Getting to Know Dickinson

Becoming a part of the Dickinson community means joining a team of outstanding students and dedicated faculty members committed to the continuous study of and engagement with other cultures and societies. The close-knit environment at the college encourages self-expression and growth while fostering an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of people who surround us.

Accolades for Dickinson

Dickinson was chosen by the National Association of International Educators (NAFSA) as one of six institutions in America that have internationalized their campuses.

A Wall Street Journal feature named Dickinson one of the country's "hot schools" in an article that highlighted the college’s approach to global education and the high percentage of its students who spend an entire year abroad. The article stated that Dickinson is a "college for a new era" and one of 16 colleges and universities throughout the country that are "poised to be players in the new landscape."

Time magazine's cover story, "Who Needs Harvard?", quotes a counselor from a highly selective private school in La Jolla, Calif., who observes that sophisticated students searching for the right college "see that schools like ... Dickinson really care about the quality of undergraduate life."

Discovering Opportunities on Campus

Located in the scenic town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dickinson College has earned recognition as a top U.S. liberal-arts college with a close-knit community of approximately 2,400 students. International students attending Dickinson discover:

• a top-tier global curriculum taught by caring, committed professors
• an intellectually vibrant community where individuals are valued and supported
• state-of-the-art facilities on a historic campus
• life-long friendships in an environment that encourages free exchange of ideas and celebrates diversity.

At Dickinson, you have the freedom to choose from 42 majors, including innovative interdisciplinary programs and opportunities to take your studies into that field through hands-on learning and research. Sharpen your skills in global business through our international business & management major or explore opportunities for government or policy research through the international studies program. Throughout your education at Dickinson, you will begin to see that the world is interconnected, that seemingly disparate ideas are related and that there is a common paradigm for solving problems.

Additionally, you’ll work side-by-side with faculty members on exciting research and find yourself just as likely to be discussing topics with your professor at a local restaurant, coffee bar or backyard barbecue as in the classroom.

Experiencing America and Gaining a Global Perspective

Dickinson is a great campus at which to experience the all-American small town with its rural surroundings and safe, close-knit campus. Our location offers access to the largest cities and attractions in Pennsylvania and on the East Coast. Students frequently take inexpensive trips to cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The community at Dickinson will not only provide you with a perspective on the United States, but also on the wide range of cultures that comprise our global society. The internationalization you’ll find at Dickinson prepares you for a complex world where a perspective on the many rich cultures, languages, arts and political processes allows you to move freely outside of the confines of geographic boundaries.

Internationalism thrives in our classrooms as well through the college’s emphasis on foreign-language study—the core of Dickinson’s global curriculum. The college offers 12 languages, including modern Greek, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic. You’ll likely encounter someone who knows your language or would like to know it. Each week, students and faculty members come together for a meal and lively discussions in a language other than English. Joining Dickinson, you will know that your presence and viewpoint are welcome.

Living at Dickinson

Dickinson is a residential college, which means students live in college-provided, comfortable housing, ranging from traditional large college dormitories to independent apartment living to specialized small housing where students with specific interests come together.

You’ll have a telephone number and an e-mail address to keep in touch with your family and friends back home and to stay in close contact with the friends you’ll make in the United States.

You may bring your own computer or use one of the many computers you’ll find on campus. Most students eat in the cafeteria where food is served buffet-style. Vegetarian dishes always are available, and special dietary needs can be accommodated.

Getting Involved

Because the college experience isn’t just about the classroom, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in many special-interest clubs, athletics, trips and other recreational activities. Participate in sports such as tennis, baseball, cricket, ping-pong, American football and futbol (soccer to Americans); hike a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail; pursue your musical interests by joining the college orchestra or a cappella group; attend guest lectures, concerts, films and theatre; debate current world politics; or enrich your knowledge about pressing global issues.

The opportunities are endless.