Harvard International Office
864 Holyoke Center, Phone: 617-495-2789
The staff of the HIO provides assistance with cross-cultural adjustment and other personal and social issues and makes referrals to various centers and offices to help you deal with academic and financial problems, personal and social concerns, relationships, health-related problems, and career issues. The HIO offers several programs for spouses of foreign students and scholars including a discussion group where adjustment issues, American values and behavior, and practical tips for daily living are talked about, and English conversation classes which deal with cultural information as well as language training.
University Health Services (HUHS)/Mental Health (HMHS)
75 Mt. Auburn Street, Phone: 617-495-2042
MHS staff offer help in dealing with a variety of adjustment issues, whether big or small. Because you are far from home and do not have your usual support system of family and close friends, you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed. You may call for an appointment during office hours Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday through Thursday, 8 AM to 8 PM. You may call the emergency number after office hours at 617-495-5711. A counselor or other professional staff member is on call 24 hours a day.
Bureau of Study Counsel
5 Linden Street, Phone: 617-495-2581
Experienced counselors at the Bureau are available to undergraduate, GSAS, KSG and GSE students to assist with academic and personal concerns and provide courses, seminars, and academic tutoring to develop reading and study skills. They are interested in talking to international students about their personal concerns and issues related to adjusting to a new culture, a different educational system, and the use of a foreign language. They also offer student workshops related to stress and stress management, individual counseling on personal or academic matters, psychotherapy, and group discussions on the University experience.
Writing Center
Barker Center, 12 Quincy Street, Phone: 617-495-1655
The staff of the Center offers free services to Harvard undergraduate and GSAS students to help them improve their writing skills. Some staff members are trained specifically to assist those for whom English is a second language. Among the Center's programs: conferences on writing, tutoring on specific writing skills and problem areas, and information which will help you edit your own work. (Note: the Center does not offer proofreading services.)
Peer-Support Services or Hotlines
Another popular way for students to discuss personal issues confidentially is by calling on other Harvard students for support. The numbers listed below are peer support services staffed by American and international students currently at Harvard. They are trained and supervised by professional counselors to answer questions or discuss any subject, and to provide referrals when needed. Perhaps you are more accustomed to calling upon your friends or family when you need someone to talk to. However, for the time that you are away from your home, these hotlines are a relaxed, friendly way to talk to other students who are interested in helping you. All calls will be received in strict confidence.
In Common is available for graduate students in the GSE, GSAS, KSG, HLS, GSD, and the Divinity school. Students may call Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, excluding Harvard holidays, to discuss subjects in confidence. Call 617-384-TALK (8255).
Room 13 is available to undergraduates at Harvard College. Students may either call 617-495-4969, or stop by Grays Hall Basement where the office is open every night from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM.