The HIO sponsors a variety of programs to assist foreign scholars during their stay. Throughout the academic year the HIO offers information sessions for foreign scholars and their families called Getting Started. These sessions last about two hours and cover immigration-related information, as well as topics useful for those settling into the local area, such as banking, transportation, telephones, postal service, Harvard resources, health care, insurance, taxes, cultural adjustment, and resources for families. The Getting Started sessions are held in Holyoke Center. Please see the schedule for Getting Started sessions Go Here. Departments should encourage all new foreign scholars and their families to attend these sessions.

The office also sponsors several programs for spouses: English conversation courses, a weekly discussion and activity group, and spouse counseling on volunteer work or applying for work authorization (if the visa status allows).

The HIO produces a wide range of publications for foreign scholars. The pamphlets Health Insurance for International Students and Scholars and Their Families Go Here and Welcome to Harvard Go Here are sent to all foreign scholars with their visa document or informational welcome letter. These pamphlets provide scholars with information that is useful for them to have before they arrive at Harvard. Once the scholar has arrived and comes to the HIO to register, he or she will be encouraged to review the on-line information on the HIO's web, under the heading For Students and Scholars Go Here. In addition, the scholar is directed to the HIO's flyers and information sheets on many subjects such as safety issues, schools for scholars' children, and English classes in the Boston area.