Resources: Arrival and Transition to the U.S.

Transition Resources

In addition to the orientation information provided to you, here are a few resources for you to become familiar with before arriving.

Key Campus Resources

This is a limited list of resources that prior international students have highlighted as important to get to know before coming to MassArt - the college has many more resources for all students, and we encourage you to explore them on the massart.edu website!

• MassArt Campus Maps
• MassArt Tech Central (for questions about technology, email access, etc.)
• Academic Calendar
• MassArt Public Safety
• Health & Wellness (including medical services, mental health, immunizations, etc.)
• International Education Center Contacts

Pre-Arrival Considerations

• Directions to Campus from Boston Logan Airport
• Public Transportation in Boston: How to Ride the MBTA
• Pre-Departure Checklist for International Students
• US Holidays

Culture Shock

Get ready for culture shock! Every student experiences culture shock, or cultural adjustment, differently. Here are two short videos to help you understand and successfully move through your cultural adjustment:

• Culture Shock Part I
• Culture Shock Part II
• Ted Talk: Weird, or just different?

Helpful Videos: Meet MassArt Offices!

• Interview with MassArt's Counseling Center: Can international students use MassArt's Counseling Center? What does that office do? Is what you say confidential? Watch an interview with a current MassArt international student and a Counseling Center staff member to learn more about this important campus resource. The presentation in the attachments section also has some very helpful information from Counseling.
• Interview with MassArt's Peer Advising Liaisons (PALS): PALS, or Peer Advising Liaisons, are student leaders working with the Academic Resource Center. They are a fantastic resource providing support, mentoring, tutoring, and logistical assistance to all students throughout their experience at MassArt - including new students. Learn more by watching this video!
• Interview with MassArt's Academic Resource Center: The Academic Resource Center is a great resource at MassArt for *all* students, and especially for those looking for help with writing, time management, essay writing, and more. Hear from an ARC staff member on their support services and how to access them!

Helpful Videos: U.S. Systems Explained

• U.S. Healthcare System Overview for International Students: The healthcare system in the U.S. is complicated and confusing, even for those of us who have lived here for years! This video explains the basics.
• Mental Health Awareness for International Students: In the U.S. and at MassArt, mental health is an important facet of self care to facilitate student success. For many international students, this is a big cultural difference. This video explains what you should keep in mind.
• Sexual Assault Awareness for International Students: Sexual Assault is taken very seriously at MassArt. Please watch this video to understand the basics of sexual assault awareness.