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Early Start Program

Who is this for?

The Early Start Program is designed for MCPHS freshmen and first-year transfer students who are coming to study in the U.S. for the first time.

As you prepare your visa, your travel, your suitcase or prepare to begin your studies remotely, we want you to also think about preparing the academic and non-academic skills you will need to succeed. You will find that the education system, the expected outcomes of your classes, and the relationships in the U.S. might vary, a little or a lot, from what you are accustomed to back home.

Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Caroline Zeind, Provost of the University, the team at the MCPHS Center for International Studies has developed the Early Start Program, specifically for you, to help you prepare academically, linguistically, socially, and culturally for the challenges and expectations of your new journey at MCPHS.

This new and unique pre-orientation program is designed to help you:

Develop academic language strategies for managing science and general studies coursework such as:

  • Effective preparation, notetaking, and review for lectures;
  • Engaging in discussion-based classes and online discussion forums;
  • Participating in science lectures and study groups;
  • Communicating orally and in written form for labs, professors, and class and online discussions;
  • Managing a heavy reading load together with academic English and health science vocabulary.

Complete a “road map” to manage time and organize the academic expectations of your first semester at MCPHS including:

  • A review of your fall semester course schedule;
  • Introduction to instructional technology and applications used by MCPHS professors;
  • Discussion of general and specific course expectations;
  • Identification of relevant resources to support academic success.
  • Developing strategies for effective online learning.

Improve your intercultural skills in order to build peer relationships and develop an awareness of professional competencies of healthcare practitioners in the U.S. through:

  • Familiarizing yourself with the U.S. academic culture;
  • Gaining an introduction about the U.S. healthcare system;
  • Networking with faculty and discussing professional competencies and academic expectations.

Begin to build a social support network of MCPHS faculty, staff, and fellow students who will guide you during your time at MCPHS and beyond by:

  • Learning how to build diverse study groups;
  • Developing skills in “small talk” needed for social and professional interactions;
  • Gaining skills in balancing out studies, personal life, family and health.

What is the program format?

The program is offered entirely online. For two weeks you will:

  • Participate in oral and written communication activities.
  • Engage with academic coaches to build and improve time management and organizational skills.
  • Prepare for, attend, and review a science lesson (e.g. chemistry, biology) under the guidance of professors.
  • Learn from MCPHS professors what it takes to succeed in academic courses here.
  • Receive an introduction to U.S. healthcare practitioner expectations and responsibilities.
  • Receive an introduction to the practices of communicating with faculty and the importance of engaging with faculty, staff, and school resources.
  • Practice skills and strategies that will help you adjust to studying and living in your new environment.
  • Meet with fellow students, faculty and staff in classes, networking events, social activities.
  • Learn about local Boston culture and engage with the community outside the MCPHS University campus.

How do I apply?

Due to the current situation with COVID-19, MCPHS is offering the Early Start Program remotely and at no cost to students for Fall 2020. Registration is now closed for the Fall 2020 program. Questions about the Early Start program can be sent to international.academics@mcphs.edu.