GEO Center Overview
College is a chance to explore the world, and the COF Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center works directly with the five colleges to enhance and promote international programs, study abroad, and cultural exchange both at the COF and abroad. Among the many international opportunities, the five colleges offer short-term Travel Courses, which are on-campus, semester-long courses with a short-term travel component. Whether you are a student, scholar, faculty, or staff, the GEO Center can help to guide you to the right resources and
“Just from a numbers standpoint, we see that over the last 3 years, with the help of the GEO Center and my colleagues in the Study Abroad Council, participation has almost tripled.”
-Kathleen Head, MCPHS University, former Director of the Center for International Studies
Key Services
The GEO Center supports people on each campus who oversee advising and policies for international programs and international students. We convene the Study Abroad Council and the International Students and Scholars Advisors Committee to foster collaboration and share best practices among individuals, departments, and institutions with regard to all aspects of internationalization.
We support the campuses by:
- Enhancing campus ability to manage international emergencies & risk:
- create best practice protocols, via subcommittee, for int’l emergency mgmt
- act as liaison to distribute information in times of crisis
- manage the travel insurance/global services program
- provide quality assurance checks on travel data
- Increasing efficiency of operations:
- develop and manage shared online travel tracking and student data management system (TerraDotta)
- develop and deliver joint pre-departure orientation and materials
- Reducing costs through joint contracts and services:
- serve as sole designee for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
- provide tax resources and software for int’l students
- provide joint professional development opportunities
- serve as interim staff resource at campuses during vacancies
- Creating a culture of collaboration & shared vision for internationalization
Committees
The GEO Center works with committees comprised of representatives from all five colleges in order to fulfill its mission of supporting internationalization efforts for the Colleges of the Fenway. The committees foster collaboration among individuals, departments, and institutions with regard to all aspects of internationalization.
- GEO Center Advisory Board: Makes recommendations on policies and practices that align with COF members’ strategic priorities for internationalization; provides feedback, direction, and support to the GEO Center staff.
- Study Abroad Council: Shares best practices and collaborates on international risk management, orientations, and other projects related to students studying, working, or volunteering abroad.
- International Students and Scholars Advisors Committee (ISSAC): Provides support to international students through tax and career workshops; shares best practices for international student support, retention, and community building.
Contacts
Please search below for the appropriate office at your university for study abroad, exchange, and/or international student advising.
COF Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center
Wentworth Annex Central, Office #205 (550 Parker Street, Boston MA 02120)
geocenter@colleges-fenway.org
Phone: 617.989.4794
Emmanuel College
Office of International Programs
Admin Building, Suite Room 325A
400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115
Email: studyabroad@emmanuel.edu
Phone: 617-264-7677
https://www.emmanuel.edu/academics/study-abroad.html
MassArt
International Education Center
Tower Building, Room 811
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Email: international@massart.edu
https://massart.edu/study-abroad-travel-courses
https://massart.edu/internationalstudents
MCPHS
Center for International Studies – Study Abroad
Fennell Building, Suite 312
179 Longwood Ave. Boston MA 02155
Email: international.programs@mcphs.edu
Phone: 617.735.1420
https://www.mcphs.edu/academics/global-experiences
Immigration and International Support Services
Fennell Building, Suite 309
Email: Emily.Anderson@mcphs.edu
Phone: 617.879.5905
https://www.mcphs.edu/mcphs-life/boston/campus-life/international-students
Simmons College
Center for Global Education
300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115
Lefavour Hall, Ground Floor
Email: cge@simmons.edu
Phone 617.521.2554
http://www.simmons.edu/academics/student-success/cge
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Office of the Provost – Study Abroad
550 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Email: studyabroad@wit.edu
https://wit.edu/study-abroad
International Student Services
Williston Hall, Suite 101
Email: iss@wit.edu
Phone: 617.989.4391
https://wit.edu/admissions/international/international-student-services