Location

The program is based on the campus of Smith College, which is located in Northampton, Massachusetts, approximately two hours by car from Boston and three hours from New York City. The college is part of the Five College consortium, which includes Amherst, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke Colleges and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Museums10 is a consortium of ten museums affiliated with the Five Colleges, all within a 15-mile radius. Local bus service links the five campuses.

Northampton is a lively town of 30,000, noted for restaurants, galleries, shopping and nightlife. It is an easy five-minute walk from the campus to the center of town. Summer theater and music festivals around the area supplement the activities that have caused Northampton to be named one of the leading small arts towns in the nation.

The Pioneer Valley, in which Northampton is situated, is an area of significant natural beauty. Summer outdoor recreational activities include hiking in the nearby Holyoke Range, boating and swimming on the Connecticut River and area lakes, and cycling on a network of rail trails, to name a few.

Getting There and Getting Around

If you bring a car to campus you will be issued a permit for a Smith lot, where you must park. You shouldn't need a car at all, however. All transportation associated with the program is provided. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus system provides access to nearby campuses and towns, and downtown Northampton is an easy walk. Bicycles are another option. Rail trails link Northampton, Amherst, and the UMass campus, and PVTA busses are outfitted with bicycle racks.

Northampton is also served by Peter Pan Bus Lines. Amtrak trains serve Springfield, MA, approximately 25 minutes from Northampton. Bradley Airport, between Springfield and Hartford, CT, is approximately 45 minutes away. Van transport can be arranged between the airport or train station and the campus.