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 right people who can help you on your international journey!

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 international emergency management
    • 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 (Terra Dotta)
    • develop and deliver joint pre-departure orientation sessions and materials
  • Reducing costs through joint contracts and services:
    • serve as a designee for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
    • provide tax resources and software for international 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.

  • International Initiatives Committee: 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
Simmons University, 1 Palace Road – Suite B108
geocenter@colleges-fenway.org
Phone:617.521.3955

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, 8th Floor
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Email: international@massart.edu
Phone: 617-879-7750
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: sara.sanford@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 University
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
CEIS Building, #302
Email:studyabroad@wit.edu
Phone: 617.989.4589
https://wit.edu/study-abroad

International Student Services & Engagement
550 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Email: iss@wit.edu
Phone: 617.989.4680
https://wit.edu/about/inclusive-excellence/international

Scroll to Top