Welcome to Bay State College
and Boston Massachusetts!
International Student Orientation
May 9th, 2014
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
Welcome to Bay State College
Student Affairs Staff
Kate O’Hara
Jeremy Shepard
Andrew Gresenz
Kristin Staine
Dean of Students
Assistant Dean of Students
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Assistant Director of Student Activities
Scott Hoffman
Sara Wood
Kara Conway
Cheryl Raiche
Brian McNeice
Residence Director
Associate Director of Student Success
Student Success Coordinator
School Counselor
Director of Dining Services
International Student Affairs Staff
Julia Croft
Alice Potenza
Director of International Student Services
International Student Advisor
Myra Traylor
Associate Director of International Admissions
Aka Candy Master
Office Hours 9:00 am- 5:00 pm Monday – Friday
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
School Facilities
And their Locations
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.
Example of a Class Schedule
Key to
abbreviated class
titles:
M
MONDAY
T
TUESDAY
W
WEDNESDAY
H
THURSDAY
F
FRIDAY
8:00 – 8:50
8:00 - 9:15
8:00 – 8:50
8:00 - 9:15
8:00 – 8:50
MAT 104 ED
9:00 - 9:50
10:00 - 10:50
11:00 - 12:15
MAT 104 ED
9:25 - 10:40
9:00 - 9:50
10:50 - 12:05
10:00 - 10:50
MAN 101 ED
12:15 - 1:30
11:00 - 12:15
MAT 104 ED
9:25 - 10:40
9:00 - 9:50
10:50 - 12:05
10:00 - 10:50
MAN 101 ED
12:15 - 1:30
COM 101 ED
11:00 - 12:15
12:30 - 1:20
ENG= English
Composition
CIS= Computer
Literacy
Man= Management
12:30 - 1:20
ENG 101 ED
12:30 - 1:20
ENG 101 ED
1:40 – 2:55
1:30 - 2:20
2:30 - 3:20
CIS 102 ED
3:30 - 4:45
COM= Public
Speaking
COM 101 ED
PRIME
TIME
1:30 - 2:20
2:30 - 3:20
MAT= Math
3:05 - 4:15
ENG 101 ED
1:40 – 2:55
1:30 - 2:20
2:30 - 3:20
CIS 102 ED
3:30 - 4:45
3:05 - 4:15
Class times are subject to change and you should only use this as a template
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.
BSC Tuition and Refund Policy
For Foundation Year Students Only
Tuition Payments:
• Must be made through peertransfer.com or to EduCo’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:
• Once a student has started classes, he/she is no longer eligible for a refund
BSC Tuition and Refund Policy
For Direct Entry Students Only
Tuition Payments:
• Must be made through peertransfer.com or 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
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
International Student
Orientation
Local Customs and Boston Tips
May 9th, 2014
Bay State Campus Map
Local Information
Helpful places near Bay State College in the Back Bay
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
Cost of Living
The Basics….
Sandwiches:
Salads:
Take-Out Lunch:
Take-Out Dinner:
Coffee/Tea:
Movie Tickets*:
$5.00-$8.00
$8.00-$10.00
$10.00-$15.00
$12.00-$20.00
$2.00-$5.00
$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:
Bus:
$2.50 per ride*
$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
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
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.
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
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
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
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!
Culture Shock
What is it and how I can help you get adjusted
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.
Culture Shock
5 key tips on how to adjust and conquer Culture Shock
1. Get to know your host country and city. Look for the logic that lies behind their style of living.
2. 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.
3. Maintain a good sense of humor and be willing to laugh at yourself.
4. 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.
5. 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!
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.