Reaching Higher Education Goals with Greenheart Exchange
By Nicholas Cocorikis: International Partner Development Coordinator
Earlier this month, Greenheart Exchange had the pleasure of showing a few current J-1 and F-1 high school students from China the city of Boston while touring several colleges and universities in the city. The trip was geared towards educating these students, who are interested in pursuing higher education in the U.S., about finding a college or university that fits who they are and their goals. By visiting some of the best academic institutions that America (and the world) has to offer, the students were able to compare similarities and differences between schools, talk to college and university faculty, and learn about the rich histories of the institutions.
On Friday, April 5th students were given an presentation followed by a tour at Fisher College. Our generous student tour guides at Fisher were able to join the group for lunch on campus and answer questions in an informal setting about campus life, classes, choosing a degree path, and more.
After lunch and across town the students were given a tour of UMass Boston. The views of Boston Harbor and the many islands offshore combined with the size of the university had many in awe. Following the two tours some sightseeing and food were much needed. Faneuil Hall provided plenty of both as students shopped, ate, and wandered around the marvelous marketplace.
Saturday, April 6th was spent at two of the top universities in the world. The first stop was oldest university in America, Harvard. With such a deep history embedded nearly every brick and stone on campus there was never a dull moment on the tour. Luckily, shopping for the much sought after Harvard shirts and sweatshirts was done beforehand in the bookstore.
Just a short subway ride away is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the second stop for a tour on the day. As the sun began to shine on a beautiful early Spring day on the banks of the Charles River the group headed inside the academic buildings of MIT to see the classrooms, labs, and studios were some of the best and brightest minds study and work. Students had so many questions for our tour guide during the tour she stuck around after the tour to answer questions about the admissions process, student life on campus, and more.
To learn more about our programs, visit greenheartexchange.org to learn more about you can become involved as a partner, participant, host family, or local coordinator.