International Student Resources

As you prepare to come to Gordon and to the U.S. here are some useful resources and tools to assist you in your transition to Gordon. Please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Advisor, Cheryl DeLuca, or any of the ISO Leaders if you have questions!

Fall 2013 Orientation
Before joining the rest of Gordon’s incoming freshmen for Orientation, international students and U.S. citizens living abroad are invited to attend the International Orientation hosted by the International Student Organization (ISO) and the Global Education Office (GEO).

You may arrive as early as Tuesday, August 20. Orientation begins on the evening of Wednesday, August 21. Please email orientationgordon.edu and cheryl.delucagordon.edu with your flight information.

Orientation will cover U.S. laws for visa students, academic and cultural issues and offer perspectives from returning Gordon College international students. Lunch will be provided.

During orientation there will be an optional shopping trip for supplies.

*Please Note: International Student Orientation begins before August La Vida ends.You are welcome to contact the La Vida Office at lavidagordon.edu for other course options if you are concerned about missing these orientation days. However, if you do miss them we will be sure to provide you with the information that was missed.

Orientation Schedule (Immediately following International Student Orientation)

Student Life

Spring 2014 Orientation
Orientation for students enrolling for Spring 2014 students will be held January 12–14.  International Students can move into their residence halls on Sunday, January 12th.  Transportation to campus from the airport or train station will be provided by orientation staff.  Please e.mail orientationgordon.edu and cheryl.delucagordon.edu with your arrival information.  Student information as well as packing tips, etc. can be found at orientationgordon.edu/orientation.  We are looking forward to your arrival and introducing you to our wonderful Gordon community.

Here are some ideas to help make packing easier:

Winter clothes: For much of the year Massachusetts is cold and has a snowy winter! Ideal clothing includes waterproof boots, thick coats, warm socks, scarves and gloves.

Room Decor: Feel free to bring photos, souvenirs and other personal items from home to make your dorm room special.

Bedding: You are responsible for providing your own twin-size duvets and blankets. These might be too bulky for plane travel so you will have the option to purchase them during orientation.

Toiletries: Be sure to have at least enough soap, shampoo, toothpaste and towels for the first few days—additional items can be bought after you arrive.

Laundry: All residence halls contain free washer-dryer units; students will have to purchase HE (high efficiency) washing liquid.

During International Orientation you will have the chance to go shopping and buy all these items, so do not feel you have to bring it all!

Obtaining a U.S. Visa

Tax workshops
As an international student studying in the U.S., you are required to file U.S. taxes. Spring workshops are offered to help you through the process.

Housing during breaks
Gordon’s international students can stay on campus during annual breaks for the following fees:

• Free housing is offered during Quad break and Thanksgiving break.
• Spring Break housing costs $10/day
• Winter Break housing costs $10/day
• Summer housing costs $100/week and includes one meal/day in the dining hall (for 2013).

Summer Storage
During the Summer Gordon students may store 2 items (they can be large boxes) in the resident hall storage rooms.

Honors Programs
Academic Support Center
Global Education Office
Gordon Awards/Rankings