Brief Bio:
My name is Madisyn Gaither, and I am a student at Spelman College majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Food Studies. During the winter semester of my junior year in 2025, I had the opportunity to attend Bates College.

Courses I Took:
Introduction to Computer Science for Software Development
Sociology of Health and Illness
Black Judaism
The Chemistry of the Environment Around Us

A Cherished Memory from Bates:
It’s hard to choose just one memory from my time at Bates that I will cherish forever. However, I will always hold dear the moments spent at Commons and the Student Center for Community and Belonging (SCBC). These spaces became my home away from home, where I met incredible people and engaged in meaningful conversations. Seeing familiar faces and forming new connections made my experience at Bates truly unforgettable.

What Attracted Me to Bates & How I Learned About It:
I first heard about Bates College from my advisor at Spelman College. She encouraged me to consider Bates instead of the more common domestic exchange destinations for Spelman students. Before that, I hadn’t been familiar with the college. What drew me in was the variety of courses available to support my major and minor, the close-knit academic environment, and the incredible dining hall. Additionally, the abundance of extracurricular activities and the small class sizes made Bates an ideal fit for me.

Academic Environment – Similarities & Differences with Spelman:
Bates and Spelman share many similarities. Both have small class sizes, a rigorous academic environment, and a vibrant campus life with plenty of opportunities for student engagement. However, there are also key differences.

One major difference I noticed is the campus culture and climate—literally and figuratively. The winter in Maine was an entirely new experience for me. Additionally, Bates’ dining system is different from Spelman’s, as Bates has a central dining hall rather than multiple dining locations. Social dynamics and campus traditions also differ, shaping a unique student experience at each institution.

Campus Culture & Student Life at Bates:
One of the things I appreciate most about Bates is its inclusivity. Every aspect of campus life feels welcoming and open to all students. I often tell my friends that Bates reminds me of scenes from classic American college movies—students playing frisbee on the lawn, chatting on blankets, and simply enjoying campus life. Although I arrived during the winter, experiencing my first true Northeast winter was an adventure of its own. Growing up in Los Angeles and later living in the South, nothing could have prepared me for it!

Academic & Personal Growth at Bates:
Bates has challenged me both personally and academically, pushing me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Since many of my courses were outside my comfort zone, I had to be proactive—attending office hours, seeking tutoring, and making the most of academic resources. This experience helped me develop a deeper understanding of my studies and taught me the value of actively seeking support. Beyond academics, I also took the initiative to connect with professors and peers outside of class, which enriched my overall experience.

Culture Shocks:
The biggest culture shock for me was definitely the weather. Experiencing a real Northeast winter was an adjustment—the cold, dry air was vastly different from Georgia’s climate. Another surprise was the unique culture of Maine itself. I hadn’t realized just how much lobster was a staple food here! When visiting Portland, I saw lobster featured on almost every restaurant menu. Bates’ dining hall was also a pleasant surprise. While different from what I was used to, the food quality was impressive, and I found plenty of delicious options. Although the campus doesn’t have multiple restaurant chains like those in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), places like The Den and The Ronj made up for it and quickly became my favorites.

Advice for Future Exchange Students:
Make the most of every opportunity! Bates College is a hidden gem with countless resources to help you grow both academically and personally. You will meet some of the most genuine and down-to-earth people—just keep an open mind and embrace the experience. Learning how to navigate spaces where people may not always look like you is invaluable, and Bates provides a safe environment to develop that skill.

Take full advantage of your time in Maine! Explore Portland, Brunswick, Bowdoin, and Lewiston. Be present, soak in every moment, and capture memories through photos—because when will you be in Maine again? Most importantly, have fun and embrace the unexpected joys of this experience.