International Student Resources
As you get ready to come to Gordon and to the U.S. here are some resources that might be useful and some tools to help you prepare and know what to expect. Please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Adviser, Cheryl DeLuca, or any of the ISO Leaders if you have questions!
International 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 21. Orientation begins on the evening of Wednesday, August 22. Please email orientation
gordon.edu and cheryl.delucagordon.edu with your flight information.
| Wed, Aug 22 5:30 p.m. |
Welcome Dinner for all new international students and the International Student Organization (ISO) leaders. |
| Thurs, Aug 23 | International Student Orientation begins (Schedule and information to follow) |
| Fri, Aug 24 5 p.m. |
All-Student Orientation |
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)
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 stuff from home to make your dorm room special.
Bedding: You will need to provide 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!
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 a minimal, discounted or no fee:
- Free housing is offered during quad break and Thanksgiving break.
- Half price housing (for internationals) during Spring Break ($5/day for 2011-12).
- Winter Break housing costs $10/day (for 2011-2012).
- Summer housing costs $90/week and includes one meal/day in the dining hall (for 2012).
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