TUFTS UNIVERSITYINTERNATIONAL CENTER

20 Sawyer AveMedford MA 02155Telephone: (617) 627-3458Fax: (617) 627-6076http://www.ase.tufts.edu/

icenterEmail: IOrientation@tufts.edu

The International Center at Tufts University proudly presents the 2010 International Orientation (IO). The next few pages of this booklet will contain:

Your Official IO 2010 Invitation Letter Pictures of your 2010 Host Advisors and IO Coordinators (just so you’ll get to know some of us

at Tufts!) A tentative schedule and shopping tips to get you introduced to IO 2010 and make your settling

process less stressful and more fun!

Reflections from previous years’ IO participants The IO Response Form (which we hope you’ll fill out and get back to us by July 30, 2010!)

You can also find this information as well as much more online at the I-Center’s website (http://ase.tufts.edu/icenter/enteringUgOrientation.htm), or visit our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=111331332246356&ref=ts). For most students that attend IO, it is one of their favorite and cherished experiences at Tufts and definitely one of the best ways to get introduced to the campus and to many new friends. We hope that you will choose to join us at IO

So, enjoy what’s left of your summer and get ready for the fun-filled havoc that is IO! We can’t wait to meet you and help you settle into this amazing place!

Your IO Coordinators,

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Eva Sikes (A‘12) and Mike Niconchuk (A‘11)

June, 2010

Dear Incoming Student,

On behalf of the Tufts University International Center, you are invited to participate in our annual International Orientation (IO). The program starts on Sunday, August 29, and ends on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. This program will begin three days PRIOR to the All-University New Student Orientation Program.

INVITEESThe program is intended for new undergraduate students who are:

1. International students on U.S. visas;2. American students whose home addresses are overseas or who attended their last year of high school overseas; 3. American students from the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam;4. Dual Citizens (U.S. and another country);5. Students who are U.S. Permanent Residents and 6. American students living in the U.S. who have indicated an interest in the international community at Tufts or live in the Boston area

INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION (IO) INFORMATION

Below you will find information on the IO Coordinators and Host Advisors who will be welcoming you when you arrive and leading the program. You will note that the Host Advisors represent various countries from around the globe. Many of these leaders have already participated in a previous IO. The included information also contains a Tentative Schedule of Activities. Please understand that this schedule is subject to change.

We hope you choose to attend IO because we believe that it will allow you to experience Tufts before the entire first year class arrives, thereby giving you a chance to acquaint yourself with the University and other IO participants. We often hear how important IO is in creating a meaningful experience at Tufts, so please consider attending the Program!

ARRIVAL AND HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS Please be sure to tell us if you intend to come to IO so we can be sure to arrange for your room keys to be provided at check-in. If you plan to attend the Program, please be sure you arrive on Sunday, August 29th between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If it is not possible to make flight arrangements for this day, we recommend that you arrive on Saturday and stay in a hotel in the local area. (Nearby accommodations can be found in the sidebar of the Travel Portal website http://www.campustravel.com/university/tufts/). Prior experience has shown that students who arrive late are at a disadvantage because they have missed several opportunities to interact with the group they are assigned to for the Program. If you do not arrive by Monday, August 30th by 9 a.m., you will not be allowed to join the program. Having found that students feel more isolated from the Program when they do not live on-campus and share the IO experience, we discourage you from staying with your parents in a hotel during International Orientation. WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON SUNDAY, YOU WILL UNLOAD YOUR BELONGINGS INTO YOUR PERMANENT ROOM, WHERE YOU WILL ALSO BE STAYING DURING ORIENTATION.

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WHAT TO BRING TO IOPlease remember to pack the clothes you will use for the three days of Orientation at the top of your suitcase. Please also try to include a towel, linens for your bed, and a pillow to use during these three days, or purchase these items on the Shopping Trip scheduled for Sunday, August 29th. Rental linens may not be available at this time. For those who intend to ship their belongings to Tufts, the Mail Services will be open on Sunday, August 29th. Include clothes for very hot weather during the day and cooler weather during the evening. You should dress casually and we recommend packing a light jacket or sweater.

COST FOR IOThe entire program, except for off campus meals and local transportation, is covered by the International Center. Please be sure you have money to pay for off-campus meals (approximately $100). There is an option to eat most meals on campus, which will reduce the amount of money needed. You should also bring extra money for miscellaneous expenses and items you may wish to purchase. Optional Duck Tours of Boston (www.bostonducktours.com) will also cost an additional $25, so please plan accordingly.

TUFTS STUDENT RESOURCES (TSR)If you have ordered sheets, microfridges or any other item from TSR, please note that TSR may not provide you with your sheets, etc. until one or two days AFTER the International Orientation program.

OBTAINING YOUR TUFTS STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDOver the summer, you will be requested to electronically send a picture of yourself to help facilitate the receipt of your Tufts identity card. If you are able to send this picture, you will be able to receive your identity card faster than if you do not send this picture. Details will be provided at a later time by the University.

CALLING HOMEThe Mayer Campus Center, as well as some dorms, have public phones that can be used to call internationally with a phone card. Phone cards can be purchased at the campus bookstore, and also in local grocery stores in and around the Somerville and Medford Areas. Please keep in mind that the Campus Bookstore is closed on Sunday, August 29th but will be open the following days starting Monday, August 30 th. Cell phones are also a good option. There will be an opportunity to purchase a cell phone on Monday, August 30th. A lot of international students also find online services, such as Skype, a very convenient and cost-friendly means of keeping in touch with family and friends.

CREDIT FOR FOREIGN DEGREESIf you plan on getting credit towards your degree for foreign examinations such as the International Baccalaureate, the French Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, or the British Certificate of Education (advanced level), which you have taken prior to coming to Tufts, make sure that you bring an official copy of the diploma which identifies the exams taken and the scores received. You will be receiving information about how to receive this credit directly from the Deans Office in Dowling Hall (visit http://www.studentservices.tufts.edu for details). YOUR RESPONSE - DUE BY JULY 30, 2010 ! Lastly, enclosed you will find an Orientation Response Form. Please return this form via email (iOrientation@tufts.edu) as soon as possible and no later than Friday, July 30, 2009. We will not be able to guarantee you a space at International Orientation unless you respond by July 30, 2009.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Tufts on Sunday, August 29th! We truly

hope that you are planning to attend International Orientation. If you have any questions about the Program, do not hesitate to contact us at IOrientation@tufts.edu. Also, please check our website at http://ase.tufts.edu/icenter/enteringUgOrientation.htm for updates on IO 2010.

Sincerely yours,

Jane Etish-Andrews Naoko Kotoge Jodi Hanelt Director International Student & Scholar Advisor Assistant Director

REMINDER TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: YOUR IMMIGRATION FILE MAY STILL BE INCOMPLETE. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED YOUR F-1 STUDENT VISA DOCUMENT (I-20 Form), YOU NEED TO CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!

Your IO 2010 Coordinators:

Left to Right: Eva Sikes, A ‘12 – An American from TexasMike Niconchuk, A ‘11 – A Guatemalan-American from the U.S.

What past IO participants have said about IO:

International Orientation (IO) has been one of the most unforgettable memories for many students. It is a time where strong bonds are made and where students are exposed to cultures quite different from their own. It is a time to get acquainted with Tufts and Boston before the rest of the first-year students arrive. Students who hear about

International Orientation and choose not to attend often say they wish they could have taken part in this experience.

“IO was the best time to become close with the international crowd in Tufts. Being an international student I was able to meet people with similar interests to mine as well as people from all parts of the world that are very different from where I am from. I became great friends with my Host Advisors who helped me adapt to the community and made me feel welcome. Compared to regular orientation, all the activities were very fun. Being

a part of IO gives you a very well-rounded idea of what Tufts is like and I am sure you will enjoy it!" -International Student, Ecuador

"IO was a wonderful experience and I loved being able to interact with people from all around the world. Being immersed in an international group as a new student to Tufts definitely made me feel very secure. IO helped show me that there were lots of incoming students with similar backgrounds to mine, and I have made and maintained incredible friendships as a result of participating in IO!" -International Student, India/Oman

Your 2010 International Orientation Host Advisors:

Back Row (left to right)Ipek Savut – A Turk living in Turkey and PortugalYasemin Diker – A Turk living in TurkeyWilliam Sin Yeung Luk – A Chinese with British citizenship living in Hong KongPianpian Wu – A Chinese-American living in Boston, MAPaul Boles – An Austrian-German living in GermanyDavid Smythe– An American living in the United States

Middle Row (left to right):Taarika Sridhar – An Indian living in Oman

Tala Kayyali – A Palestinian-Jordanian living in JordanAvani Gupta – An Indian living in Hong KongInbal Rait – An Israeli-American living in IsraelOmar Gazayerli – An Egyptian living in EgyptEmilia Luna – An Ecuadorian living in EcuadorPhichaya “Honey” Manathanya – A Thai, born and raised in Thailand her entire lifeNgonidzashe Madungwe – An African from Zimbabwe exploring AmericaHafsa Chaudhry – A Pakistani-American living in the U.S.

Front Row (left – right):Chelang’at Surum – A Kenyan living in KenyaMike Niconchuk (Co-coordinator) – A Guatemalan-American from the U.S.Alfonso “Fonzie” Enriquez-Castro – A Mexican living in the U.S.Aditya Chanrai – A British Indian living in the U.K.Christopher Rivlin –British-Canadian living in the U.K.Karan Randhawa – An Indian living in India

Not pictured: Eva Sikes (Co-Coordinator)

International Orientation (IO) 2010Tentative Agenda

Sunday, August 29 th , 2010:

1:00-4:00 p.m. Check in at Sophia Gordon Hall’s Multi-Purpose Room (15 Talbot Ave)* – A great time to start meeting other new students and the Host Advisors. (Please note that keys will not be given out until after 1:00 p.m.)

1:00-4:30 p.m. Settle Into Tufts* – After checking in, take advantage of this block of free time to do some shopping and move into your dorm room. Host advisors can lend a hand to help you move in while IO offers a few activities to acquaint you with the campus and nearby stores.

2:30 and 3:00 p.m. Trips to Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target at Greatland Mall* – Bus will transport students and parents to nearby department stores. Feel free to follow us in your own car. Meet at Sophia Gordon.

2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Campus Tours* – Get to know your way around campus by taking a tour with a host advisor. A slightly different take than the normal campus tours. Tours depart from Sophia Gordon.

5:00 p.m. Say Goodbye to Parents* – Now that they’ve helped you settle in, it’s time to break away from your family and meet some of the people you’ll be going to school with for the next four years.

5:00-5:15 p.m. Host Advisor Introductions – Meet all of the 2010 Host Advisors.

5:15-6:15 p.m. Group Introductions and Ice Breakers – Meet your Host Advising group members in front of Sophia Gordon, and learn a little bit about each other. The person sitting next to you may become your best friend.

6:15-7:15 p.m. Dinner on Sophia Gordon Lawn – Join us for an American summer meal.

7:30-8:00 p.m. Dorm Gathering – Get to know your dorm Host Advisor, your Residential Assistant and other participants living in your residential hall. Meet at Respective Dorms.

9:00-11:00 p.m. Outdoor Event – Come and enjoy the crisp Boston evening with fellow incoming students and Host Advisors. If you’re too tired to join us at the Outdoor Event, take a break in your dorm and use this free time to unpack and unwind.

Monday, August 30 th , 2010 :

8:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Carmichael Dining Hall – Yeah, we know it’s early, but the waffles are worth it.

9:15-10:15 a.m. Formal Welcome and International Center Introductions – Important information about the Tufts Community.

10:15-11:00 a.m. Meet Representatives of Various Departments at Tufts* - Important information about the Tufts community and resources. Gives you a great sense of what is out there and who to speak to in order to be an active member of the campus population. Balch Arena Theatre.

11:00-12:30 p.m. Banking Session* – Representatives from local banks will be available to discuss students’ needs and to assist students in opening bank accounts. (Please do not bring more than $1,000 in cash per person; representatives will not be able to accept it). Remus Sculpture Court.

12:30 p.m. Lunch and Shopping in Harvard Sq. – Have lunch in lively Harvard Square and take a look around the many shops for anything that you might have forgotten to pack! Meet outside of Pearson and don’t forget your lunch money! (Lunch at Carmichael Hall is also an option.)

12:45 p.m. Session for Parents (Lunch)* – A discussion about issues your son/daughter may face at college. Sponsored by the Counseling Center and Health Services. Alumnae Lounge.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner at Carmichael Hall – Students only!

6:00 p.m. Parents Reception with the University Deans, Administration and Faculty* – Parents only! Sponsored by The Parents Program.

6:30 p.m. Leisure Activities – Take a trip to Davis Square for ice cream, walk around campus with friends, or grab a refreshment and chill with other IO participants.

8:00-11:00 p.m. Mystery Activity! – Have some fun with your Host Advisors and fellow IO participants! You definitely won’t want to miss out.

*Parents are invited to attend these events.

International Orientation (IO) 2010Tentative Agenda

Tuesday, August 31 th , 2010:

8:00-9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Carmichael Dining Hall.

9:00-10:00 a.m. International Student Visa Meeting – A mandatory talk about your immigration status.

10:00-11:00 a.m. Academic Experiences at Tufts – Peer Perspectives – Hear what your host advisors and peers have to say about the academic environment at Tufts and see what the university has to offer.

11:00-12:00 p.m. Host Advisor Skits – The Host Advisors act out life at Tufts. It’s hilarious, so don’t miss out!

12:00-1:00p.m. Lunch in Carmichael Dining Hall.

1:30p.m. Meet outside Sophia Gordon to head into Boston.

2:00-5:00 p.m. Afternoon on the Beantown! – Get a taste of what Beantown has to offer! Explore the busy indoor and outdoor life in Quincy Market, chill around Fanueil Hall, or go shopping at the trendy stores. Two options: explore on foot with some host advisors, or join the rest of us on one of Boston’s famous Duck Tours! These amphibious vehicles whisk you around Boston and then plunge into the Charles River. (Duck tours are offered at a discounted rate. Please bring $25 if you wish to join)

5:30 p.m. Dinner in Boston – Meet up with other groups in and around your tour area for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Boston. Remember to bring money for dinner! Or if you prefer, dinner back on campus is also an option.

9:00 -1:00 a.m. Closing Festival! – Come have a good time socializing. It’s a great way to end International Orientation. Sophia Gordon

Wednesday, September 1 st , 2010:

8:00 a.m. Join other entering students for All-University Orientation – IO is great, but now it’s time to branch out, meet your roommates and make other friends during this hectic but enjoyable welcoming week.

Saturday, September 4 th , 2010:

7:00-8:00 p.m. International Students and Friends Ice Cream Social – An opportunity for participants and their roommates to get to know one another better. Carmichael Hall Lounge.

SHOPPING LIST

AND PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL

Below is a list of some of the things you will probably need for school. You are not required to bring any of these items, but we thought it might be useful to know what some people who are already at Tufts find important to keep handy. They can all be easily purchased in the Boston area. IO offers a bus trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target on Sunday, August 29th, in the afternoon (check tentative schedule for details).

Items:

Bed linens (sheets must be twin extra long)

Pillows, bedspread, blanket Towels Lamps (bed/desk) Flashlight Extension cord or surge protector with

multiple outlets Hangers Alarm clock Laundry basket/bag Laundry detergent Drinking cups Memo / dry erase board (for your door)

Desk items (scissors / stapler / post-it pads/ tape)

First aid kit / safety pins / sewing kit Fan (dorm rooms are not air-

conditioned) Mirror (many rooms have small

mirrors, but not full-length) Shower caddy and shower items

(shampoo, conditioner, soap…etc) Crates / trunk (for clothes, etc.) Book bag Winter jacket Rain coat / umbrella

Note: All electrical items in the U.S. are on a 110-voltage system. This voltage is different than many other countries, so you may need to buy a voltage converter as well as a plug converter. Or, for convenience, just buy equipment upon arrival. Any linens rented from or bought through Tufts may not be available during IO. The university also offers microfridges (microwaves with mini-refrigerators) which will not be available during IO.

Resource Guides:

Below are some valuable resources for acquainting Tufts students with Tufts and with the Boston area.

Student Affairs Website: This web-page contains helpful and important information about campus life and the resources, policies, and emergency information along with links to other sites about being a part of the Tufts community. http://uss.tufts.edu/studentaffairs/

Other Area Stores:

Pharmacy: Rite Aid*, CVS*, WalgreensSupermarket: Shaw’s *, Foodmaster*, Whole Foods*Computers/Electronics: Best Buy, Radioshack*Cellular Phones: Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T*Hardware: Tags*, Hillside Hardware*Clothing: Gap*, Macy’s, Marshall’s, TJ Max, Filenes Basement, H&M

Target and Bed Bath & Beyond are inexpensive, large stores near Tufts which sell nearly all of the products listed above but which require a car or taxi. Another nearby alternative is Costco, a members only store which offers bulk purchases at discount rates. Memberships can be purchased for a single day.

*Near Tufts Campus (i.e. Davis or Porter Square or Boston Ave)

Major Malls/Shopping Areas:

Cambridge Side Galleria (Green Line, Lechmere Stop)Prudential Center (Downtown Boston, Green Line, Prudential Stop) Faneuil Hall (Downtown, Green Line, Government Center Stop)Newbury St (Downtown, Green Line, Copley Stop)

Porter Shopping Center (Near Tufts Campus, short driving or long walking distance or Red Line Porter Sq stop)Greatland Mall (Location of shopping trip, requires car or taxi)Meadow Glen Mall (Also near Tufts, requires car or taxi)

Accomodations and Transportation: To help you in planning your family’s stay in Boston, we have included the link to the Tufts University Travel Portal, an online aid to finding accommodations. The Travel Portal website also has helpful information about parking on campus and campus maps and directions (http://www.campustravel.com/university/tufts/) .Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville campus is located in the northwest corner of the Greater Boston area. It is easily reached by car, taxi, or public transportation, with multiple bus stops around the campus itself and a subway station in nearby Davis Square, a 15 minute walk approximately. Normally there is a shuttle bus service from Davis to Tufts, but this shuttle will not be running during IO. Although many incoming students’ families rent or bring a car to facilitate moving into Tufts, this is not necessary. Many of the nearby hotels (particularly those in Boston) have easy access to the MBTA subway system or a taxi can be taken as well. Using public transport increases the time needed to get to Tufts but is cheaper than renting a car or taking a taxi.

“I was struck by the warm welcome the I.O. host advisors provided me with. I have never encountered such a quick adaptation as I did upon my arrival into the Tufts International Community. Soon enough, I came to realize that I.O. was a reflection of the International Spirit at Tufts: open minded, welcoming and fun.” – International student from France

TUFTS UNIVERSITYINTERNATIONAL CENTER

Please return this form by email, along with a photo of yourself, to the International Center by Friday, July 30th, 2010. An e-mail response will be sent to you upon receipt of your form, so please ensure that your e-mail address is correct.

INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION (IO) RESPONSE FORM

Name: ________________________________________________________ Last First

Country of Citizenship: __________________________________________

Male: ___ Female: ___ Age: ____

First-year student: ___ Transfer: ___ Commuter: Yes___ No___

Are you a/an: (Check one)

_____ International student (on a visa)_____ Dual Citizen (U.S. and another country). Which country? ___________________ U.S. Permanent Resident

20 Sawyer AveMedford MA 02155Telephone: (617) 627-3458Fax: (617) 627-6076http://www.ase.tufts.edu/icenterEmail: IOrientation@tufts.edu

_____ Student from Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam (circle one)_____ American student living overseas. Where? ___________________________

____ YES, I plan to attend the International Orientation Program. I will check in at Sophia Gordon Hall on August 29th, 2010, between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

____ I am emailing a photograph of myself to IOrientation@tufts.edu

____ I would like to participate in the Boston Duck Tour activity (limit 60 students) and will bring $25 dollars for my entrance

____ NO, I cannot attend the Program but will check in with the International Center upon arrival. What are your plans instead?___________________________________________________

Please go to Sophia Gordon Hall upon your arrival. If you cannot arrive during check-in time, you will need to make special arrangements, in advance, by contacting one of the International Orientation Coordinators or Naoko Kotoge, International Student & Scholar Advisor at the International Center during office hours, 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.

Phone Number: 617-627-3458 Fax Number: (617) 627-6076 Email: IOrientation@tufts.edu

PLEASE EMAIL THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND NO LATER THAN JULY 30th 2010!