Welcome to the blog of an Englishman studying at Dartmouth—do take a look around! Hopefully, my blogs will provide you with an insight on life at Dartmouth, and specifically through the eyes of an international student. Dartmouth has a ton to offer from the staggering natural beauty of its surroundings and stellar academic programs to the wonderful people you meet along the way. So stay a while, I'll make us cups of tea, and take a moment to discover life at the College on the Hill.
This class was SO interesting... We dug into the history of racial inequality in Brazil, stretching from the advent of slavery to persisting modern societal issues.
A course that I took completely impulsively turned into one of the most formative experiences I have had at Dartmouth. Through physical mediums and theatre, I rediscovered what it meant to be 'creative.'
Having always had a hatred for learning languages, I was wary of the requirement to do so here at Dartmouth. In reality, though, I needn't have worried! I absolutely loved every minute of this class, and now I can speak pretty good Italian!
This class was extremely enlightening, and it was especially interesting to study as a British person. I felt as though I brought a unique perspective to the class, but also that I was learning a side of history which was brushed past in my GCSEs!
I spent this term completing research with Professor Cascio of the Economics Department. Our work was concerned with educational investment, and it was one of my best experiences of Dartmouth so far!
This course teaches all about the economics of the development of economies, focusing on many case studies concerning education, housing, healthcare, and more!
This introductory computer science class was an amazing and immersive experience which introduced me to concepts in coding that I had no previous experience with. Definitely a must at Dartmouth!
This is the advanced finance class at Dartmouth – as part of the finance track within the economics major, I was lucky enough to take this class which gave me an incredibly deep understanding of financial markets and intermediaries, and expanded a lot on my knowledge of corporate finance.
I was fortunate enough to be able to intern at Citi over the summer – this was an incredibly enlightening experience, and well-placed me to begin a career in the industry.
I was lucky enough this term to take a class in the Tuck school of business. Here at Dartmouth, you can access these higher level business classes as an undergraduate!
At Dartmouth, the liberal arts serve as the cornerstone of our educational philosophy. The liberal arts encompass a wide range of disciplines, including literature, philosophy, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and the arts. Rather than focusing on specialized training in a singular field, the liberal arts encourage students to explore diverse subjects, fostering a well-rounded intellectual foundation, while still maintaining depth in one (or more!) areas of focus. I wanted to write a blog about the Liberal Arts, because as an international student, I know it can be super unfamiliar and even seem daunting!
The liberal arts can be largely characterized by the opportunity and requirement to take classes in a wide range of disciplines, rather than simply studying one for your entire college career. For U.S. students who may not be aware, in most countries in the world, people sign up for a 'course' in a particular subject in advance of attendance, and will never take a class outside of that subject. At Dartmouth, in contrast, you not only take a wide range, but you are required to do so through the requirement to satisfy a range of 'distributives' associated with classes across subject-lines.
An example of the benefits of the liberal arts would be my own academic journey: I came here to do engineering, I now study economics, and yet I am currently taking a class about the history, theory, and present impacts of settler colonialism! It is classes like these that facilitate the growth of my intellectual curiosity in ways that I would otherwise never experience.
A POV in my Settler Colonialism class
One of the primary advantages of a liberal arts education is the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dartmouth students engage in rigorous coursework that encourages them to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the world but also equips them with the ability to navigate ambiguity and solve real-world problems – skills that transcend any specific profession.
Dartmouth's commitment to the liberal arts extends beyond the classroom, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and cultures. By studying a broad range of subjects, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience. This exposure cultivates empathy, tolerance, and a capacity to appreciate the richness of global diversity.
The liberal arts approach at Dartmouth emphasizes interdisciplinary exploration, breaking down the traditional silos between academic disciplines. Students have the opportunity to combine insights from various fields, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the interconnected nature of the real world and prepares students to tackle multifaceted challenges in their future careers.
In Solid Mechanics, we designed and constructed a bridge that held 10kN, around 1000kg! The process, from SOLIDWORKS design to laser cutting to gluing parts together, took us weeks, but it was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
