International Student

Handbook

Office of Student Affairs

(OSA)
 Table of Contents

CLASSES AND COURSES............................................................2

Course preview..............................................................................................2
Course selection advice................................................................................2
Types of classes at HGSE...........................................................................2
Cross-registration..........................................................................................3
ACADEMIC SUPPORT.................................................................3
Mentorship and support from faculty members......................................4
Office hours...................................................................................................4
CAREER DEVELOPMENT.........................................................5
CONNECTING & GETTING INVOLVED................................7
Things to do...................................................................................................7
Transportation...............................................................................................7
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES: HEALTH & WELL-BEING.......9
Couseling and Mental Health Services (CAHMS)...................................9
Harvard Chaplains........................................................................................9
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)..........................................9
Harvard Wellness Center............................................................................10
Gym membership........................................................................................10
ENRICHING YOUR SOCIAL LIFE AT HGSE.........................11
 International Student Handbook
In an effort to ensure the most successful and productive experience for incoming international
students, a group of international alumnae created this Handbook with the Office of Student Affairs. The
Handbook is intended to provide incoming international students with helpful information on a variety of
topics related to graduate studies – academic, personal, cultural, and professional development.

The Role of the Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is responsible for Orientation, Commencement, student
organizations, community-wide programming (outings in New England, pub nights, Celebration of
Cultures, Lunch & Learn, etc.), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming, Access and Disability
Services, International student support and programming.

Our goal from before Orientation through Commencement is for students to be aware of and take
advantage of the many programs, events, and services we provide to support students in their personal,
academic and professional lives. We hope to get to know you!

At the center of our work is students, and providing an environment where students can thrive,
succeed and find a sense of community. We believe that your experience outside of the classroom is just
as important as your experience inside the classroom, and the two are interconnected and integral to your
learning.

Another primary responsibility we have is student advocacy. We are here to support you through
unexpected life circumstances. If you have a medical, health, or housing issue, need a referral to one of the
many professional resources on campus, or assistance navigating the Harvard bureaucracy, we are here to
help. OSA is your first point of contact for any issue, question, or concern.
 International Student Support
& Programming
An integral part of the work of OSA is
providing programs, services and support specific to
the needs of our international students. Throughout
the year, we offer a variety of social, educational, and
professional development services and activities to
allow international students to make the most of
their HGSE experience. Examples of programming
include the weekly International Student socials,
Coffee with Andrea, Lunch and Learn sessions and
outings in the Boston/Cambridge area.

Kevin Boehm, Associate Director of Student

Affairs, and Andrea Le, International Student
Program Coordinator, oversee all international
programming from OSA. Andrea serves as the
primary point of contact for international students.
She can be reached at andrea_le@gse.harvard.edu.
If you have ideas or suggestions about programs, we
welcome your thoughts and feedback. To schedule a
one-on-one appointment with Andrea visit
calendly.com/andrea_le/one-on-one.

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 Classes & Courses
Course Preview Types of classes you find at HGSE
HGSE provides a wide array of Many international students may be accustomed
courses that you can choose from. to a teacher-centered classroom with traditional
Through course preview period, exams. This is not the norm at HGSE, and listed
students can attend mini classes, and below are examples of the types of class formats
gain insight into a faculty member’s you may experience. Though there are some large
teaching style and experience before lecture-based classes, in almost all cases, students are
deciding to enroll. A course preview schedule will encouraged to participate and learn from each other.
be available during orientation.
1. Case Study Centered: These classes are
Course Selection Advice centered around theme/educational sector–
policy, research, K-12 schools and leadership. In
1. Stay organized: Be mindful of class timings these classes you will see a lot of participation
and days while making your choice of classes as and dynamic conversations.
some classes may overlap. Create a timetable/ 2. Didactic Learning: These classes are guided
calendar and map out the classes you are keen by the faculty member and centered around the
on taking. lecture and information transfer.
3. Project Based Learning: These classes focus
2. Manage your time: Take into account the on students working on projects either through
number of hours that you would have to part or all of the semester, and where students
commit towards the class including course are making active connections between their
work and readings each week. This information project work and theories presented in class. In
is available on the course site/evaluations. If these courses and others, students are required
not, you can contact the Teaching Fellow (TF) to work in groups and teams.
or faculty member.
4. Practicum Based: Classes at HGSE also
3. Take note of section meetings: Some classes see students consulting on real projects run
require “section” meetings outside of classtime. by organizations in the Boston area. These
Sections are smaller groups of students who classes are a great opportunity to add to your
meet with a TF. portfolio by giving you concrete skills and your
professor’s mentorship.
4. Do your research: Speak to alumni who have 5. Seminar Style: A few classes at HGSE are led
taken the course. They could provide valuable in a seminar style, with a small class size and
feedback. intimate conversations between the students
and the faculty member. These classes are a
5. Read course evaluations online: HGSE does great way of deepening one’s understanding in
a great job at documenting feedback from the a subject areas and forming close connections
previous cohorts. Candid feedback could help with student peers.
you better understand the nature of the class.
There are many other formats of classes at HGSE
6. Create variety: Many students appreciate and it is helpful to know what to expect. Course
having a balance of large and small classes and content should be the primary consideration in
teaching formats. selecting courses. You can find this information on
7. Be aware of enrollment limits: Some classes the course preview site, but if you cannot find it,
at Harvard are limited enrollment or there feel free to learn more about this from the faculty
may be a selection process that requires an member or the Teaching Fellows in the class.
application.
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Cross-registration
Thinking about venturing across the river? Cross-
registration is a great opportunity to take courses from other
schools at Harvard, MIT, and the Fletcher School at Tufts. While
many students find this to be beneficial, here are a few things to
keep in mind:
1. Logistics can be tricky. The start and end dates are different for different schools and you will
need to account for travel times, so start planning early. For example, spring term MIT courses
cannot count towards graduating from Harvard because their spring term is longer. Also MIT is two
Train (T)-stops away from Harvard, so you will need to keep 30 mins of transition time at least both
to and from HGSE.
2. Not all schools have a formal “course preview” week. However, it is perfectly acceptable to
attend the first day of class. For example, HBS does not permit cross-registrants until the first week
of classes are over. With this in mind, it is still a good idea to attend class while you wait to find out
if you are enrolled. When in doubt, it is better to show up! A complete list of Harvard courses can
be found at courses.my.harvard.edu.
3. It is impossible to do it all. There is always a lot happening at HGSE, across the other schools at
Harvard, and in the Boston/Cambridge area. So remember to think about your admissions essay
from time to time to remind you of your purpose for coming to HGSE, and let that serve as your
guide.

Academic Support
The Office for Master’s Studies works closely with the Office of Student Affairs
(OSA) to monitor academic progress and support student success more generally at
HGSE. The Office is comprised of eight Program Administrators (each program has
a designated administrator), Associate Director, Mary Kiesling, and Associate Dean, Marc Johnson.
The OSA is considered the first point of contact for any support services for students, both academic
and personal, and for any questions related to student life. The staff in OSA can provide referrals to
the appropriate resources at HGSE and across Harvard, depending on an individual student’s need.
We encourage students to seek support as early as possible in the semester to ensure academic success.
Listed below are some key academic resources:
1. Gutman Library: Students have access to books, articles, electronic databases and inter-library
loans. Research librarians are also available for one-on-one appointments to assist you with your
research. They also loan out video and still cameras for your use. You can also access computers,
printers and scanners in the library. You will have to load money on your Crimson ID card to use
some services.
2. HGSE Academic Writing Services: Provides writing services to students by advanced doctoral
students who serve as Teaching Fellows. Take advantage of the writing services to strengthen your
writing. Appointments can be made on the library website. Workshops targeting specific writing skill
areas will also be available throughout the year.

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Mentorship & Support from Faculty Members
One of the biggest resources for students are the dynamic group of faculty both
at HGSE and across Harvard University. Given that there are many faculty
members and the academic year is only nine months, you should connect with
professors who align with your interests.

1. Every student is assigned a Faculty Academic Advisor. We encourage you to be thought part-
ners with your advisor on course selection. Program Administrators are also a great source of
knowledge.
2. Use the Faculty Directory (https://www.gse.harvard.edu/faculty-directory) to learn more about
the work of a faculty member. You may also send them an email introducing yourself, and
requesting time to meet during their office hours. Most faculty members on campus are very
friendly and willing to give their time to engage with students, however, the initiative is on the
students.
3. Speak to alumni who have taken classes/worked with the faculty member to better understand
their experience and analyze whether it might fit with your aspirations and goals. Facebook
groups are a great way to connect with alums, or ask your Program Adminstrator to direct you
to a few alums.
4. Student-Alumni Meeting Intiative (SAMI) pairs current students and HGSE alumni for per-
sonal and professional development, as well as career and network building. Applications to be
part of the intiative are required. More details can be found on this webpage - https://www.gse.
harvard.edu/alumni/get-involved/sami

Office Hours
Faculty members have blocks of time available for students to meet with them
individually, either regarding course work or to speak with them about their
academic interests. One or two questions are generally sufficient to guide a 20
minute enriching conversation. Be prepared to come with questions. Most office
hours are appointment based and must be made in advance.
Teaching Fellows (TFs) also have office hours available. You could meet with them too with
course related queries.
*TF’s are generally easier to schedule appointments with, but it is encouraged to meet with faculty
members in person. Be prepared to share what questions you have with the faculty assistant as this
is often the “password” to getting an office hour block with a faculty member.

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Career Development
In the U.S., the job search differs in many ways from
other countries. It is important to be as mindful of your
career as your academic studies. There are ways to com-
bine academic success with your job search. You may
be starting to apply for positions as early as September
depending on your sector of interest. Below are some
key steps that you can take to be successful.

1. Visit the Career Services Office (CSO)

You can book 20 minute one-on-one appointments with staff at the CSO for support with resume
and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile, job interview skills and negotiating compensation. Ap-
pointments can be made online through the Career Services HUB (hgse.me/HUB).

2. Make a profile on the HUB

Complete your HUB profile to recieve important notifications and job postings in the sectors that
interest you. HGSE events and workshops are also posted here throughout the year. Lastly, under
the “Student Success” tab you will find the “International Student Resource Center” that contains
information about the cross-cultural job search, taxes and social security, as well as the GoinGlobal
platform that lists job postings and career guides for cities all over the world.

3. Complete the Career Success Workshop

Have an understanding of the different sectors and the role(s) within education that you would like
to see yourself in at the end of your time at HGSE. If you don’t have the chance to participate, you
can learn about the sectors and roles on the career resource center website cso.gse.harvard.edu.

4. Update your Resume

Each sector has different requirements for resumes. Some sectors require a one-page resume while
others will accept two-page resumes.
• Get feedback your resume from the CSO staff or alumni at Resumania which is an event on
campus where alumni offer advice on resumes
• Update your resume to include your coursework - don’t just write the name of the courses
you’re taking, write at least one line to describe the key take-away from that course OR market a
project/paper you completed
• If you are going to an career or internship expo, bring several copies of your resume

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5. Complete your LinkedIn Profile (if you don’t have one, make one!)
• Add a Summary Statement
• Add the courses you are taking at HGSE and market the projects from your coursework
• Add the people you meet at networking events/conferences/expos
• The Career Service Office holds workshops in how to best present your skills on LinkedIn

6. Attend and consider presenting at relevant conferences and sign up for their newsletter for updates
• You can apply for the HGSE’s Student Conference Fund (up to $500) to cover the costs of
attending external academic conferences. The application form can be found at osa.gse.harvard.
edu/student-conference-fund
• Sign up for the Student Research Conference at HGSE - it is free for students. Put in a
conference proposal; to practice your presentation skills, make connections and get feedback on
your work
• Sign up to volunteer or present at the Alumni of Color Conference held in the Spring semester.

7. Participate in the Spring Career Treks!

• CSO organizes various career treks during the Spring Break. In the past, the treks were to D.C.
and New York. This is a great opportunity to visit organizations and get a feel for them.
• HIVE Study Trek which occurs during Spring break is organized by the Harvard Innovation
and Ventures in Education organization – an organization at HGSE dedicated to educational
entrepreneurship. In the past, HGSE students have visited a number of Silicon Valley startups
and giants (e.g. Google, Facebook) and had a chance to interact with senior leadership in
education. This is a fantastic opportunity for networking!

8. Last, but definitely, not least, explore and take advantage of the Harvard Innovation Lab (ilab)
• Located at Batten Hall, 125 Western Avenue
• Yes, it is open to all Harvard Students, just remember to take your ID
• It is a great place to work on an idea, find team members or join a team!
• Utilize the office hours to bounce your ideas with Entrepreneurs in Residence for feedback,
mentorship and networking

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 Connecting & Getting Involved:
Co-Curricular Life
Things to Do
On campus Transportation
• Visit Harvard Gazette’s event calendar or
download the Harvard University Mobile 1. Riding a bicycle
App “Thrive” which includes events that are • One of the fastest and healthiest ways to
happening around the campus and dining travel around Cambridge is by riding a bike.
options, shuttle tracker, news, among others. Many Cambridge streets have easily identified
bike lanes. To get a second-hand bike, check
Off Campus out different Facebook market groups or
• Check out the Outings and Innings website Craigslist.
for student discounts on local attractions - • The cities of Cambridge and Boston offer
https://outingsand innings.harvard.edu/ “Blue Bikes” a program where you can
Their office is located at 44R Brattle Street. purchase a membership, and rent their bikes
at any time for an hour or longer. Their
Cambridge bike racks are located at multiple locations in
• Kayaking/Sailing on the Charles River Cambridge and Boston.
• Harvard Campus Tour
• Harvard Museums 2. Harvard Shuttle service
• Mt. Auburn Cemetery • There are free shuttle services for Harvard
• MIT tour students that offer 10 different routes and
• Walden Pond connect the Harvard campuses in Cambridge
and Longwood (the Medical School area). The
Boston list of shuttles with their routes and schedules
• The Freedom Trail are available on the app “Thrive”.
• Museum of Fine Arts • To utilize the Harvard shuttles, you do not
• Apple picking in the Fall need to show a Harvard ID. To use the M1,
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum you will need to show your Harvard ID and
• Museum of Science you can bring a guest.
• Boston Public Library
• New England Aquarium 3. Harvard evening van service
• Samuel Adams Brewery • At night, there is a free shuttle that runs from
• Fenway Park (go Red Sox!) 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. everyday. This is a
great service that helps students and faculty
members get around campus safely in the
evening. You can request the van using two
options: 1) by downloading and using the
Rider App or 2) by calling 617-495-0400

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• What area does the van cover? The van can 5. Taxis and Ridesharing
go as far as Porter Square on the north, • Taxis are always an option in Cambridge/
Central Square on the east, Harvard iLab on Boston, but they can be more expensive
the south, and Fayerweather St. on the west. than Uber and Lyft. These apps are very
• For more information and a route map, visit common transportation methods for
www.transportation.harvard.edu/shuttle-van- students and locals in Boston. The services
services/evening-van-service are generally reliable and there is no shortage
• Please note: ride requests must be received of cars in the Cambridge and Boston area.
by 2:30 a.m. • Tip: Download both apps and compare both
prices before requesting a car. Oftentimes
4. Public transportation (MBTA) you will be surprised at the difference in cost
• The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay of these two apps.
Transportation Authority) provides great
public transportation in the Greater Boston 7. Zipcar
area and that includes the bus, commuter • You might want to rent a car for a weekend
rail, and subway (simply called the “T”). The getaway, but the public transportation in
transportation card is called a Charlie Card the Boston area is so well done that there
which you can get at a subway station. is usually a way to get to a place without
• The Office of Student Affairs offers a renting a car. Plus, driving in and out of
discounted MBTA pass program, available Boston causes a headache because of its
for both the fall and spring semesters. narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and costly
The pass must be purchased for the entire parking spots. Students often rent cars for
semester, so be sure that you will be using a day/weekend through Zipcar (which has
public transportation on a daily/consistent cars available in different parking lots and
basis to make it financially intelligent to you can rent it out for a few hours or days).
purchase the pass. If you are using public • Make sure to get your foreign driver’s license
transportation less frequently, just be sure to approved in advance.
pick up a Charlie Card (see below for more • More traditional car rental services such
information). as Budget, Enterprise, and Avis are also
• Cost: One-time ticket is $2.90 vs paying with available around Cambridge. Check out their
the Charlie card: $2.40. Even if you do not ratings and customer reviews before renting
anticipate using the public transportation from them.
frequently, you should definitely get a Charlie
card because it is cheaper than paying with
cash and it includes a free transfer to a local
bus within a 2-hour time-limit.
• For a complete list of maps, costs, and
services, visit www.mbta.com.

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 University Resources:
Mental Health, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual Well-being

Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Counseling and Mental Health Services is a part of University Health Services (HUHS), which is
provided for all students. You can reach out with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress,
grief, eating, sexual or relationship concerns. Do not be afraid or ashamed to reach out for
help. It is actually a sign of strength!
• In contacting CAMHS for an appointment, you will be asked to do a 20-minute phone
consultation to match you with the most appropriate clinician. They may even be able to match
you with a clinician who speaks your native language, and we know how comforting that is!
• Location: Smith Campus Center, 4th Floor
• Visit huhs.harvard.edu/services/counseling-and-mental-health or call (617) 495-2042 for more
information.

Harvard Chaplains

• The Harvard Chaplains are a professional community of more than thirty chaplains who
represent many of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions, and share a collective
commitment to serving the spiritual needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Harvard
University. If you would like to meet with a spiritual leader, you may visit chaplains.harvard.edu
for a list of the Chaplains and their contact information.

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)

• The Harvard University Health Services provides a full range of medical services from primary
care to counseling, and referrals for special services. For a full list of services, visit here.
• If you elect to have the HUHS Student Insurance plan, make sure you know what is included
in your health insurance and take advantage of the free check-ups and physical exams that
your insurance covers. The full plan of services for the Student Insurance can be found at
huhs.harvard.edu
• There is 24/7 – 365 days a year Urgent Care that is a part of HUHS.

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Wellness Center

• The Center for Wellness and Heath Promotion offers a large variety of workshops, services,
and classes available to all Harvard community members. Thier mission in to cultivate individual
and collective well being through holistic educational experiences. Massage and acupuncture
appointments are available through the Center for Wellness. Students on the Harvard University
Student Health Plan (HUSHP) receive a discounted rate. Classes in yoga, meditation, pilates
and more are also available. Visit wellness.huhs.harvard.edu for more information or to book an
appointment.

Gym Membership

• Signing up for the Harvard University gym membership means you receive access to pools,
indoor tracks, gyms, and athletic centers (for a complete list of gyms, visit recreation.gocrimson.
com/recreation/facilities/overview).
• Make sure you take full advantage of the programs offered at the gym. They have classes
such as barre, zumba, yoga, hip hop and others and you can take as many classes as often as
you want without any extra cost! For membership prices and a full list of classes please visit
recreation.gocrimson.com.

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 How to Enrich Your Social Life at HGSE: 10 Suggestions
1. Be Open-Minded when considering the cultures around you.
Remember that relationships are a two-way street. You cannot expect people
to reach out to you without reaching out to them first, even if this is not
the case in your culture. During your time at HGSE, make the effort to
understand the culture of the other people around you, and where they are
coming from.

2. Get involved in a student organization.

Why join a student organization? You might be interested in joining an organization because
you would like to contribute your professional experience in a region, build a skill set that you
are lacking and can add to your resume, or contribute to a cause. Most importantly, however, it
enriches your relationship with colleagues because you develop friendships with people who are
as passionate as you, which is the beauty of the HGSE student body. There is vast array of topics
and causes of organizations that might interest you. For a complete list of currently recognized
organizations, see here. You also have the option of starting a new student organization of any
kind!

3. You Can’t Know Everything.

As an international student at HGSE, you might constantly find yourself wondering what to say
when it comes to talking about issues related to the U.S. such as politics, education policy, historical
events, or customs. Remember that it’s okay to ask your American colleagues for clarification or
explanation. It might also enrich the conversation if you share about similar political/historical/
social issues that your country faces or has faced with your American colleagues.

4. Be Open to Ideas, Learning, and Being Challenged.

That’s how you will learn! It is okay to disagree with faculty members and colleagues. It is not a
good idea to disagree for the sake of disagreeing, but rather with the intent to understand their
position and findvalue in their argument.

5. Accept Invitations and Make the Effort to Show Up.

As you will soon find out, there are always lots of events, activities, gatherings and happening
throughout the year, both on and off campus. Regardless of whether you’re a person who prefers
a quiet night with a cup of tea and a good book in hand or an outgoing person who likes to hike
mountains and play sports, be brave and say yes to invitations even when they seem like they are a
bit outside your comfort zone. More often than not, you’ll be surprised at how you end up having
meaningful conversations. You’ll be glad you went.

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6. Balance your Priorities and Time.
That said (see #5), don’t forget to keep a healthy balance between your priorities and strive to
pursue the goals you had in mind before coming to HGSE. Don’t feel pressured to do what others
are doing or be afraid of missing out. What matters is that you stay happy, fulfilled, and healthy
throughout your time in school.

7. Venture out of your comfort zone.

When you are in a new environment, it is tempting to stick close to people who are from your
country or region. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying that food you’ve been craving since
you landed with people from your country or speaking in your own native language to people who
understand your language, make the effort to venture out of your comfort zone. One year in a
foreign country is a great opportunity to meet people from other cultures and learn their culture,
games, songs, and food, while also sharing the amazing culture you have brought with yourself.

8. Ask for Help.

Despite having excelled as a student and professional in your country, you may find yourself
intimidated and less confident in a new environment. Coupled with language and cultural barriers,
academic pressure and job search, everything might feel overwhelming and stressful. Breathe deeply
and remember that there are a lot of student services ready to support you. So many resources are
available to you--don’t be afraid to use them.

9. Remember that Everyone Comes from a Different Place and Culture.

Sometimes, as international students who come from many different countries, we tend to see non-
international students simply as Americans and we forget that even American colleagues have very
different backgrounds. Many of them are coming from different US states and are also navigating
a new environment away from home. The diversity of the HGSE population is immense and each
of their stories makes the fabric of the HGSE student body colorful. Before placing people into
boxes, try to listen to each individual story and share yours as well.

10. Keep in mind that You are Harvard and You belong here.
There is much to learn from Harvard, and equally as much for you to contribute. Sharing your ex-
periences and questions in class, in team projects, as a speaker at an event and so much more, truly
enrich every students' experience at Harvard.

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