Learn how the Harvard International Office (HIO) fosters community building and networking among international students through events, activities, and peer-to-peer support initiatives. Also, discover networking opportunities for Harvard international students.
For international students enrolled at Harvard University, there is excitement venturing into an internationally recognized institution. But at the same time, there comes the pain of adapting to an unfamiliar environment. To resolve this, Harvard organizes a lot of community focused and networking activities. These activities are appropriate for the International Student body in particular. Such events are useful for the international students in the sense that they have opportunities to meet, interact, form bonds and find a way forward in their studies.
Recommended article: Overview of the Harvard International Office: Services and Support for International Students
Harvard International Student Community Events
Harvard international student community has a diverse nature. Much effort on the part of the Harvard International Office (HIO) is focused on engaging the environment and organizing events meant to serve this community. Such events enable students to interact with colleagues from a number of cultures and get required assistance.
HIO’s events are designed to introduce international students to resources, social opportunities, and cultural exchanges. From orientations to casual mixers, students can develop a strong network within the campus. Discover Harvard international student community events by reading this article.
Check the Harvard International Office for event updates.
See also: How the Harvard International Office Assists with Visa Applications
The Role of Alumni in Building International Student Networks
An international student can leverage Harvard’s extensive alumni network to find opportunities. Alumni are often eager to assist by organizing events, providing guidance, or posting job openings. For instance, graduates from around the world and from different sectors meet students during events like Global Networking Night (GNN). These networks can help a student seek summer placements, jobs or even friends in newer countries.
Mentorship programs also attach international students to peer alumni who are familiar with their experiences and worries. This help is necessary, be it whether finding employment opportunities or looking forward to cultural assimilation. Even long after students have graduated and moved on, alumni ties often remain and assist students in their career and life pursuits. Also, read more to learn HIO community events and networking opportunities for Harvard international students.
Harvard International Student Networking
It is safe to say that almost every aspect of one’s life can be influenced by building contacts. Hence, why other students chose the emigration country which suited them best in order to focus on their career. For those international students, the Global Networking Night (GNN) is one of the events where they interact with graduates and working professionals all over the world. All these activities are light-hearted and are a great way for international students to start the journey of expanding their network beyond the classroom.
GNN is hosted annually in cities worldwide. Thus, enabling students and alumni to build connections that may help them during their time at Harvard and beyond. Want to learn about HIO community events and networking opportunities for Harvard international students? Read this article.
You can visit the Global Networking Night page for more information.
See also: Orientation Programs for International Students at Harvard: A Guide from the HIO
Navigating Cultural Differences at Harvard
International students may face a difficult time integrating to American society but that is where Harvard comes in with its wide range of support. Cultural sessions teach students about U.S. academic expectations as well as how to make friends when new in the country. Also, such programs facilitate the integration of students into their new surroundings.
Contact between international students also takes place during social events organized by Harvard. Such activities are very important to the international students. These activities allow students to experience school spirit which aids in the transition process. While at Harvard, students are able to meet other students and develop friendships. As well as gain insight that extends beyond their educational experience. Continue reading to discover HIO community events and networking opportunities for Harvard international students.
HIO Community Events for International Students
The Harvard International Office (HIO) acts as a central determinant and the point of help for international students. Apart from expanding a student’s width in regard to visa and immigration affairs, HIO guarantees that the foreign students are adapted into the unique ecosystem that is at Harvard University. Activities organized by HIO’s community include U.S. culture and immigration information workshops and cultural exchange and learning social activities.
Programs like Cultural Conversations enable students to share experience while Mixers and Meetups assist students’ relationships and professional contacts.
See also: How the Harvard International Office Supports International Scholars and Researchers
Collaboration with Local and International Businesses
There are more openings for international students because of Harvard’s embeddedness in local and international businesses. Boston boasts of several leading corporations of which Harvard is a partner. Students obtain practical knowledge through participating in career fairs, job shadowing, other events, or internships.
In addition, Harvard career services provide employment-oriented support for students outside the US. A lot of international firms come to recruit students right from the university. Finding jobs or moving to other countries for internship opportunities after graduation becomes easier. Making use of the wide network of the university, students are presented with the opportunities to work in various industries.
International Student Support Network at Harvard
The membership at Harvard comes with a holistic support structure designed to cater for the different challenges faced by the international student demographic. In addition to HIO, students may also receive assistance from Harvard International Students Association (HISA). They also organize numerous events, lectures, and cultural events that allow students to cope with their life at Harvard.
All other schools and departments present at Harvard University also organize their independent events for networking purposes. Thus, students in any degree program are always able to find resources and communities that will be helpful for them.
See also: Employment Options for International Students at Harvard: Guidance from the HIO
Harvard’s Global Focus: Fostering International Exchange
And this is why Harvard is focused on connections all over the world. The university attracts students, professors and scientists from all the corners of the globe. This allows for an interface of diversity and international exchange. This offers the students a platform to participate in conversations in which case alternate forms of culture are presented.
The scope of academic activities of Harvard is not limited to the United States only. This makes it possible for the international students to take part in global activities and conferences. It is possible to even pursue joint degree programs. So, considering this global vision of Harvard, it is an ideal place for the international students aiming for academic and professional growth.
Networking Opportunities for Harvard International Students
For international students, the chances to network and make connections do not stop at Harvard’s boundaries. Boston is an exciting and great place to be with a terrific academic and cultural life. With a platform like Eventbrite, students can see events around them that are not only at Harvard but in the city too. It is not unusual to bump into like-minded goals and ambitions during events such as industry panels, startup gatherings or even conferences at Harvard or in Boston. Read more on this article to learn International student support network in Harvard.
See also: Cultural Programs and Resources for International Students at Harvard
Leveraging Digital Platforms for Networking
Networking nowadays has evolved passed the bounds of physical gatherings. Harvard provides digital resources to assist its international students connect. The alumni network, LinkedIn, and discussion boards are simply a few examples of such best practices. They are able to reach students worldwide, alumni, professors and peers.
If you cannot be present at an event in person, for instance, the situation being discussed always includes a web option. Harvard organizes such events as virtual meetings or panel discussions on a regular basis, and students often participate in such events. Networking without location constraints is a very effective way of establishing networks. Use these digital tools to the fullest because such doors open surprising opportunities you never anticipated. To know more about International student support network in Harvard, read this article.
Academic Networking Opportunities for International Students
The international students at Harvard consider their academic networking on the same level as their social networking. As part of networking activities, Harvard organizes academic conferences, research workshops, and meet-ups of the departments for students to interact with professors and their peers. Such activities are essential in nurturing one’s contacts in his/her profession.
There are other international students who can engage in other interdepertmental projects. Such cooperations help students of different disciplines to cooperate and learn from each other. It also allows students to attend these events and participate in relevant academic debates which help expand their networks for better research and status in the job market.
See also: Apply for Harvard Academy Scholarship Admission for International Student, USA
Conclusion
There are a countless number of events, programs and resources to demonstrate Harvard’s commitment to the international student body. International students can easily integrate and grow through the community events sponsored by Harvard International Office, Global Networking Nights, or events in the city. These networks can help the students pursue their careers. Alongside building long lasting social interactions that improve their experience at Harvard.
Come on! Do not just sit there! Look for the upcoming events and take all the opportunities that the fantastic international community of Harvard offers.
See also: https://www.hio.harvard.edu/meeting-other-international-students-and-scholars