International Students

International Student Diagnostic Assessment

The Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops welcome you! As an international and/or non-US resident student, we are excited about providing an educational and immersive experience at the Summer Workshops. Your safety and wellness is the most important priority for the Residence Life Staff, and we are dedicated to helping you craft the best possible experience while you are attending the Workshops.

The English Immersion Experience

While many of you embody academic excellence and have a strong grasp of the English language, the English immersion experience can still be very challenging. From grappling with the spoken language in daily interactions to engaging in competitive debate with native English speakers, it is important to be patient with yourself and manage your expectations.

You should mentally prepare yourself for an adjustment period and recognize that your instructors and all of Residence Life Staff are here to support and help guide you through the adjustment process. This includes being able to express yourself through the English language to culturally integrating yourself into the vibrant landscape of the Harvard campus.

You should also know that the Residence Staff is multilingual. You should feel free to approach any staff member if you have comprehension needs around any rules or announcements that are being made to ensure that you are in compliance with all expectations outlined before and during your time at the Workshop. Residence Directors and Resident Assistants (RAs) are also available to provide a listening ear in the event that you are feeling homesick or have trouble fitting in.

If you have any medical, social, or general residential needs, Residence Directors and RAs are available to direct you to resources to ensure that you are safe and are enjoying your experiences at the Workshops.

Student Conduct and Expectations

In order for all students to fully participate and be protected while engaging in the curricular and extracurricular portions of the Workshops, it is imperative that all students and parents sign and submit a [Code of Conduct] Agreement. The Code of Conduct applies to all students who are attending the Workshop. This also includes students like yourself, who are non-residents in the United States. It outlines the basic expectations that you will have to follow.

Any violation of the code of conduct will result in disciplinary action by the Residence Staff. This is especially the case for repeated offenders who violate the code of conduct on more than one occasion.

  • On the first offense, Residence staff will issue a warning to the student.
  • On the second offense, Residence staff will notify the chaperones who are responsible for the student to alert the parents and/or school/program administrator responsible for the student.
  • On the third offense, the student’s parents will have to make flight arrangements for the student’s departure from the Workshop.

Additionally, depending on the severity of the first two offenses, students might face a scale of disciplinary actions; from losing free time privileges to being sent home immediately.

It is your responsibility to notify and clarify with any Residence Staff or Resident Assistants (RAs) you have any confusion over the guidelines that are issued in the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct will be reviewed with you during Orientation and it is your responsibility to pay attention and be aware of the expectations. Also please see below for a list of announcements that you might find helpful. These will also be reviewed during your Orientation.