We asked current Fletcher students who are non-U.S...
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We asked current Fletcher students who are non-U.S. citizens for tips and information to share with our incoming students. Please find the information, in the students’ own words, provided below.
Transcript of We asked current Fletcher students who are non-U.S...
We asked current Fletcher students who are non-U.S. citizens for tips and information to share with our incoming students. Please find the information, in the students’ own words, provided below.
Suggestions on
what to bring:
Is there anything you brought with you to
Fletcher that you wish you’d left at home?
Israel I brought too many summer clothes. Summer is short here. Really short.
Sunglasses and sandals weren't really useful for long.
Japan
I brought minimal dishware, utensils, and little cookware, but I absolutely didn't need
it. It's cheaper to buy these things at Target. If I wanted to get something specific to
Japan, I can get it in Chinatown.
Japan Pen & notebook. The quality of such items at reasonable price range in U.S.
wouldn't satisfy the majority of Japanese.
Singapore I didn't bring much, but my general advice is: buy it here.
Indonesia Do not bring too many Indonesian foods, spices, instant noodles, etc. You can find it
easily here in Chinatown.
Vietnam I should have brought less summer clothing because by the time school started the
weather was already rather chill.
Bangladesh
Warm clothes. Believe me when I say this, make sure to factor in clothes for the
winter into your budget. The 'warm' clothes that you will buy in Bangladesh
(because it is much much cheaper) will lead to nothing but pain and suffering. Do
yourself a favor and do not attempt to buy jackets and such from Bangladesh
because those will not stand up to the Boston winter. I ended up throwing away all
my winter clothes that I bought from Bangladesh. Such a waste of precious luggage
real estate.
What kinds of items should students from your home country
consider buying AFTER arriving in the Boston area?
India If you are not used to Boston fall/winter: lots of thermal wear, a sturdy umbrella for protection
against snow/hail, a knee-length down jacket and snow boots.
Colombia
If they are planning on buying a laptop (or any other electronic device), wait until you get to the
US, where prices are significantly lower. I bought a refurbished laptop for about 1/4 the price of
laptops in Colombia.
Israel Focus on winter clothes. If you're from a tropic/sub-tropic/desert - bring what winter clothes you
have but know that you will have to supplement them here.
Mexico
If you need furniture, sign up for the Social List (all-student email listserv – which you can join in
late August/early January). This will allow you to find out early about furniture sales by departing
students.
Japan Coats and boots are cheaper (and more compatible to the weather) here – wait to purchase
them here.
Singapore
Upon arrival, priorities should be (1) getting a local mobile phone number, and (2) setting up a
banking account and getting a debit/credit card as soon as possible. The mobile phone number
is critical because it is required for deliveries, contact information, etc. A debit card is also very,
very important because you will need it for online shopping (which is amazing here).
Japan Cell phone and hair dryer
France Shoes, socks, caps, gloves – you can find everything here!
India
Headphones / earphones and other basic electronics are easy to get off Amazon - better choice
and prices than in India. Boots and some basic winter gear is also better bought here.
Especially for Blakeley residents, a humidifier and a personal blender are good investments.
Brazil
If buying electronics, bring money to buy here - do not do that if using a Brazilian credit card, the
taxes will increase the price. Winter clothing - nothing you have in Brazil compares to what you
should wear here. Your Brazilian winter clothes can be helpful as layers, but you'll need winter
coats. Buy it here.
What kinds of items should students from your home country
consider buying AFTER arriving in the Boston area?
India
If you need new electronics (laptop, tablet, phone) buy them in the US. They're much cheaper -
Super warm clothes and shoes. DO NOT buy these in India. They're not going to be warm
enough!
Vietnam Unless the student is from a textile/garment manufacturing country, it is possible to find
affordable winter clothes here.
Japan Winter Boots
Indonesia Winter gear. Better to buy it here. Many choices with good quality and reasonable price
(sometimes stores will have discounts!).
Bangladesh Winter jackets, thermal underclothes.
What kinds of items should students from
your home country plan to buy PRIOR to
arriving in the Boston area?
Israel Presents from your home country to give out in various occasions is always a good idea. If there's any
sort of special tea/ coffee/ candy only (or mostly) available in your home country, stock up!
India If you're male - safety razors. (Razor blades are ridiculously expensive in the US.) Formal clothing (also,
a coat brush. No such concept in the US.)
Mexico Not much. Travel light.
Japan If you have any spices or condiments that you particularly like, you should probably bring it from home.
Chances are, the quality is not as good.
Singapore Not necessary, get everything here!
Bangladesh
Buy loads of t-shirts, shirts and underwear from Bangladesh. Also go to one of the nice tailors and buy
custom made suits. Custom made suits are ridiculously expensive in the USA and you will thank yourself
later for taking this advice.
India
Clothing, especially formal clothing. (And obviously ethnic formals.) Also invest in some sort of
traditional gift items - it's a simple and thoughtful thing to have on hand for when you're meeting new
people, or for classmates' birthdays etc.
Zimbabwe/Zambia
For black women in particular, not buy per se, but a long lasting protective hair style (like braids or
weaves depending on preference) to last the first few months before finding someone to get it done,
especially stepping into the winter
India Pressure Cooker, spices, traditional clothes, razors, and any textbooks you think you might need (I got
one for 500 rupees
Indonesia Power jacks
Are there any items that you wish you had brought from home or
that you are particularly glad that you brought from home?
Israel
Turkish coffee. Also electrical kettle (I didn't bring it from home, but I had to order it
since Americans don't really use them here for some reason). Also, scarves are always
a good bet.
India Ethnic formals.
Belgium I was glad I brought a couple of familiar food items.
Mexico Sweaters. The weather will get cold before you have a chance to shop for fall clothing.
Germany
Food items: German bread mix, Bergkäse, Emmentaler, Schweizer Käse (good
cheese here is stupidly expensive) Clothes: I wish I had brought/bought a pair of LL
Bean winter shoes with the bottom half being rubber to withstand the snow and salt
used on the roads, traditional outfit (lederhosn & dirndl), and 2nd suit for multiple-day
conferences
Japan Stationary goods, like pens, pencil, and erasers.
Singapore Food. Nothing but food.
Are there any items that you wish you had brought from home or
that you are particularly glad that you brought from home?
India I'm really glad I brought spices, a pressure cooker, traditional clothes, wax and strips (ladies--bring
these from home!).
Japan Pen and notebook
Zimbabwe/
Zambia
A sentimental blanket and stuffed animal, nice traditional attire (chitenge/zambia), Royco/Maggi soup
mixes, small but lovely (pretty Zambia/Zimbabwe specific), sadza/nshima/ugali/pap cooking stick
(also East/Southern African specific specific), bar washing soap. For black women specifically:
braids (LOTS of braids) and/or weaves whatever your preference, hair products in general to last the
first month or so before finding places, particularly deep conditioner, hair oil/lotion/leave-in
moisturizer, hair spray, A hat for the inevitable bad hair day in between finding someone to get your
hair done.
Bangladesh Custom suits
India Gift stationery, a throw rug, spices (especially chaat masala).
Indonesia I wish I brought more cajuput oil or telon oil to keep your body warm.
France I wish I had brought my winter coat that I thought would not be warm enough (I only took light jacket
and my skiing jacket) and I lack of something for the fall period ...
Electronics
Do you have any advice for students from your home country who
plan to bring their electronic devices to Fletcher?
Did you have any issues with compatibility?
India Apple devices will work fine. Bring a universal adaptor if you have different plugs. My Nokia smart
phone refused to recognize the US sim; so ensure your smartphone will be compatible with a foreign
sim.
India Carry a standard adaptor, or two. Ideally, carry a surge protector / spike-guard which can accommodate
all kinds of plugs (Belkin has great ones for sale in India),
India
Bring plenty of adapters. Certain items (such as epilators for women!) won't work on the lower voltage in
the US. Just do your research beforehand so you can buy replacements here rather than bringing those
items with you. I originally invested in a voltage converter (like $50 on amazon) when I could have just
bought a new compatible version of the same device for $30.
India
Indian electronic devices' chargers do not work with US sockets, but adapters are easy to get. I would
suggest picking up a good quality surge suppressor (e.g. Belkin), with sockets that can accommodate
Indian / US / European chargers - that way a single adapter can get you 3-4 devices worth of charging
points.
Belgium I only had to buy an adapter for my computer, which was about $15
Mexico Mexican cellphones, it turns out, are "unlockable". There is simply no way of using your Mexican phone
within the US. Sell your phone before coming, and just get a new one here. Several carriers (TMobile for
one) will take your old hardware in partial payment for a new device.
Brazil Bring an universal adapter! Or buy it here, it's cheaper.
Do you have any advice for students from your home country who
plan to bring their electronic devices to Fletcher?
Did you have any issues with compatibility?
France Do not forget adaptors (two is usually very useful at the beginning !). Also if you bring electric shavers,
epilators or that kind of devices it may not work due to different voltages.
Indonesia Bring power jacks to make the electronic devices you bring from Indonesia compatible with the US.
Better to bring from Indonesia, because it's cheaper and you can use it immediately when you arrive in
the US.
Vietnam I haven't had any trouble with my electronic devices. The only advice, which is kind of obvious, is to
bring adapter plugs.
Germany Adapters are useful, everything else is fully compatible. One might have to adjust the software from DIN
A4 sheet size to US Letter size when using Word on their computer and a US printer.
Japan I think Japanese electronics are compatible to the US plugs, so I had no issues.
Singapore
You'll need an adapter because the electrical outlets here are different from those in Singapore. But the
adapters in Singapore are big, bulky ones that are troublesome to carry around. Buy them here. You
should have no problem with Apple products, but for other electronic devices, it is important to note that
the voltage used here is different from that used in Singapore. If you must bring electronic devices here
(beyond laptops, tablets and hand phones, which are fine), you must be prepared to buy a voltage
converter or your device won't work.
Bangladesh Basic info: In Bangladesh we use 220V but in the US its 110 or 120V. So it would be prudent to bring
along an automatic converter. Usually most devices (laptops, etc)
Housing
Arrangements
Do you have any advice for students from your
home country who are seeking roommates?
Colombia Only that they should start early and reach out to the Social List [all-student email
listserv], Craigslist, etc.
Israel
Buddy up using the Fletcher Facebook Group
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/180560798805349/?fref=nf) and try to leverage
anyone who might get here earlier to scope out the houses. Use your Fletcher
connections if they already exist to see if they're vacating a place. Craigslist will only
be useful if you're here already and can make phone calls and see the houses.
India Get started early, or don't be too picky.
Belgium If you have a significant other, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to find
shared housing.
Germany Make sure that you are 100% on the same page with future roommates about
standards for cleanliness (i.e., vacuuming, doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, etc.).
Japan
Ask about guest policy... Some students might have a significant other who visits very
often, and it's important to know how often/long this person might be visiting. Maybe
any food restriction? You may not be able to share pots and pans with housemates
who have strong allergies etc.
Do you have any advice for students from your
home country who are seeking roommates?
Zimbabwe /
Zambia
I'd suggest rooming with Fletcher students or students in general, or join the Africans
in Boston Facebook group and network and try to find someone through there. I would
also slip it in pretty early on in conversation that you are African to avoid people who
might waste your time but are not actually interested in an African roommate.
Brazil
Be open minded. Do not expect the same level of cleanliness in houses here as
compared to Brazilian houses. To have someone cleaning your house in the US is
very expensive, and the cleanliness level is also different. If you really care about it
you should make it clear on your housing application so you don't get upset - or feel
responsible for cleaning the house by yourself.
Indonesia Find it through Fletcher facebook group. "promote" and introduce yourself through this
media
India Fletcher FB page works out well
France
I did not have to look for housing, but I think a lot of people found roommates through
the Facebook group of entering students. You can also look on Craiglist if you don't
absolutely want to be with other Fletcher people.
India
Start looking early, try to find places as close to campus as possible (unless you have
particular reasons for living further out), and be clear about your preferences - mixed
gender houses, pets, etc.
Vietnam Utilize the facebook page from incoming students, TuftsLife and if possible, the Social
List.
What resources were most helpful to you when you
were looking for housing?
India Airbnb ($70 a night) and Blakeley guest room ($40 a night) for the first few days and then
Craigslist and the Facebook admitted students group for long-term accommodation
Colombia A real estate agent might be helpful to find good options, especially if they arrive late (i.e.
in August).
Israel Fletcher incoming class Facebook page. Craigslist.
Belgium Craigslist
Mexico Realtor. You can contact from abroad and basically do everything remotely. Do a web
search, there's a bunch of good realtors around.
Germany I found someone who was great to live with, then waited until a "fletcher apartment" had
two rooms opening up.
Japan Fletcher Facebook page. Or ask current students (if you know any), and Craigslist
Singapore
Talk to friends/colleagues who have been here before. They should be able to point you
in the right direction. If you haven't settled housing before you come here, do factor in
about two weeks to look for a place.
What resources were most helpful to you when you
were looking for housing?
Indonesia
fletcher facebook group, craigslist (but you have to becareful of scams), try to find advice
from Fletcher Indonesians alumni. They probably know the area of Medford, Somerville,
Boston better :)
Brazil Fletcher incoming class facebook pace Fletcher Social List (email list) Craigslist - to live
with non-Fletcher people (my case)
Zimbabwe/
Zambia
I live in Blakeley - But the first time I moved to Boston I found it helpful to get a realtor
but since I did not actually want to pay extra I just asked to see all of his realty free
apartments (i.e. the fee is covered by the landlord) so I had a much more limited array of
options, but I was being driven to each apartment by my realtor and he helped me
through it all free of charge. He eventually found me an apartment that was not listed
anywhere else and was awesome and well-priced.
Vietnam Internet sources like jumpoffcampus and craigslist.
Japan Local people's information, especially Japanese who live this area for more than 10
years.
Was there anything that you found surprising, related to
finding housing in the Boston area?
Colombia Real estate agents may charge you (and not the owner of the apartment) one month’s rent for finding you an
apartment.
Belgium Studio apartments are hard to come by and usually above the budget. Expect to live with a roommate(s).
Mexico The market moves INCREDIBLY fast. Everyone wants to move in Sept 1. Start looking 90 days before that
date to make sure you get something decent.
Germany
There is a wide range in the quality of apartments and landlords. Some houses are in much better shape than
others and some landlords are much more responsive and helpful than others. Because rent prices are not
always a proxy for the quality of the apartment (there can be nice inexpensive apartments and less nice
expensive apartments), it definitely helps to visit a few apartments to see the range of options and meet the
landlord.
Japan Most of the rooms are part of a house... in Japan, the apartments are in huge buildings. Also, many houses
are wooden and it's pretty cold during the winter.
Israel
You will need to make a choice: live in Medford of Somerville, which are close to school in, but 15-25 min.
away from the T (public transportation) and cafes and supermarkets (this is cheaper). Or live closer to Davis or
in Cambridge which gives you time away from the school and brings you closer to Boston, supermarkets and
the T. This is a personal choice and there is no 'right' answer.
India There are a lot of advantages to living close to public transportation, especially the Red Line of the T
Singapore Before signing on any rental contract, remember to check whether heating, electricity and water are included
in the rental. These can add up quite significantly if they are not.
Vietnam Proximity to public transport is very important if the student does not own a car.
Weather
Do you have any advice for students who will be adjusting to the climate
in the Boston area? In particular, do you have recommendations for
students who will need to buy winter gear?
India I recommend Uniclo for super warm yet super thin thermal wear.
Colombia Try finding winter clothing on the internet. It is expensive but if you take the time, they can find good prices.
Also, get good quality items – it may be more expensive, but it will make the difference when the -15 Celsius
temperatures come.
Israel Buy winter gear here if you don't have something from back home. more often than not it will be cheaper and
also more compatible to the New England weather. To those people from really hot countries, know that you will
need a base layer for pants.
Belgium Keep in mind that even though you may have lived in an area where temperatures were below 0 Celsius, -10 or
-15 is a different story. You will need better gloves, a better coat, hiking boots or rainboots... especially if you
plan on biking
Mexico It will get colder than you think. You WILL need boots by late November/early December. Outlet stores and
department stores like Target are a good options.
Japan I think you just have to get used to it... wear layers of clothes and keep warm!
Singapore Be prepared. It gets really, really cold here. Winter gear is widely available, so it will be easy to get it here. The
outlets are great -- Columbia at Wrentham Premium Outlet has everything that I needed.
Japan You can bring your winter gears for Spring/Fall in Boston, but you'll definitely need to buy more proper winter
gears here.
Do you have any advice for students who will be adjusting to the climate
in the Boston area? In particular, do you have recommendations for
students who will need to buy winter gear?
India Layer up. Invest in thermal inners (pants and vests), ideally with wicking, and in a really good thick winter coat.
Gloves, mufflers and hoods / earmuffs are also required.
Japan Be prepared as if you live in the coldest part of Japan!
Brazil
Bear in mind you'll need to spend money on winter clothing. DON'T SAVE MONEY on that! Buy good, durable
clothes. You'll use it a lot. You don't need a lot of pieces, just a few good ones. I'd suggest around U$600 for
coat, gloves, liners, hat, snow boot, scarf, socks. Cotton does not help you. You need wool. Winter is hard,
but with the right clothing you'll do just fine.
Indonesia Buy winter gear here. Bring more cajuput/balsam/telon oil from Indonesia. It's rather difficult to find those oils
here in Boston area.
Zimbabwe /
Zambia
If you are on a tight budget just go to the Goodwill and buy your winter clothes there. There is a really nice
goodwill on the green line (I can't remember the name of the area). Also you should invest in one very good
quality coat over multiple not so good ones.
Vietnam Good boots and winter jackets are very worth investments. Plus a good blanket, which can be researched and
purchased very effectively via Amazon.
Is there anything that you wish you’d known about the
weather or weather-related issues before coming to
Boston?
Israel
Everything they tell you is true, it's really cold here. Buy winter gear in
the US, get REALLY good rain/snow boots because they will matter
greatly. Get base layers to go under your clothes.
India I happened to bring an umbrella, almost by accident - but it does rain, so
make sure you have rainwear.
Belgium It is acceptable and necessary to wear serious hiking shoes or rain boots
to school some days
Mexico The winter lasts no less than five full months. This is not an
exaggeration.
Japan It gets really cold... gloves, hat, earmuffs are unexpectedly helpful to
keep warm.
Singapore How cold it is, and how long the winter is. Be prepared! Bring fewer
summer clothes, and more thick/warm ones.
Transportation http://www.mbta.com/
What advice do you have for students from your home country related to
transportation in the Boston area? Was there anything that you found
surprising, related to public transportation or other ways of getting
around?
Colombia Instead of taking a taxi to or from the airport, I recommend taking the T. The Red Line and Silver Line are very
reliable and will save you a lot of money.
Israel The T is good, reliable, and runs frequently. However, the T is a 20-minute walk from campus, but there is the
Tufts shuttle, the “Joey,” that runs between campus and the T-station every half an hour.
India
The T is quite useful and buses do connect most places, but are less timely or reliable. Make sure you get a
Charlie Card (reusable and rechargeable transportation pass) ASAP. Medford-Somerville-Cambridge is also a
great area for cycling, subject to weather. On the other hand, especially when there's thick snow in winter, you
will NOT feel like going anywhere (even by bus), so consider transportation options when looking for housing.
Belgium Buy a bike (and a helmet and lights)! It will save you a lot of money for public transit. The T and buses do not
run very late compared to other cities.
Japan I normally didn't take buses because of random schedules, but now that I have an Smart Ride App, I can check
the arrival time and bus stops easily. Smart Ride really changed my life here
Singapore The T is great - it gets you almost everywhere you might want to go.. If you want to have occasional access to a
car, check out Zip Car; it’s great!
Zimbabwe /
Zambia For anyone Zimbabwean/Zambian. In comparison the transportation system is awesome in Boston.
Brazil Get a bike! You won't regret. Biking is the best, and cheaper, way to get around. Even during winter it is
possible to bike - just be sure you're warm (gloves, head band, neck warmer).
India
Get a Charlie Card ASAP. I wasted entirely avoidable amounts of money buying Charlie tickets for a while. Also
figure out what you can get delivered - which is almost everything, and use that option liberally. Don't trust bus
timetables from the MBTA.
India
If you are going to be going in to Boston a lot (I do), I highly recommend taking advantage of the Tufts
discounted Charlie Card for the semester for all buses and subway routes. It saves you about $40 over the
course of the semester. Don't give in to the Uber/cab temptation unless absolutely necessary! Between the
Joey and the MBTA, we're pretty well connected.
What advice do you have for students from your home country related to
transportation in the Boston area? Was there anything that you found
surprising, related to public transportation or other ways of getting
around?
Bangladesh
If you plan to live around campus then I would advice buying a bicycle (healthy lifestyle and Boston is quite bike
friendly). If you will be living off-campus make sure to buy a discounted t-pass through Tufts. You will save a lot
of money that way.
France
Personally I bike because I live a bit far from campus and I heard that buses were not very reliable as far as
timing is concerned. I definitely recommend getting a bike when you arrive it is very pleasant (at least in
summer and fall !)
Indonesia the transportation system is very comfortable and the most important is that they are very punctual. You can
track their positions (especially bus, train) by the MBTA app. You can find it easily if you browse it on Google.
Japan Compared to Japan - unfortunately, quality of public transportation is quite low in terms of price, comfort and
punctuality. Car is essential for those who have a child.
India
If you are going to be going in to Boston a lot (I do), I highly recommend taking advantage of the Tufts
discounted Charlie Card for the semester for all buses and subway routes. It saves you about $40 over the
course of the semester. Don't give in to the Uber/cab temptation unless absolutely necessary! Between the
Joey and the MBTA, we're pretty well connected.
Food &
Groceries
Do you have any advice for students from your home country who will
be grocery shopping in this area for the first time?
India Yes- shop for groceries online at www.peapod.com – they deliver your groceries!
Colombia If you are on a budget, go to Market Basket, which besides being less expensive than other supermarkets, has a
wide variety of Latin American products (including arequipe!).
Israel
Use online shopping if you live really far and don't want to drive. Peapod online and Amazon are good choices.
For Amazon know that you can get one year of student prime membership which is really awesome and has free
next day deliveries. If you want to go to a supermarket and you don’t have a car, Zip Car is a good choice. There
is also the option of walking to the supermarket and then taking a taxi home.
India More convenient to shop in groups. The World Peace Foundation has a program that lets you sign up for fresh
produce (great for groups of 2-4). In winter, this combined with having groceries delivered can be a life-saver.
Belgium Prices are definitely higher than in Belgium. Expect to pay more for fresh products like fruits and vegetables.
Mexico Market Basket is a good option if you are trying to stretch your dollars.
Japan
H-mart is a Korean supermarket in Central Square (it’s accessible on the Red Line or you can get a ride with
people with Zipcar/car). There is a huge supermarket in Chinatown if you want to use public transportation for
Asian food. There’s also Foodland on Mass Ave, which has South Asian food ingredients and inexpensive
produce. McKinnon's in Davis Square had good meat. Other than that, I use Trader Joe's, Stop and Shop,
Shaw's for veggies and other produce.
Singapore
There is a Whole Foods (organic, healthy, groceries but more expensive) and Trader Joe's (more affordable) at
Alewife "T" which should get you all the groceries you need. For Asian food/condiments/snacks, go to Chinatown
(South Station "T").
Do you have any advice for students from your home country who will
be grocery shopping in this area for the first time?
Zimbabwe/Za
mbia
If you are on budget the bus ride to Market Basket can be worth it - Goya products in larger super markets are
the closest to African food you will find (corn meal=mealie meal, but corn flour is not mealie meal) - If you dig
deep in Asian stores you can find some similar foods.
India
Foodland near Davis square is an amazing desi food store with everything you could want from the
subcontinent. It looks like any neighborhood store in India and even has halal meat. Everything here, including
groceries, are super cheap.
Japan If you look for Asian foods in particular, there are some Asian supermarket accessible from school. You can buy
good-quality rice, dried soba/udon, seasonings (shoyu, miso, mirin), and so on.
Indonesia Indonesians should go to Chinatown to find specific Indonesian/Asian foods, vegetables, sauce, etc. There are
many options to go grocery shopping in Boston area.
Japan
Market Basket: Good balance between price and quality. H-mart: Good place to buy Asian food. Reliable:
Another good place to buy Asian food. Wholefoods: Expensive but quality is good. Trader Joe's: Frozen food
is worth trying. Stop & Shop: food quality is quite low.
Vietnam Stop & Shop is very good and affordable, plus there is a delivery service. There is also a very big Asian super
market in Malden, accessible with public transport.
Bangladesh Two words: Trader Joe's.
Brazil You can find almost anything you miss from home: café, coxinha, pao frances, guaraná, picanha. There is a
huge Brazilian community in the area and a lot of markets and restaurants where you can find Brazilian goods.
France You can find high quality products at Whole Foods but it is very expensive. I go shopping at Market Basket
usually because it is the most convenient for me.
Was there any food items that you wish you’d
brought with you from your home country?
India None- everything is available here!
Colombia I normally bring Colombian coffee, and when I run out of it, I go to East Boston (the Latino neighborhood)
to buy more. There are several shops from Latin American countries - you would feel like home.
Israel Coffee
India Spices and pickles, perhaps. Almost any Indian ingredient can be bought in Indian grocery stores, and
there are enough of these in the Somerville-Cambridge areas.
Mexico Canned chipotles.
Japan Most of the ingredients are available in H-mart and Chinatown supermarket, so I haven't had a huge urge.
Singapore Kaya, bbq pork, pork floss. Instant noodles are available here so don't bother.
Zimbabwe/
Zambia Soup, gravy bases
Brazil Cachaça. The ones you find here are bad quality and way too expensive. A bottle of 51 costs around
U$20. If you like cachaça and/or want to prepare caipirinhas to your Fletcher friends, bring your own bottle.
Vietnam I'd say most of the stuff I need for cooking is available especially at the Asian supermarket. Bringing food to
the States is tricky because it's very likely that everything will be thrown out by the US customs.
Japan If you have an extra space in your suitcase, you might want to bring some retort-pouch food (but be aware
of the US customs regulations!)
Bangladesh Spices
Do you have any cooking-related advice for students from your home country?
India
Bring (or buy) a pressure cooker or rice maker, if you're used
to a rice-heavy diet. (Although it’s also entirely possible to
make rice in the microwave.) Similarly, if you're particularly
attached to fresh roti, consider bringing or buying a roti-maker.
Belgium
Beware of smoke detector that can activate the fire alarms
when cooking (just make sure to turn on the stove fan when
you cook)
Language
For non-native English speakers from your home country, do you have
any language-related tips or advice?
Israel Give yourself time to do the readings but don't panic. It’s most important to understand the big ideas.
India Practice the language in advance as much as you can, but don't worry too much - there are a lot of
resources to support you on campus.
Belgium Just hang out with Americans as much as possible. Consider joining a club or social group outside
Fletcher (also good for sanity reasons)
Mexico
Practice reading in English. Writing in English is not like writing in Spanish; conciseness and precision
are much more important in English. You'll only really catch on to the nuances of proper writing style if
you read a ton.
Japan
Here are some useful tips I received from an alum: 1. Recognize that you're not native speaker, but that shouldn’t stop you
from engaging with anyone! 2. It's normal to feel bad when you miss what someone is saying or you have trouble
expressing an idea concisely. However, it should not discourage your effort for engagement with friends and professors. Be
patient and maintain the initial motivation. If you step back from the challenge, you will lose a lot of chances to show your
"greatness" to others. 3. Language is a like a acting. Learn from your friends. Listen to how they say things in certain
situations and follow them. It does not mean that you need to be someone else, but rather it means you need to pay attention
to learn some expressions and gestures from your friends. 4. Don’t be afraid to use whatever gesture or facial expression
that can show the idea or emotion you want to express. Especially Asians, DO learn how to hug and (confidently) shake a
hand without bowing. That is how it is at Fletcher. 5. Use all the resources to expose yourself in the English environment. At
Fletcher, you can join different types of conferences, attend guest lectures/speakers, join student groups, and attend social
hours. Be there and listen and speak. 6. In the end, you will be ok. It's a matter of time and your patience and courage. Be
brave so you can meet and talk with new people.
France Not to be discouraged at the beginning. If you haven't been speaking English for a while the first few weeks can be a bit
tough but then things go way better!
India There is a wealth of online sources / material that can help you rehearse or improve. Also, do make use of the writing tutors
at Fletcher for written assignments.
Brazil Trust your gut and don't be shy. If you're accepted at Fletcher your English is good enough to survive here. Be confident!
General Advice
Do you have any general advice for incoming
Fletcher students from your home country?
India Hang out with non-Indians/other international students/locals to compare notes and learn
about adapting to the new environment.
Israel Enjoy it - it'll be amazing.
India School will take over a lot (i.e. all) of your time, so try to get in a little early to get some sense
of the local area and of Boston.
Mexico Get here a week early; use those days to open a bank account, get a cellphone, figure out
transit.
Japan
Engage in the Fletcher community. If you're getting sponsorship from the government,
organization or company, think of this as an opportunity to step away from the position that you
hold at home, and explore. It probably feels comfortable hanging out with other Japanese
people, but what's the point of coming to the US and studying in such diverse place like
Fletcher, if you're doing the same thing as back home?
Singapore Boston is a great place from which to explore the East Coast; don't forget to do some
traveling.
Japan
There are so many wonderful aspects about Fletcher, but if I pick up just one, you'll be
surprised to find the friendliness and cooperativeness of the Fletcher students and faculty. If
you are in trouble (writing long English essays, for example), there's always help. Also, if you
get courage to participate in this community, you can be of great help for someone too.
Zimbabwe/
Zambia
Well US in general (since I've been here a while), finding any hair products and anyone to do
your hair is difficult so not to fear asking any black female student what she does because that
information is only available by word of mouth!
India Massachusetts will only accept your passport as valid ID, and not issue state ID against a
campus address.
What is one thing you wish you had known
prior to arriving at Fletcher?
Israel
The campus on a hill - getting to school can be tiring. Community is
very important and everything is centered around getting to know
your classmates better.
Belgium That everyone would be extremely welcoming
Mexico The Social List (the all-student email listserv) can, and will, answer
every single doubt and request.
Japan
Fletcher is not just about studying, it’s about community. Professor
Mazurana said a lot of grad school is about networking. I don't agree
with networking just for the sake of networking, but I think it's a great
way to connect and meet people who you can maintain the
relationships for life.
Are there any websites or other resources that you
would recommend that incoming students from your
home country use to acclimate themselves to life in
Boston/at Fletcher?
India The Admissions Blog (Roxanne did a great job introducing us to
the school). Google Maps. (No, really.)
Belgium Keep a keen eye on the Social List in the beginning of the year for
books, furniture, housing tips etc.
Mexico Again, the Almighty Social list. Lynette at the front desk can help
you sign up.
Singapore Just google anything you might need to know.
India
Poke around the Fletcher and Tufts websites, including Tufts
dining. Davis Square, Union Square and Harvard Square all have
their own websites as well - check those out for a sense of the
surrounding area.
