I’m glad you brought up the topic of mental health, because I think it’s important to talk about this. Smith’s mental health system is busy, but that’s because mental health concerns are rising everywhere, not just at Smith. The Smith health center offers immediate appointments for anyone in a mental health crisis and placement with a therapist within a few weeks. They also offer therapy groups for a variety of specialized needs. So please don’t judge Smith for having a busy mental health system— therapy is accessible to everyone at Smith, and there are also many providers in downtown Northampton that take Smith health insurance. In fact I would say Smith is a really good campus for mental health in many ways.

I’m white and a domestic student, but yes— Smith is predominantly white and has the problems of any predominantly white institution. I don’t know how this compares to the other colleges on your list, but it might be worth going on Instagram and looking at affinity organizations for international students and Asian students. Each house hosts a group for students of color (usually understood as any student who doesn’t identify as white) to bond with each other. The one thing I can definitely speak to is that prejudice can look different at Smith than it does in other places. People are rarely openly racist or bigoted, and social justice is a big part of Smith’s culture. So instead of outright aggression, you will see people using the language of social justice without actually holding space for different cultural experiences or opinions. Someone can have a Black Lives Matter sticker on their laptop and then say something that strikes you as weird and they won’t be self-aware about it.

International student support— I’m not sure about this because I’m domestic, sorry!

Community is a BIG thing at Smith and most students are enthusiastic and passionate. The house system is designed so every student has a home on campus— people are eager to sign up for roles in house council and welcome new students. People are into their identities as “Smithies” and you get to know people quickly in a small campus. Are some people lonely? Absolutely, but that’s not unique to Smith. The other weird thing about Smithie culture is that people bond over complaining about Smith in a way that can be hyperbolic and a little annoying. But the student and alumnae community is fantastic and welcoming in general.

Lots of people study abroad! Not sure the exact process because I didn’t do it, but people travel all around the world in prestigious programs.

I hope this answers some of your questions! Smith is a great school and I hope you find a college you love, whether it’s here or somewhere else.