You think college is just about picking one major and sticking with it? Think again! Liberal Education at Bishop’s University lets you mix and match like an all-you-can-learn course. Because why settle for just one flavor?
What Even Is Liberal Education?
Before I actually looked it up, I had a really vague idea of what liberal education meant. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It is an education that “ideally produces persons who are open-minded and free from provincialism, dogma, preconception, and ideology; conscious of their opinions and judgments; reflective of their actions and aware of their place in the social and natural worlds.” In other words, we are taught to think critically, for ourselves and we should be able to reflect on the impact of our actions and a global understanding in our role globally. Let me try to explain to you how it’s done at Bishop’s.
Academic Freedom: A Build-Your-Own Degree Adventure
Coming from France, I was really surprised by how much freedom students have here. This semester I even added a full major in International Relations because I love geopolitics (and let’s be honest, I’m not quite ready for a full-time “big-girl” job yet. Afterall, this is the goal of liberal education, to prepare you for your furture). By diversifying my interests and focusing on more than one area during my studies. I might increase my time at Bishop’s, but I also increase the fields I could be working in.
One of the coolest things about liberal education is that you’re not into just one thing. In my first year at Bishop’s, I took German classes alongside my English major — sounds normal, right? But then I met a friend, a physics major, who decided to take a break from quantum equations to dive into religion and French classes; just because she could and wanted to.
However, Liberal education isn’t about hiding the books. It’s about opening greater possibilities, figuring out who you are, what excites you. Realizing that changing paths is totally okay and, most importantly, possible. It’s different from regular system because it encourages the students to be more curious and take classes not related to their original major, without having to pursue a minor.
More Than Just Classes: The Extracurricular Possibilities
Liberal education doesn’t stop at academics. At Bishop’s, the clubs and societies scene are thriving. Included in that idea to develop curiosity and various interest, whether you’re into sports or arts, or want to find your people, there’s something for everyone.
One of my favorite clubs is Best Buddies, where students get to hang out with individuals with disabilities. I’ve been meeting with the adults and some of my friends from campus once every two weeks. We play games, do puzzles, or chat. It’s been such a great way to step away from campus life, forget about assignments, and enjoy being in the moment.
When a change of scenery is needed, and the chill times are exchanged with a bit of adrenalin, the mountains are just a short trip away, whether Orford, less than an hour away or Jay Peak, a bit further in Vermont. You’ll get the best weekends in the winter!
The Best Part? Endless Exploration
Looking back on my first year, I can confidently say that I like the idea of exploring more than my majors’ requirement classes in the next few years. Bishop’s makes it easy (and encourages students) to step outside of your comfort zone and learn about anything that sparks your curiosity.
Sometimes, I still have a hard time believing I get to study in an environment that’s this flexible. I can explore, experiment, succeed fail and start over as many times as I want. And that, to me, is what makes this whole university experience so special and makes me lucky to be here.
At Bishop’s University, liberal education isn’t just an academic framework— it’s an open invitation to dive into learning, redefine yourself, and have fun while doing it.
