International Students Find Their Footing with MCPHS Early Start Program

Two weeks of preparation and support give new students from abroad a strong foundation for the semester.

The Early Start Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is proving to be a game-changer for new international students, offering them a crucial head start in their academic journey. This year, about 40 students from countries such as Tanzania, Taiwan, and Egypt participated in the program, which began three weeks prior to the official start of the fall semester on September 3.

Spearheaded by the Center for International Studies, the program is designed to help international students acclimate to life in a new country before the full rigors of academic life set in. Sunnia Ko Davis, Director of the Undergraduate Bridge Program & English Language Resource Center, who co-created the program with Sara Sanford, the Executive Director of International Academic Services, said the early start is an “opportunity to begin successfully.”

“International students need more time to adjust culturally and socially," Davis said.

Before the establishment of the Early Start Program, Davis said many international students struggled to keep pace, arriving on campus only to be thrust immediately into a full-day orientation while grappling with jet lag and the challenges of setting up essentials like bank accounts and phone service. The program, now in its sixth year and fully in-person for the second time since the pandemic, has shifted that narrative, providing a smoother transition for students embarking on their studies abroad.

This year’s program got underway August 14 and included sessions such as “What’s in a Syllabus?” and “Roommate Relationships,” which catered to general student needs, while other sessions focused on specific challenges faced by international students, like making friends across cultures and navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Additionally, academic coaches from the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment led a large portion of the program, addressing topics like time management and effective studying.

“We also introduce students to staff and faculty members, so unfamiliar faces become friendly ones that they're confident about approaching for guidance,” Davis said.

The program kicked off with welcoming addresses from University leaders, including Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Delia Anderson, PhD, who emphasized the importance of well-being. "If you're not feeling well, then you're not going to be able to take advantage of a lot of opportunities," Dr. Anderson advised. She encouraged students “to tell us if you’re having trouble.” She also shared a tip from her own college days: take naps.

A cornerstone of the program is the involvement of the International Student Guides, a group of seasoned international students who have been at MCPHS for at least a year. These guides lead many of the program's activities, from icebreakers to tours of Boston, and serve as peer mentors to the newcomers. They offer advice on everything from best restaurants to navigating the academic landscape, providing relatable guidance as students adjust to their new environment.

Ching-Chuan Tsai, a PharmD student from Taiwan and a former participant in the program, now serves as a guide. Tsai organized events like karaoke nights and stayed on campus as a Resident Assistant during the two-week program. “My guides helped me a lot with my transition to college. It’s good to give back and create a positive cycle for future students."

Another guide, Kaelyn Dias, BS ’27, from the United Arab Emirates, echoed these sentiments. “I value the opportunity to support new students and help them navigate their transition with the insights I’ve gained,” Dias said. “It’s rewarding to contribute to their smooth start and to see them thrive.”

Sanford said the program aims to imbue international students with confidence as they navigate their new academic and social worlds, encouraging them to engage in self-advocacy.

“The program works with students to not only build the skills and confidence they need, but also recognize the value their diverse experiences add to the greater MCPHS community,” she said.