It is a chance for us to get to know each other, have various adventures, and do some science together. These week-long activities break up the usual weekly routine and have focussed on a variety of areas. A great deal of reading, writing, and discussion is required of students, and the topics are ones that require critical thought. Students are challenged to think about things they might never have questioned before, and to question their position on subjects about which they previously felt strongly. The close interaction with each other and with the faculty allow the students to be challenged at their own level.
Many students do.
Some students want to continue their studies in math or a foreign language, or there might be a class a student wants to take to explore an interest in a possible major. Many times, classes outside the Program can be worked around the ISP meeting time schedule. Students then get a chance to see what a traditional class is like while still participating in the program. No, this isn't possible because all of the courses for the semester are closely linked.