Most educational institutions follow traditional paths, while others are not so standard. Several colleges take a unique direction, using methods that go outside the norm. These unconventional schools offer a fresh approach to education that allows students to have unique learning experiences. Here, we will dive into five of the most unusual colleges in the world.
1. Deep Springs College (Big Pine, California)
Deep Springs College is big on students engaging in physical labour. The campus is located at a cattle ranch in California’s desert. As a part of their learning experience, students must work on the farm or tend to the livestock. This physical labour is part of their core curriculum, which was collaboratively made by both students and faculty.
Deep Springs offers free tuition, and it eliminates all potential distractions by not having internet, and its remote location is away from nightlife. Without distractions, students are focused on their academics and manual work during the two years they study at the school. The college was once an all-boys school, welcoming girls to the campus in 2013. Many graduates at Deep Springs either transfer to top universities or pursue leading career roles, including politics and academia.
2. St. John’s College (Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Unlike standard colleges that provide the opportunity to choose a major from their list of courses, St. John’s College only offers one degree. This degree is a bachelor’s in liberal arts, and to achieve this, you will be utilising classic books of literature, philosophy, math, religion, and science. These “great books” are deeply discussed in class, fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
The school also creates an intimate learning environment by only enrolling around 450 students on each campus. This school instills the importance of the classics and in turn has shaped many writers, politicians, and musicians.
3. Clown Conservatory (San Francisco, California)
Clown Conservatory goes far beyond conventional by teaching students the art of clowning, acrobatics, and comedic performance. This college was initially a full-fledged academy, but it later became a part of the Circus Center. This school welcomes students to learn about complex circus routines, slapstick, and more entertaining techniques.
While some may be quick to assume that this college is just clowning about, the lessons at Clown Conservatory may be beneficial for careers in entertainment or even healthcare clowning, where laughter is used as a therapeutic tool. Some graduates get to network with industry professionals.
4. Sarah Lawrence College (Yonkers, New York)
Sarah Lawrence College thrives on academic intimacy and creativity, allowing students to create their own curricula while working with professors. This college also ditched the traditional grading system and only conducts performance evaluations on their students.
Sarah Lawrence College, founded in 1926, broke the mould of women’s education. It did this by focusing on independent study and student-centred learning rather than preparing women for domestic roles. The school has shaped influential feminists, artists, and thinkers. Many of the school’s graduates entered careers in media, arts, and academia.
5. Hamburger University (Oak Brook, Illinois)
Last on our list of the weirdest colleges in the world is Hamburger University, where hamburgers are the key focus. This school is operated by McDonald’s, and it prepares students to become future managers at fast-food restaurants. At the core of their curriculum, students also learn leadership, business management, and operations. These are also important factors in becoming successful, whether you are becoming a manager or running your own business.
The school may seem quirky, but students receive a “Bachelor of Hamburgerology” when they have completed the program. This degree is valuable in business management fields. Many graduates climb the corporate ladder within McDonald’s or apply their skills in other industries.
