These aren’t your run-of-the-mill internships. “No one is licking stamps and sealing envelopes,” Lyon explains. “Our students are managing real responsibility. One of our students coordinated and constructed all of the publicity for a major event at her organization,” others, she says, have conducted research, evaluated, and implemented programs—all while taking intensive courses at night.

This semester, Weiner is taking classes he describes as highly actionable. “One course is on social entrepreneurship and strategic philanthropy, another is about analysis as it applies to international relations, and the third is a speaker series, which is phenomenal!” And while Weiner and other BGIA students rave about the teachers and speakers, they’re equally as impressed with what their peers bring to the table.

The program is highly selective and deliberatively small—admitting only 28 students. Amazingly, six spots are dedicated to Simon’s Rock students who are qualified and interested. Of those 28 students, about half are international, with several more coming from colleges other than Bard or Simon’s Rock. The application process is rigorous and students at Simon’s Rock and Bard have a distinct advantage: the director, Carter Page, visits campus at least once a semester to work closely with prospective students and evaluate whether or not it’s right for them. In the end, Simon’s Rock students share the classroom with a diverse, talented pool of highly motivated and interesting people.

All of this against the backdrop of New York City, which itself exposes students to people and cultures from around the world. BGIA students live in high-rise dormitories on the Upper East Side, with views of Manhattan’s skylines, an on-site laundry room, gym, pool, fully equipped kitchens, and 24-hour security—only a few blocks from Museum Mile and Central Park.

“As far as general experiences go, getting familiar with New York City has been immensely satisfying,” Weiner explains. “I can’t even begin to describe the difference between day-to-day living at Simon’s Rock and the life you lead at BGIA while in New York City.”

Reflecting on his experience both on and off campus, Weiner believes that his work at Simon’s Rock helped to develop critical thinking and social skills and navigate what he hopes to do in life. Did it prepare him for the BGIA experience? “Rather than prepare me for BGIA, Simon’s Rock prepared me to get the most out of BGIA.”