The Global University

International Student “Life” Cycle Pre- Arrival Stage Arrival Stage Settling In Departure

Pre-Arrival Stage Travel Arrangements Housing Arrangements Tuition & Fees Immigration Paperwork Mentor Request Health Records and Immunizations Placement Exams (TOEFL)

Arrival Stage Complete outstanding pre-arrival items Provisioning Phone Clothing Child care Banks accounts F-1 Advising SEVIS Registration International Student Sessions

Settling in Stage Travel Signatures (specific guidelines apply) Break Requests with Residence Life Taxes (Spring Semester) Getting Driver’s License/ Mass ID OPT option for F-1 Students Progression and Change of Program Utilizing international campus and community resources

Culture shock/homesickness Academic issues (attending classes, plagiarism) Acclimating to US (appropriate clothing for climate, learning the lingo, food concerns, transferring $) Campus awareness More Settling In

Specific Considerations for Sponsored Students Online courses Financial Requirements Academic program changes Health insurance Stipends Other academic requirements

Departure Stage Graduation Invitation letters OPT option for F-1 Students Possible application for H1B (work visa)

Completion of Studies Honeymoon Crisis (Culture Shock ) Arriving in U.S.A and MCPHS University Adjustment Reverse Culture Shock Honeymoon at Home Adaption Recovery Recovery at Home Red and the Cultural Adjustment Curve Based on Oberg (1960) and Gallahorn &Gallahorn (1963) Pre- Arrival Arrival Settling in Departure

MCPHS lessons 17% of population is international (Saudi, South Korean, Chinese, Indian, Canadian). More staff on board needed More counseling needed MCPHS attracts a special type of student so some don’t see the value in adapting Cultures/Religions Head coverings/Burkas/Hijabs Ablution stations Prayer space Orientation “Int’l Advising Day”: students were jetlagged. Spread out: lost students, stopped showing!

Graduation Invitation letters for families (not always effective) Housing Need to stay open during breaks. Calling internationally (day/night) Translators One stop shop vs. campus wide services International Student Ambassadors Student leaders are key to the success of international program! Assist in making the campus more aware and assisting int’l students to acclimate to US University. More MCPHS lessons

US Exit Code Saudi Country Code Riyadh City Code Phone Number (land line) Riyadh is 8 hours ahead of Boston MCPHS Exit Code +

What are some great services you provide to your international students?

Thank you!