Admission

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Is Bard NYC only open to Bard College students? 

No! Students from other institutions are encouraged to apply and enroll, pending approval from their home institution. Please speak with representatives at your home institution early to discuss participation in Bard NYC.

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Are all majors welcome to apply?

Yes, we accept applications from all majors. A diversity of academic interests helps complement the interdisciplinary nature of Bard NYC courses.

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May I apply if I am not a junior?

Bard NYC semester programs are designed for students in their third year of study. However, students not in their third year can be considered with approval of their home institution. Each semester a mix of sophomores, junior, and seniors participate. 

Bard NYC summer programs are open to any student who has completed at least their first year of undergraduate study. 

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Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes. International students studying in the US are eligible for all programs; International students studying outside the US are eligible for the semester or year-long programs. Recent graduates from outside the US are encouraged to apply to the MA in Global Studies or the BGIA Certificate program.

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May I apply if I have already graduated from college? 

We will consider recent college graduates, however please contact us to discuss before applying. Recent graduates may want to consider the MA in Global Studies or BGIA Certificate program.

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May I attend for more than one semester?

Yes, the program is designed for individual semesters as well as a full academic year (two semesters, back-to-back).

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Will my credits transfer?

Credits are awarded by Bard College for all courses taken at Bard NYC. Upon completion Bard College transcripts will be issued to allow for credit transfer. Credits should transfer to most colleges and universities, but students should speak with their advisers and registrars at their home institutions to understand what the credit transfer process will be like.

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How many courses will I take? How many credits will I earn in a semester?

Bard NYC students study full-time, taking 3–4 four-credit courses each semester, totaling 12–16 credits. No credits are awarded for internships, rather the internship experience is an integral part of core seminars.

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What are Bard NYC classes like?

Most Bard NYC classes are intermediate and advanced-level courses (200- and 300-level), taught by faculty who are experts in their fields. Classes are seminar style, kept small (12–18 students) to encourage interaction.

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Can I take any Bard NYC course?

Students may take any Bard NYC course they are qualified for, but would not usually enroll in more than one core seminar in one semester. Academic staff advise students on course selection prior to the start of the semester to ensure a manageable course load.

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Where are classes held?

The majority of classes are held in the Williamsburg living/learning space, with additional classes (mainly the International Affairs pathway) offered at Bard NYC’s location in Midtown Manhattan, a short subway commute from Brooklyn, steps from Times Square.

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Which core seminar will I take?

Core seminars in each pathway vary from semester to semester. Each term, one course in each pathway is designated as a core seminar and becomes a requirement for all students in the pathway. Recent examples of core seminars include City Frictions (ARCH 212), Film Criticism (FILM 377), and Civil Society and the Voluntary Sector (PS 301).

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Are language classes offered?

Bard NYC does not offer language instruction. However, students are welcome to take language classes outside of the Bard NYC program. Internships are available that incorporate the use of various languages.

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Are lab science courses offered at Bard NYC?

While various science-related courses are offered through the pathways, no lab sciences are taught at Bard NYC, however science-related internships are available. Biology, Bio-Chem, Chemistry, and Physics majors should plan appropriately if they intend to spend a semester at Bard NYC. Bard College students may consider the Bard-Rockefeller Semester in Science.

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Are internships required?

Yes. All students are required to participate in a professional internship for the duration of the semester from 15–20 hours per week.

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Do I get to choose my internship?

While all students are guaranteed an internship, specific internships or organizations are not guaranteed. Students work with staff to identify internship opportunities of interest then go through the application process with the support of program staff. Each organization makes their own hiring decisions, and the process of securing an internship is part of the Bard NYC career development experience.

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How do I secure an internship?

Students work closely with staff to identify internships that match their interests, skill sets, and goals. They are then guided through the application process, including résumé drafting, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and more. While no specific organization is guaranteed, Bard NYC staff coach students through the internship process and coordinate closely with a vast network of internship partners.

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Are internships paid?

Bard NYC students may apply for both paid and unpaid internships. However, students should not rely on having a paid position. Some opportunities are paid, some are unpaid, and others offer stipends to offset travel, meals, etc.

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How can students manage academic courses and internships at the same time?

While balancing academics and internships can be challenging, the workload is manageable, providing a professional experience not available in the traditional liberal arts classroom.

To allow for internships, courses are scheduled to meet once per week (2 hour and 20 minute sessions), with classes offered in the morning and afternoon/evening, providing a block of time everyday for internship commitments. Academic staff advise students on course selection to ensure a manageable course load that balances internship commitments and degree requirements.

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Will I earn credits for my internship?

No, credits are not awarded through the internship itself, but rather the internship is an integral component of the core seminar.

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May I intern at an organization not listed on the Bard NYC website?

The partner organization list on the website is not comprehensive. Staff will suggest various organizations to consider based on a student’s specific interests. However, if there is interest in opportunities outside of Bard NYC’s list of partners, students are welcome to explore those options. Bard NYC must vet new partners before students apply to ensure organizations understand the partnership dynamic of Bard NYC internships.

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How do students commute to internships?

Most students commute to their internships on the New York City subway system. Program staff introduce participants to using New York’s public transportation system during orientation, including group travel. The Bard NYC living/learning space is conveniently located close to several subway lines and is just one stop from Manhattan.

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Is New York City safe? Is Williamsburg safe?

New York is one of the safest large cities in the United States, and Williamsburg is one of the City’s safest neighborhoods. However, as in all big cities, crime does occur. Program staff provide general advice and tips on staying safe during orientation and are available 24 hours a day in emergency situations. The Williamsburg dormitory has 24-hour security, with key cards required for access throughout the building and security cameras covering all public areas.

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What does a typical daily schedule look like?

Daily schedules vary based on class and internship schedules, but generally students will have class three to four days per week and intern three to five days per week. A typical weekday might include class from 8:40–11:00 am and interning from 1:00–5:00 pm, followed by time to study, hit the gym, hang out with friends, or explore New York City. A weekend might include a visit to the McCarren Park farmer’s market or Smorgusburg, a Bard NYC–sponsored visit to a museum, and a film screening in the dormitory.

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Do I have to live in the dormitory?

The vast majority of program participants live in the dormitory. Students may request to opt out of housing and live with close family members residing in the five boroughs of New York City. Bard NYC will evaluate each request individually to ensure safe, stable, and secure housing and reserves the right to decline as necessary. Students are not allowed to opt out of dormitory housing to find their own accommodation. 

Students enrolled in the MA in Global Studies program are invited to live in the dormitory, space-depending. Learn more about MAGS housing here.

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Are single rooms available in the dormitory?

No, all rooms in the dormitory are double occupancy, designed to foster connections and community among program participants. For specific needs, please email us to discuss in more detail.

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Is there a meal plan/dining hall in the dormitory?

Bard NYC does not offer a meal plan. However, there is a modern shared kitchen and dining room in the dormitory designed for students to prepare and enjoy their own meals. The dorm rooms also include a kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave, and sink. Williamsburg is home to a wealth of diverse restaurants and eateries to suit every taste. 

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Is there a gym or library?

While Bard NYC does not have a gym or library, there is a gym and indoor pool at the NYC Recreation Center a short walk away, available free of charge to persons under 25. Students have access to the Brooklyn and New York Public Library Systems, the largest municipal library system in the United States. Branches of the Brooklyn Public Library are a short walk from the dormitory. All participants are provided off-campus access to Bard College library resources.

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Are there health services at Bard NYC?

While there are no health services at Bard NYC, medical services are available within walking distance of the dormitory. All Bard NYC students are required to have health insurance (either their own or through a policy purchased through the College), and program staff can help students access care as needed.

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Do I need to bring a computer?

All participants should plan to bring a computer with them. Bard NYC does not have a computer lab, but a printer is available for student use.