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Though weeks have passed since the beginning of the school year, Bangladeshi student Jacques Karim '11 has had trouble fitting into the Brown community. Karim cited his absence from the Third World Transition Program as the reason for his difficulties.
"Sometimes people just don't understand how hard it can be when you miss an orientation program," complained Karim. "The condescending title is just what I need to remind me of the good ol' years of brutal colonial rule and ensuing civil war. Brown really knows how to make a kid feel at home."
Karim's peers are strong advocates of the transition program, which is hosted by Brown just before the start of each school year.
"TWTP is invaluable," said classmate Lena Nichols '11, a Vermont native who has successfully made the transition from the third world. "Who knows how lost I'd be without it? I probably would have slowly gravitated to the nearest Ben & Jerry's and clawed at the window like a zombie."
Because of his absence, Karim has encountered a host of problems during his first few weeks at Brown.
"People actually sleep at night?" said Karim of a noise complaint he received. "I bet this is exactly the kind of thing I missed at TWTP."
He has already been summoned to several Dean's Hearings because of noise complaints, public nudity, and espionage, among other offenses. He has also been admitted to Health Services three separate times for symptoms consistent with sleep deprivation.
"It's just been problem after problem. Besides, the friends that I've made here obviously can't provide the kind, welcoming environment that only an obsolete, exclusionary orientation program can simulate," said Karim. "I will say, though, that it befits Brown's progressive stance to have a great program like this. I only wish it lasted even longer."
