In addition to attending New Student Orientation (August 31–September 8, 2019), all undergraduate students entering the United States with an F-1 visa are also required to attend International Student Pre-Orientation (August 28–30, 2019), which provides international students with crucial immigration and cultural adjustment information. The schedule is below.
Please note that dual citizens and legal permanent residents (Green Card holders) who live outside the U.S. are not required to attend International Student Pre-Orientation, but are welcome to do so. Students who are assigned housing on campus, fall into this category, and plan on attending pre-orientation should contact the Berklee housing team to inform them of your status as a dual citizen/legal permanent resident and request to move in on international student move-in day.
If you wish to attend pre-orientation, you should also attend the international student onboarding event on Wednesday, August 28 any time between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please proceed directly to the onboarding location at 7 Haviland Street. You'll be greeted by staff members who will assist you through the process.
All students attending International Student Pre-Orientation and/or New Student Orientation should register for these events by visiting the New Student and Family Programs Orientation site.
Families of international students are invited to attend the international parent and family session on August 30 at 2:45 p.m. in David Friend Recital Hall at 921 Boylston Street. A reception for families and students will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. at 132 Ipswich Street.
Wednesday, August 28
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9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.*
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International Student Check-In (click for details)
All entering students are required to attend this onboarding event to ensure completion of all necessary administrative requirements. This includes immigration documents, tuition payments, immunization records, high school transcripts, and all health waivers.
*Arrive any time during this period.
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7 Haviland Street, Lobby |
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11:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m.
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Campus Tours (departing hourly at the start of the hour)
Find out firsthand what it’s like to be a Berklee student. Tour the Conservatory and/or College campuses to see classrooms, studios, and facilities.
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Departing from 7 Haviland Street courtyard |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Shopping Trip
Need school or residence hall supplies? Local shopping trips guided by your orientation leaders will help you get to know the Fenway area and purchase any supplies you may need. This is a walking trip.
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Departing from 7 Haviland Street courtyard |
| 7:00 p.m. |
Residence Hall Programming
This meeting is for students living in the residence halls. Locations of meetings are dependent on your building; your resident assistant will post information at check-in. This is a great chance to meet your residential staff, who will show you around the building, review community expectations, and discuss how to use your Berklee One Card.
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Various locations |
Thursday, August 29
| 8:00 a.m. |
Late Arrivals Check-In
Students who did not check in on August 29 should report at this time to check in with International Student Services staff.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 9:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m. |
International Student Welcome
Join your fellow international students and international student support staff for the formal opening of pre-orientation.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 9:45 a.m.–10:15 a.m. |
Cultural Adjustment to the U.S., Boston, and Berklee
This session will explore some of the initial shocks and complexities of American culture as well as discuss some tips to navigate your transition to the U.S., Boston, and Berklee.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m. |
The U.S. Education System and Classroom
Have you thought to yourself, "How do I address my professor?" or "What is classroom etiquette at Berklee?" Hear from two favorite professors as they share advice on how you can create the most successful academic experience.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. |
Mental Health and Counseling
Hear from on-campus mental health counselors about the importance of mental health care, the concept of mental health on our campus and in U.S. culture, and services available for all students.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Healthcare and Wellness
The Student Wellness Promotion and Services office will host a session on services, resources and programs here at Berklee aimed at supporting your wellbeing. Information will also be provided about how to navigate healthcare in the US. This will provide key introductory information in preparation for the session: "Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'N' Roll:" Redefining Wellbeing for the Modern Performing Artist taking place on September 5 from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. |
Lunch and Mini Resource Fair
Before or after lunch (not provided), drop in to the first floor of the 160 building to meet representatives from a local mobile phone company and bank. This event is optional.
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160 Massachusetts Avenue, Lobby |
| 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. |
Safety in the U.S., in Boston, and at Berklee
A panel of Berklee Public Safety officers and staff from the Community Standards and Conflict Resolution Office and the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will discuss local legal systems and laws, as well as how to participate as a responsible member of the Berklee community.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. |
It's Your Berklee—International Student Version
This session will serve as a primer for the September 6 It's Your Berklee session with all incoming students. Learn foundational concepts about diversity, inclusion, and equity in our community before diving into a deeper conversation next week.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. |
Dinner
Students may purchase dinner in the Berklee Dining Hall. This event is optional.
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160 Massachusetts Avenue, Cafeteria |
| 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. |
Open Mic Event
Are you ready to show off your talents to your peers? Attend this optional event to launch your Berklee career. Sign-ups start at 7:30 p.m. Students are limited to one song/six minutes. Piano and mics are provided. No drum set, but light hand percussion is allowed. All styles are welcome. This event is optional.
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939 Boylston Street, the Red Room
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Friday, August 30
| 9:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m. |
Maintaining Your F-1 Status
This session for F-1 visa holders will provide an overview of immigration regulations and how they will affect you while studying in the U.S.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 9:45 a.m.–10:15 a.m. |
F-1 Student Work Authorization for Off-Campus Employment
International students must gain permission from the U.S. government to work off campus. International Student Services staff will discuss the various types of work permission you may be eligible for and when it is appropriate to apply.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m. |
On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students
International students are eigible for on-campus employment without securing work authorization. Learn about what unique steps you must take to qualify for an on-campus job.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. |
Social Security Numbers and Driver's Licenses/State ID Cards
International Student Services staff will discuss the benefits of obtaining any of the above credentials and the process for doing so.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism in the U.S. Education System
Academic writing is a vital part of college life. This is challenging for all students, but writing in a new language and studying in a different educational system can bring unique challenges to an international student. Plagiarism is the process of stealing someone's work and representing it as your own. It's illegal, and it leads to penalties. Find out more at this session about the resources available to you to ensure you never have to face the consequences of plagiarism.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. |
Lunch
Students may purchase dinner in the Berklee Dining Hall. This event is optional.
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160 Massachusetts Avenue, Cafeteria |
| 1:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. |
Preparing for Your Audition
Faculty from the Ensemble Department will provide tips to successfully prepare for your placement audition and answer questions related to your audition.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. |
International Student Panel
A panel of current international students will discuss their experiences living and studying in the U.S. and answer questions from entering students.
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Berklee Performance Center |
| 2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions I (choose one)
a. How to Survive and Thrive at Berklee
A Berklee veteran professor will share the best tips and tactics for making the most out of your experience at Berklee as an international student and/or and English language learner.
b. Getting Involved on Campus
Did you have a favorite extracurricular activity in high school? Perhaps you would like to continue gaining experience and leadership through involvement. Staff from the Student Activities Office will share opportunities to be engaged on campus outside of just the classroom.
c. Berklee Global Partner Students
Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Academic Advising and the Registrar’s office to receive assistance with course registration, schedule completion, and the placement of courses transferred from your home institution. Students who have attended an international school as part of the Berklee Global Partners program must attend this session.
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a. 1140 Boylston Street, Room 1A
b. Berklee Performance Center
c. 1140 Boylston Street, Room 1W
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| 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. |
International Student and Family Reception
Stop by to socialize with other international students and their families, enjoy live entertainment, international canapés, and a chance to meet the faculty and staff who support international students. This event is optional.
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132 Ipswich Street, Room 106 |
Parent and Family Events: Friday, August 30
| 2:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
International Student Parent and Family Session
Families and parents of international students are invited to attend a session led by International Student Services staff discussing how to best support your student. We will discuss campus resources, immigration compliance, the immigration climate in the U.S., and more.
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921 Boylston Street, David Friend Recital Hall |
| 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. |
International Student and Family Reception
Stop by to socialize with other international families and their students, enjoy live entertainment, international canapés, and a chance to meet the faculty and staff who support intnernational students.
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132 Ipswich Street, Room 106 |
This schedule is subject to change. Final details will be included in the orientation schedule distributed during check-in.
Late Check-In Procedures
Students arriving between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28 may go to the Center for Student Advising and Success at 921 Boylston Street, third floor, to check in.
Students arriving after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28 should report to the Berklee Performance Center (136 Massachusetts Avenue) at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29 to check in with International Student Services staff.
Students arriving later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29 should plan to attend all remaining pre-orientation sessions and attend the check-in event on Saturday, August 31 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Student IDs can be retrieved from Berklee Public Safety (155 Massachusetts Avenue, lower level) at any time Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All offices in the Center for Student Advising and Success will be open August 29 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m to assist late-arriving students, if needed.
