Getting Settled
 

Getting Settled / International Postdocs

There are over 3,500 international students and approximately 3,700 international scholars (researchers, lecturers, or professors) at Harvard University from 125 countries. The Harvard International Office (HIO) provides many services for the University's international students, scholars, and their families, including advice on immigration-related matters, orientation programs and programs for spouses. For additional information about the HIO, please visit their website.

Registration requirements

Immediately after your arrival in the Boston/Cambridge area, you must report to the HIO (see address below). Please bring your passport and visa documents in order to complete a brief registration form. Scholars should also check in with their departments. The HIO organizes a variety of orientation programs during the year called "Getting Started." From mid-August to mid-September, "Getting Started" sessions for newly arriving international students, scholars, and their families will be held two times per week to provide information about visa and tax regulations, cultural adjustment, local transportation, telephones, banking, postal services, health care, health insurance, Harvard resources, and programs for families.

In addition, the HIO offers sessions two times per month during term time that cover the same topics to help you get settled. Details will be available when you register with the HIO. Most of the schools at Harvard also offer orientations to newly arriving students. You will receive more information about these programs from your school.

Harvard International Office

864 Holyoke Center
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
617-495-2789
FAX: 617-495-4088
Hours: 9 am-5 pm

International Postdocs in the Longwood Medical Area

The HIO holds weekly office hours for foreign students and scholars in the Harvard Medical Area. Office hours are held in the Kresge Building at HSPH, Room G-29.

For detailed schedule information, go to
http://www.hio.harvard.edu/about_hio/hms_hours.php

Harvard International Office's Important Predeparture Pamphlet

In this comprehensive pamphlet, you'll find information on visas, housing, financial matters, living in the Boston area, support for spouses and children.
http://www.hio.harvard.edu/students_scholars/welcome_to_harvard.pdf?PHPSESSID=95a1fde583d14668713dc6ee672836a3