Sometimes students are just looking for a very unique college experience. They know that neither the super-focused UK universities, nor the big US football universities, nor the glamorous urban international business schools are what they want. They want different, they want special, they want to have an experience unavailable anywhere else.
Here are a few really cool programs that we college counselors are always trying to share with our students. If you want a little bit of everything, either in terms of curriculum or people or geography, check out these special opportunities. They may require a leap of faith on your part, but the lifelong rewards far outweigh the risk of applying and attending!
College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
- Franklin University Switzerland is this super unique little gem tucked away in stunning Lugano, Switzerland. It’s basically the only school on the planet that’s accredited in both the U.S. and Switzerland—so it’s like getting two degrees for the price of one (kind of). What really sets Franklin apart, though, is its Academic Travel Program, which is basically like hitting pause on your regular classes so you can jet off to different countries and study stuff in real life. Think learning about Renaissance art while wandering through Florence or studying international relations in Geneva—it’s like the ultimate field trip, every semester. Plus, the student body is ridiculously international, so you’ll end up with friends from all over the world and a passport full of stamps by graduation. Franklin isn’t just a university; it’s an adventure disguised as college!
- The Joint Degree Programme between the College of William & Mary and the University of St Andrews is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that lets students split their undergraduate years between two iconic institutions—two years in Williamsburg, Virginia, and two years in St Andrews, Scotland. By the end, students earn a single Bachelor of Arts (International Honours) degree with the insignias of both universities. This program combines the liberal arts breadth of William & Mary with the academic depth of St Andrews, offering a truly global education. It’s perfect for students who want to immerse themselves in two distinct academic cultures while majoring in fields like economics, history, or international relations. Plus, you get to enjoy the quirks of both schools—think frats and colonial traditions at W&M and medieval charm, balls, and foam fights at St Andrews. Can I go back to college?
- St. John’s College is like the Hogwarts of intellectuals—minus the magic wands but full of spellbinding ideas. With campuses in charming Annapolis, Maryland, and enchanting Santa Fe, New Mexico, it’s one of the oldest colleges in the U.S., founded in 1696, but what really makes it stand out is its Great Books curriculum. Forget majors, electives, or even professors; here, everyone studies the same interdisciplinary program centered on the classics of Western thought—think Plato, Homer, Euclid, and even Einstein. Classes are more like epic debates led by “tutors” (not professors), and students dive into everything from philosophy and literature to math and science by reading original texts. It’s basically a four-year intellectual boot camp where you learn to think deeply about everything—and maybe even argue like Socrates at parties. Oh, and their croquet team? National champs. St. John’s isn’t just a college; it’s a quirky, brainy adventure for those who love big ideas and aren’t afraid to wrestle with them!
- Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) isn’t just a hospitality school—it’s the hospitality school, often ranked #1 worldwide and with a history dating back to 1893. Nestled in the picturesque hills above Lausanne, Switzerland, EHL combines Swiss precision with global flair to prepare students for leadership roles in luxury hotels, resorts, and beyond. What makes it truly unique? For starters, students train in a Michelin-starred restaurant on campus—yes, you heard that right, a student-run fine dining spot that’s so good it earned a star. The curriculum is a mix of hands-on experience and business management courses, meaning you’ll learn everything from perfecting guest experiences to crunching numbers like a pro. Plus, with campuses in Switzerland and Singapore and classmates from over 120 nationalities, it’s as international as it gets. EHL graduates don’t just work in hospitality; they dominate industries like tech and luxury goods—because who wouldn’t want someone trained to make everything feel five-star?
- Colorado College is like the liberal arts school that decided to ditch the rulebook and do things its own way. Nestled in Colorado Springs at the foot of the Rockies, CC doesn’t just offer breathtaking views—it offers a totally unique Block Plan. Instead of juggling five classes at once, students take one class at a time for three-and-a-half weeks, diving deep into subjects without distractions (or excuses). It’s intense, immersive, and perfect for those who love learning but hate cramming for finals. Beyond academics, CC is all about adventure—whether it’s fieldwork in Southern Arizona, studying Roman architecture in France, or just hiking up Pikes Peak after class. Professors know your name (and might even invite you over for dinner), and the campus hums with creativity, curiosity, and a little bit of quirk. If you’re outdoorsy, intellectually curious, and ready to tackle calculus in four weeks flat, CC might just be your academic soulmate!
St. John’s College, Santa Fe, New Mexico
So, as you’re researching universities, don’t brush past these amazing opportunities to learn, obtain your undergraduate degree, and also – perhaps more importantly – enjoy some truly life-changing experiences. As our old buddy Robert Frost once said,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
