2012 - 2013 Programs
International Orientation
During the summer, fall and spring, International Student Services (ISS) offers both undergraduate and graduate international orientations for incoming international students. Orientations are designed to educate international students on immigration laws applicable during their tenure at the University. Participants also learn about adjusting to American culture and about being a student in the American classroom through exercises and conversations with ISS staff and returning international students who help to host the program. See pictures from orientation.
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International Game Night
Held in January, International Student Services hosts this event where students bring and play games from all over the world. This is a great opportunity for international students who arrived in January to meet returning international students. Everyone learns new games while telling stories from their holiday breaks, as new friends are made. See photos from our most recent International Game Night.
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Smart Start Workshops
Smart Start Workshops are part of the orientation experience for international students at Lesley University and the Art Institute of Boston. Co-sponsored by International Student Services (ISS) and the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA), the workshops unite international students and CAA tutors and begin supportive relationships that last throughout an international student's years at Lesley. Smart Start is a year-long experience with monthly meetings. Through group activities, the workshops aim to help new students adapt to the Lesley classroom and their new living environment. See pictures from this year's workshops.
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Trip to the Boston "Ahts" Festival
In the Fall of 2011, students were invited to explore downtown Boston and experience the Boston "Ahts" Festival held on the waterfront. The festival hosted live music and dance performances, art demonstrations and booths where local artisans could show and sell their crafts. After lunch in historic Faneuil Hall, the students crossed the street for a beautiful day filled with artistic expression, sunshine and new friends. Our Fall, 2011 trip was a lot of fun!
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Every November, International Student Services Office hosts Thanksgiving dinner for both international and American students at Lesley. The dinner provides an opportunity to learn about American customs and share in the Thanksgiving tradition. This year almost 40 students joined us in eating turkey and sharing the holiday. See photos of our 2011 Thanksgiving Feast.
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Global Guides
Newly arriving international students have the opportunity to be matched with continuing international students. Over the summer, new students communicate with their Global Guides using email in order to help them prepare for their studies in the US. Newly arriving students meet with their Global Guides when they arrive at Lesley/AIB and they attend International Student Services sponsored events together during the fall semester.
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International Potluck Dinner
This year students gathered together to share their cuisine from around the world at the Annual International Potluck Dinner. Guests were able to sample dishes from many different countries, and everyone had a great time! View the global goodies!
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Benefit Concert for Japan
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, International Student Services helped the Japanese students at Lesley put on a fundraising concert. The event featured an informative slideshow showing Japan's devastation and progress. Also included were music, dance and art performances by Expressive Therapies students. Odaiko New England also contributed their talents to the event. All participants were proud to raise over $4,300 at the performance. Read more on the Lesley News web page and see pictures.
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Apple Picking
During the fall season in New England, International Student Services hosts our annual apple picking trip. Participants have the chance to experience one of the highlights of a New England fall: exploring the apple orchards in the countryside! This trip includes the opportunity to hand-pick delicious apples, visit the petting zoo at the apple orchard, explore a hand-made hedge maze, visit the general store, purchase apple cider donuts and candied apples and even take a hay ride through the fields of the apple orchards! Our Fall, 2009 trip was held on the the first weekend in October, a beautiful fall day full of fall colors and sunshine!
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Halloween Party
In order to celebrate Halloween, students dressed in costume and came together to carve pumpkins, learn about the Halloween holiday and share some Halloween treats! We toasted pumpkin seeds and shared our stories about Halloween and our Halloween costumes. See pictures of this spook-tacular event!
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Ice Skating
What other way to enjoy a wonderful New England winter, but to ice skate at an outdoor rink by the Charles river in Cambridge? Students enjoyed a night of lessons, skating and hot chocolate! The cozy rink provided the perfect opportunity for all of us to become 'expert ice skaters' by the time the night was over!!! View our adventure!
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