learned a thing or two about how to cook rice on a stovetop, and discovered my love for shakshuka and frozen mangoes!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
Homecoming—a time when current students and alumni gather to relive cherished memories and exhibit large amounts of school spirit. Find out how I spent my second Homecoming Weekend at Dartmouth!
