Incoming International Students
Welcome Class of 2017!
All new international undergraduates are required to attend the Welcome Program and check-in with the Center for International Studies on Friday, August 23, 2013.
The Center for International Studies (CIS) hosts a Welcome Program each year for all new, undergraduate international students prior to the general Freshmen Orientation. The Welcome Program is led by Katherine Jacobs, Assistant Dean of International Studies, the Welcome Program International Student Coaches, and assisted by various other PC staff.
The 2013 Undergraduate International Student Welcome Program will be held from 23 - 26 August. Students must arrive at Providence College between 9am and 5pm on Thursday, August 23 for check-in.
What will I do at the Welcome Program?
In addition to getting settled in your room, meeting your fellow international freshmen, and acclimating to Providence College in general, you will:
- Meet staff who will be integral to your success at PC (deans, academic services, security, etc).
- Have individual counseling for setting up an American bank account through Sovereign Bank
- Learn about the rules and regulations of your F-1 student visa
- Meet faculty
- Go on a shopping trip for dorm room necessities with help from the coaches
- Have all meals provided for you
- AND MORE!
Become a fan of the Center for International Studies' Facebook page!
International Student Handbook
Your International Student Handbook will be posted to you via UPS once you confirm your matriculation to PC. Please be sure to read it carefully prior to your arrival!
Getting to Providence College - Visit PC
The most convenient way to get to Providence College from the Providence Amtrak Station, TF Green Airport, or any Providence Bus Station is by taxi. You should tell the taxi driver to enter the college through the main entrance on River Avenue, and take you to Harkins Hall (the security guard on duty at the entrance can point it out). The Center for International Studies is located on the 2nd floor of Harkins Hall in room 215. There will be signs to help you find us!
All international students must check in between 9am and 5pm on August 23. Once you have checked in we will help you get to your dorm room to rest and unpack before the Welcome Program begins.
Get Involved!
Providence College International Family Friendship Program
Would you like to:
- Make your experience in the U.S. more exciting and fulfilling?
- Become a special member of a local family and have a family away from home?
- Share your culture, traditions and country with a local family?
Join our International Friendship Family Program!
What is the International Family Friendship Program?
The International Family Friendship Program matches new international students with Friendship Families. This is not a residential or homestay program. The initial commitment is for the fall semester, but we hope students and families choose to remain in contact and maintain their relationships throughout your time at Providence College and beyond. Friendship Families include PC faculty members, administrators and staff members. Friendship Families may be single individuals, couples, partners, and may include families with children of various ages.
How will the International Friendship Family Program improve my Providence College experience?
Our goal for the program is that the Friendship Family will represent a family away from home, and will provide a perspective on American culture that a new international student will not experience on campus. We anticipate that Friendship Families will include their students in some of their family outings and holiday celebrations, help their student adjust to culture shock and respond to student questions and observations as they seek to learn more about the United States.
How can I become involved in the International Family Friendship Program?
Choose to participate! Participation in the International Family Friendship Program is not mandatory, but we highly recommend it. The number of host families is limited, and for the Program to be successful, it does require a certain commitment from you to spend time with your host family. You should plan on doing at least three (3) activities or outings with your host family during the semester. Students should consider in advance whether or not they will be able to dedicate time to take an active part in the Program.
If you wish to participate in the International Family Friendship Program, simply complete the
Student Questionnaire. The form is in PDF format, which you may choose to download, print and return via email as an enclosed document, fax or mail to the Center for International Studies. If you have any questions about the program, please contact me by e-mail or call +1.401.865.2688. Requests for a Friendship Family must be received by July 15, 2013.