We know that moving to a new place, not to mention country, with your family can be a difficult adjustment. Here you will find some resources to help you acclimate to Boston and American culture. If you are not already on our listserv, please send us an email at bcis@bc.edu. We encourage you to join our Facebook group to make connections with other international families at BC.
- Boston College IDs for spouses
- BC Calendar of events. There are always free lectures happening at BC that are open to the public.
- Free Concerts at BC
- BC Neighborhood Center. Volunteer there or participate in one of their ESL programs (depending on your level of English).
- BC Language Lab in Lyons Hall, Room 313. You will need a BC ID to use the lab. They offer an online catalog of English language resources in their computer lab.
- Margot Connell Recreation Center. Available to students and scholars (paid or unpaid by BC), and their spouses. If interested, you can get a student rate pass. Cost: $10 for a day pass, $45 for a monthly membership or purchase a semester membership for $180.00.
- Volunteer Opportunities through BC
- Office of Graduate Student Life
Find lists of local events at:
See the beautiful autumn leaves change colors at Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Take the Orange Line all the way to the end at Forest Hills and walk for 7 minutes.
Apple picking! You will need a car to explore the apple orchards in Massachusetts, but it's well worth it. Go early to beat the crowds, and don't forget to try the apple cider, cider doughnuts, and caramel apples!
Visit a museum. Some museums are free with a graduate student BC ID. These museums are free for everyone: Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Check out the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, near the Christian Science plaza; take green line to Symphony stop.
Catch a movie. Movie theaters: mainstream movies at Regal Cinemas in Fenway (take green line to Fenway or Kenmore) or independent movies at Coolidge Corner in Brookline (take Green C Line to Coolidge Corner).
Visit the Boston Public Library, or your nearest public library. Many have free ESL classes and activities for children.