International Student Resources
HDS recognizes the unique challenges international students may experience navigating visas and travel. For some, particularly international students who are in the U.S. for the first time, you may also have questions or concerns while becoming acquainted with a new country, culture, and lifestyle, as well as the adjustments associated with a new academic environment.
Along with all of the HDS and Harvard resources available to you as a student, the following are offices, people, and resources available to provide support around international student, travel, and immigration matters:
The Harvard International Office supports international students and scholars with immigration and visa-related matters.
HIO maintains an after-hours emergency number specifically for immigration and visa-related emergencies requiring an immediate response when the office and University offices are closed. Examples include loss of a passport or important visa documents, a visit by a government official, detention at a U.S. port of entry, or a threat of deportation or removal.
- After-hours immigration emergency: 617-495-5400
- General HIO Phone: 617-495-2789
- Email: internationaloffice@harvard.edu
- Address: Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, Room 864, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Emergency information: HIO Assistance for Immigration-Related Emergencies
Once accepted to HDS, each student will work with their HIO advisor throughout their academic experience to assist them with visa issuance, international travel documentation, work authorizations, and other matters.
The HIO International student advisor to HDS is:
Hannah Klare
Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars
Harvard International Office
Phone: 617-496-2822
Email: hannah_klare@harvard.edu
Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/hannah_klare
The Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (HIRC) advances immigrants' rights through clinical education, legal representation, litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach. HIRC houses the Harvard Representation Initiative.
The Harvard Representation Initiative (HRI) provides pro bono immigration legal consultation and representation, along with social-work support, to members of the Harvard community whose immigration status is at risk, including undocumented, DACAmented, and non-U.S. citizen community members.
- Phone: 617-495-6648
- Email: hri@law.harvard.edu
International SOS provides 24/7 medical, mental health, and security support and evacuation services to students traveling for University business and University-related activities (not personal travel).
Students enrolled in the BCBS student health insurance plan can access the BCBS Global Core Service Center, which provides support connecting with healthcare facilities and practitioners abroad. Other resources for finding providers outside of the U.S. include the International Therapist Directory and Psychology Today INTL. Explore more International Health and Wellness Options.
The Harvard Language Exchange connects participants with language partners for informal conversation practice in their target language. The Bok Center offers a Canvas site called Professional Communication for International Scholars to anyone with a HarvardKey. It provides an overview of academic culture and communication at Harvard and covers English language skills (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) and cross-cultural communication skills.