International Student Orientation May 9th, 2014

1. Welcome to Bay State College and Boston Massachusetts! International Student Orientation May 9th, 2014

2. Welcome to Bay State College Where Your Success Matters and Boston’s Back Bay is our Campus We’re excited to have you here and look forward to getting to know you! Purpose of Orientation: To help you transition onto Bay State’s campus To introduce you to Boston To make sure you know who to go to when you have questions, need academic help or just want to chat To register you for this semester’s classes ASK QUESTIONS NOW! Don’t hesitate to speak up or call out a question. That’s what today is all about…and if you’re nervous, come find me later

3. Welcome to Bay State College Student Affairs Staff Kate O’Hara Dean of Students   Jeremy Shepard Assistant Dean of Students   Andrew GresenzAssistant Director of Residence Life   Kristin Staine Assistant Director of Student Activities Scott Hoffman Residence Director   Sara Wood Associate Director of Student Success Kara Conway Student Success Coordinator Cheryl Raiche School Counselor   Brian McNeice Director of Dining Services International Student Affairs Staff Julia Croft Director of International Student Services Alice Potenza International Student Advisor Myra Traylor Associate Director of International Admissions Aka Candy Master Office Hours 9:00 am- 5:00 pm Monday – Friday

4. If you have questions or concerns about… Who you should refer to… Academics/Schedule See either your advisor Professor Koehler or the Business Center (122 Commonwealth Ave) On-campus Housing/Roommate Concerns See Andrew Geresenz(35 Commonwealth Ave) Activities See Kristin Staine (35 Commonwealth Ave) International Status Concern/I-20 questions/Travel See Alice Potenza (35 Commonwealth Ave) Payment Questions See see Julia (35 Commonwealth Ave) and I’ll speak to BSC Business office if necessary (122 Commonwealth Ave) Never be afraid to ask a question or for help. That’s why we’re all here! **For ANY concern you can always come see me, Julia, at 35 Commonwealth Ave** I will at least point you in the right direction

5. And their Locations School Facilities Bookstore Textbooks are available at the Bay State College Bookstore located at 31 St James, on the first floor. College merchandise and logo-wear can be purchased at the Bookstore as well Computer Labs Bay State College has computer labs at 31 St James Avenue (rooms 226 and 227 and within the Library), which are available for student use. If living on campus, each residence hall is equipped with a bank of computers Student Lounges A large space where you and your peers can relax, chat and use free Wi-Fi. There are three lounges on campus as well as a lounge within each residence hall Dining Hall Those living on campus are automatically signed up to receive 32 meals per week. Dining options also available to those living off-campus and all students can grab a bite to eat for only $5 per visit Student Activities The Office of International Student Services will host a variety of social events throughout each term while the Department of Student Activities houses a number of college organizations.

6. Key to abbreviated class titles: MAT= Math COM= Public Speaking ENG= English Composition CIS= Computer Literacy Man= Management Example of a Class Schedule Class times are subject to change and you should only use this as a template

7. Example of Events Calendar An updated Events Calendar is available in the Office of International Student Affairs every month. Julia will make you aware of upcoming optional an mandatory events through the email you provide today as well. Mandatory events are required in order to maintain your student VISA and I-20.

8. BSC Tuition and Refund Policy For Foundation Year Students Only Tuition Payments: Must be made through peertransfer.comor to EduCo’sbank account by wiring money Payment for the first semester must be made prior to the first day of classes Next semester’s payment must be made before the fall’s first day of classes If payment is not made for semester in full, student is placed on a financial hold and begin to receive $25 late fees If placed on a financial hold you will not be able to register nor will you be able to access your schedule in the student portal If you have attended school for a month but have not yet paid your bill in full you are in jeopardy of losing your I-20. We will terminate a student’s I-20 if he/she has not paid their tuition bill within a month of the intake date. Refund Policy: Once a student has started classes, he/she is no longer eligible for a refund

9. BSC Tuition and Refund Policy For Direct Entry Students Only Tuition Payments: Must be made through peertransfer.comor to BSC’s bank account by wiring money Payment for the first semester must be made prior to the first day of classes Next semester’s payment must be made before the fall’s first day of classes If payment is not made for semester in full, student is placed on a financial hold and begin to receive $25 late fees If placed on a financial hold you will not be able to register nor will you be able to access your schedule in the student portal If you have attended school for a month but have not yet paid your bill in full you are in jeopardy of losing your I-20. We will terminate a student’s I-20 if he/she has not paid their tuition bill within a month of the intake date. Refund Policy: Stated in the student handbook- find online at baystate.edu • Payment or refund questions…Visit Fan Zhang in the Business Office at 122 Commonwealth Ave

10. Before we have some fun and see campus… I may still need You have a piece of paper with your booklet that looks like this and lists what I still need. A check mark indicates complete. Blank indicates missing: • Student Name: _________________________ Student ID: ______________ • Immunization Forms • Notes:____________________________ • ____________________________ • Health Insurance Information • Missing Payments • Notes: ____________________________ • Housing Agreement • Housing Deposit ($300) • Copy of I-94 and Visa • * Please hand-in any items you have on you now. Alice will make a copy of your Visa and I-94 and you’ll get it back at the end of the day

11. International Student Orientation Local Customs and Boston Tips May 9th, 2014

12. Bay State Campus Map

13. Helpful places near Bay State College in the Back Bay Local Information Transportation Boston’s subway (also known as “the T”) has multiple stops and lines near Bay State’s campus. The closest stops are: Green Line: Copley or Arlington stops Orange Line: Back Bay Station Banks and Post Office The most popular and convenient are Bank of America, TD Bank and Citibank. There is also a US Postal office located within a 5 minute walking distance from campus Restaurants and Cafes Boston’s Back Bay is known for it’s numerous restaurants and local cafes. These are all within a 1 minute walk of campus and many of them are housed within Bay State’s buildings. Most cafes have free wireless internet and a place for you to relax with friends or do homework Department Stores and Supermarkets Newbury St is lined with famous shops and designers as well as some larger department stores. Newbury St is a 1 minute walk from our residence halls. There’s also a larger supermarket as well as smaller food shops within a 5 minute walk of campus Cellphone Providers Tmobile, Verizon and Apple are all located within 5 minutes of campus

14. The Basics…. Cost of Living Sandwiches: $5.00-$8.00 Salads: $8.00-$10.00 Take-Out Lunch: $10.00-$15.00 Take-Out Dinner: $12.00-$20.00 Coffee/Tea: $2.00-$5.00 Movie Tickets*: $9.50 *With your Bay State Student ID you can get free passes to a number of the city’s museums and discounts on movie tickets, gyms, theatre tickets and much more Train/T: $2.50 per ride* Bus: $2.00 per ride* *If you purchase a Charlie Card instead of a ticket: Train/T: $2.00 per ride Bus: $1.00 per ride

15. BSC Health and Safety Information Less fun…but just as important Ways that we help to ensure your safety: Emergency Notification System (ENS): For the purpose of communicating with faculty, staff, and/or students upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community. - You are immediately signed up to receive updates through your BSC email - BUT you should add your cell phone and personal email to the account through your portal (this is also how you’ll receive updates on snow days and school closings) Ways that YOU can help to ensure your safety: The Back Bay is a safe area of town but when walking at night or in a new area of the city: - Walk with a friend - Walk with your head up - Don’t listen to headphones - Don’t use the alley ways - Purchase a T card and use the T instead of walking late at night Health Facilities/Hospitals Copley Harvard Vanguard (165 Dartmouth St; walking distance from BSC) Mass General Hospital

16. Safety in the Residence Halls Less fun…but just as important If you’re living on campus or with roommates off campus here are some tips: Don’t carry large sums of money- if you have large sums of cash, keep this money on you when you leave your dorm room for extended periods of time - It helps to open a bank account within your first week on campus - Citibank: bring your I-20, VISA, passport and residence information when setting up account If you have expensive or meaningful personal items, take care of these- don’t leave them lying around, put jewelry away in a safe place, don’t leave anything out if it’s something you really care about If you find things are missing and you’re concerned come speak to me IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait. I will talk with you and we’ll figure out what to do.

17. State Laws and BSC Policies Less fun…but just as important Laws No one under the age of 21 in the US may buy or consume alcohol. It is also against the law to purchase alcohol for anyone that is under the age of 21 Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime Buying, selling and using drugs is also illegal Smoking is prohibited in all Massachusetts restaurants, cafes and bars BSC Rules Alcohol is prohibited in all campus buildings including the residence halls Smoking is also prohibited in all campus buildings and on the fire escapes of the residence halls You must maintain satisfactory attendance (as outlined at BSC & TLC Orientations) If you commit a criminal crime, you will be asked to leave the college, US authorities will be notified and you will be asked to leave the country Cell phones are banned for in-class use

18. BSC Attendance Policies Less fun…but just as important BSC Attendance Policy As an international student you are required to have an 80% attendance If you fall out of compliance, you will be automatically academically withdrawn from the college If you fall out of compliance and you’re academically withdrawn, your I-20 will be terminated and you will need to return home within 15 days BSC Class Registration If you are a Foundation Year student, you must take 5 courses (15 credits) EACH term for your first year. This is what will allow you graduate the Foundation Year and become an official BSC student If you are a Foundation Year student, you must be enrolled in the Management program and are only eligible to take the Management courses offered for the first year. After you graduate the FY and enter year 2 at BSC, you can transfer your major If you are a Direct Entry student, you must be enrolled as a full time student and can take no less than 12 credits/semester unless approved by Alice Potenza

19. Working Within the USA On Campus Work Study Eligible after 1 term Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher BSC must have job offerings available See Alice Potenza after first semester to determine eligibility Off Campus Work Options CPT: Curricular Practical Training- conducted while still an active student - Position must be academically approved by program chair and program related - Student will receive academic credit for working - Student MAY be paid work working - Part time and full time options - Apply with Alice Potenza OPT: Optional Practical Training- must be a graduate - Must be related to program - Apply prior to graduation with Alice Potenza - Most opportunities are for paid positions - 12 month extension of your student VISA

20. Local Customs Tipping: Tipping is customary when you dine out at a restaurant. Typically you will tip 20% of the total bill If you’re dining with a larger party, check your bill. At the end of the bill it will say “gratuity included” if the tip is already applied to the total bill When out at a bar, it is customary to tip $1 per drink Smoking: Smoking in public places like restaurants and cafes is prohibited. Many Americans appreciate when those who smoke step away from large crowds Cell phone use: While not banned in all restaurants, it appears rude if you are on your phone when sitting in a restaurant If talking on your cell phones in a public place, Americans appreciate if you talk somewhat quietly Waving in and “High Fiving”: We’re a bit strange  Americans tend to wave a lot to signal “Hello!” or “Welcome!” We also “high five” in a casual setting to celebrate, show appreciation or as a way of saying “good job!” In the classroom: BSC LOVES in-class participation and discussions but there are a few customs to abide by… You should address the teacher as Mr. or Mrs. Unless instructed otherwise You should raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be called on You should let your peers finish their thought before voicing your opinion Talking in class and joining the conversation shows that you’re interested and learning!

21. What is it and how I can help you get adjusted Culture Shock Culture shock is a typical reaction to time spent in a different culture.  It can be frustrating to try to navigate day-to-day activity in an unfamiliar setting.  It can be more difficult because you are far from your family, friends, and support systems.  At the same time, living in another culture is extremely exciting and rewarding. As a result culture shock is normally described as a cycle of emotions… Most students will encounter some culture shock.  You often start in a honeymoon stage characterized by excitement, and curiosity.  After you settle into a routine, some of the differences will make you feel out-of-place and frustrated.  This can result in homesickness or lack of energy. It is important to realize this is normal and most often related to culture shock, and not “just you.”  The most important tools to combat culture shock will be patience, flexibility, adaptability, a sense of humor…and ME! The Office of International Student Services is here to help you adjust.

22. 5 key tips on how to adjust and conquer Culture Shock Culture Shock Get to know your host country and city. Look for the logic that lies behind their style of living.  Don’t fear losing your home values or personal values.  You won’t.  When you enjoy and partake in local customs, it will only open doors to understanding. So don’t be afraid to get involved. Maintain a good sense of humor and be willing to laugh at yourself.  Keep your mind occupied and be active.  If you are feeling down in the dumps, do something to alleviate it . Walk or run along the Charles. Go shopping on Newbury St. Walk through the MFA or Science Museum. Find time to chronicle your experience through a blog, photos, journal, etc. I can help you to post these or create an online blog that you can share with your family back home. SPEAK ENGLISH…and not just in the classrooms.   Don’t worry about making mistakes. People in Boston will appreciate your effort to use their language…and you’ll notice how many international students and people populate the streets of Boston. You’re not alone!

23. Questions????? Alice and I are always available for ANY types of questions…you shouldn’t wait to ask or be nervous to come to us.. What do you really want to know? Take a minute to complete the paper in your packet and tell us. Then we’ll set up times this week to SHOW you these things or teach you.