2009 Orientation Packetfinal!!!!!2009

LANGUAGE STUDIES INTERNATIONAL BOSTON, MA STUDENT INFORMATION GUIDE

105 BEACH STREET BOSTON, MA 02111 617-542-3600 Table of Contents

Welcome

1

LSI Staff

2

What Happens on the 1st day?

3

Weekly Program

3

LSI Courses

4-7

Contact Flow Chart

8

LSI Policies + Information

9-13

Accommodations

14-16

Useful Information

17-19

LSI’s Neighborhood

20

Boston By Neighborhood

21

Boston Attractions

22-24

Weekend Trips

25-26

Computer Etiquette

26

Helpful Websites

27

WELCOME!

Welcome to Language Studies International in Boston Massachusetts. We hope your trip to Boston was a safe and pleasant one. The telephone number for LSI Boston is (617) 542-3600. If you must miss class for any reason, please call to notify us. If we are not at the school, please leave a clear message on the answering machine with your name, your teacher’s name, and your telephone number and we will inform your teacher of your absence.

Again, welcome. We hope that your experience at our school is memorable!

Olga Drepanos Director Jay Gallagher Registrar Christine Brennecke Director of Studies

Whom do I talk to if I have a question? Olga, Jay, and Christine are always available to help you and enjoy talking with students. Please feel free ask them any questions you may have about LSI, Boston, or anything else. However, if you have specific questions or problems please use the following information as a guide.

Olga Drepanos, Director Please speak with Olga if you have any questions or concerns about LSI and your time here.

Jay Gallagher, Registrar Please speak with Jay if you have any questions about your Visa or payments to the school. If you want to stay at LSI longer or go home earlier you should also talk to him.

Christine Brennecke, Director of Studies Please speak with Christine if you have any questions or concerns regarding your courses, your class level, or your teachers.

Student Services Coordinator [SSC] This is the person who made your accommodation arrangements. Please speak with the Coordinator immediately if you have any problems and they will do their best to resolve the issue. If you have any questions about the activities organized at LSI you should speak with the SSC. 2

What happens on the 1st day? PAPERWORK All students will complete a registration packet upon their arrival and a copy of their passport will be taken for our records. Keep these documents in a safe place because they prove that you are a student here. You will receive a LSI student identification card which can be shown at museums and theaters for student discounts. Please write the name, address, and telephone number of your host family on the back of the identification card.

PLACEMENT TEST All students will be given a placement test which includes sections on listening, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Following the placement test there will be a short oral interview. Your combined performance on all sections of the placement test will determine the level in which you are placed.

ORIENTATION After the placement test, students will be given a tour of the school, the activities program will be discussed, and any additional questions will be answered.

WEEKLY PROGRAM MONDAY New students are given orientation and placement tests. New students who are enrolled in Intensive 30 classes begin their afternoon classes on Monday afternoon. Their names will be listed at lunch time on the Class List which is located by the elevator on each floor. Current students will take their weekly test in class on Monday.

TUESDAY All new students will begin their morning classes. Their names will be listed on the Class List located by the elevators. Current students will be promoted to the next level on Tuesday morning and should locate their names on the list.

FRIDAY Graduation is held for all students leaving LSI. Their teacher will present them with a graduation certificate at that time. 3

LSI Courses Standard 20 Standard 20 is designed for the student who wishes to improve general English skills. The course is divided into two morning periods: Period One: 9:10 to 10:50 a.m. Period Two: 11:10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. • The unit topic for the week will be introduced to the class on Tuesday morning. An outline of the week’s program will also be discussed • A combination of teaching methods is used to achieve grammar objectives appropriate to the course level. An integrated approach incorporating listening, speaking, grammar, reading, writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary building will be used. • This integrated skills class builds on the same unit topic introduced in the first period through intense work on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. • Lessons revolve around practical situations geared at teaching the student "real world" skills; functional topics are chosen according to the level. • Supplemental material will be supplied by the teacher to complement the principle text in each class. • Homework is assigned as deemed appropriate by the instructor. • A textbook is distributed at all levels to be used in both morning classes

Intensive 30 Intensive 30 students study the same two periods described above, plus an extra afternoon period. Students have several options depending on course availability: Possibilities include Conversation, TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation or the Modular Business Course. Intensive 30 students are normally booked into Conversation unless the Director is notified in advance that they prefer a different course. All Afternoon Classes are Monday to Thursday only 1:50 pm4:05 pm! • Conversation (all levels) This class focuses on one aspect of language development: fluency practice. An active, multi-media approach is used to elicit conversation in which students use language creatively, purposefully, and individually. Students are engaged in authentic, meaningful communication and participate in activities to enforce their learning, such as presentations, field trips or producing a video. • TOEFL Preparation Course ( inter.- adv. students only) Students prepare for the TOEFL test through careful study of all sections of the IBT TOEFL test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Full-length practice tests are administered periodically in the 10 week curriculum. Students are expected to complete assignments outside class in this course. 4

• Modular Business Course.(inter.-adv. students only) This course focuses on the use of language in a business environment, and covers a different module/topic each week. Some weekly modules include: International Trade,

Effective Communication in Presentations, Management Styles in International Companies, and Effective Communication in Sales & Negotiations.

LSI Courses and Objectives LSI is recognized internationally for its high standard of excellence. We credit our success to a high level of standards in and out of the classroom. The Placement Test and Interview given on Orientation day give the staff an indication of what skills you need to master, while recognizing your strengths in English. In order to pass to the next level or to receive a certificate for the level in which you studied, you must meet the objectives set forth for each level. •

Level 101-Elementary: Students will be placed in this level if they can demonstrate working knowledge of basic sentence structures, simple presents and simple question structures. Students at this level still have a limited vocabulary and probably have a difficult time understanding spoken English. In order to progress to the next level, students must show mastery of: the English alphabet, the verb to be, singular vs. plural nouns, the simple present, the simple past, the simple future, and the present continuous. This level works out of American Headway 1 and Basic English Grammar.

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Level 102- Pre-Intermediate: Students at this level have increased their vocabulary base and are beginning to understand verb tenses beyond the simple past and present. Students can usually understand conversations if the speakers speak slowly and clearly and they can usually make themselves understood to native speakers. In order to move to the next level students must demonstrate mastery of: question formation, do/does, count/noncount nouns, have/has, subject/verb agreement, all basic tenses, and articles and quantifiers. Level 102 works out of American Headway 2 and Fundamentals of English Grammar.

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Level 103- Intermediate: The students have a better control of the tense system in English, particularly, a basic understanding of conditionals and simple past versus present perfect. Students are more comfortable with natural speech and, although they still make mistakes, they are now capable of recognizing when they have made a mistake. In order to move to the next level students must demonstrate mastery of: basic and modal verbs, continuous and perfect tenses, giving directions and advice, making complaints, expressing preferences, and expressing opinions. Level 103 works out of American Headway 3 and Using and Understanding English Grammar. 5

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Level 104- Upper-Intermediate: Students at this level are starting to develop a strong command of the English language. At this level they communicate with each other and native speakers with relative ease and are able to use more complex English structures in their everyday speaking and writing. In order to progress to the next level students must show mastery of: the complete English verb tense system, subject/verb agreement, comparatives

and superlatives, present and past modals, the first and second conditionals, indirect questions. Level 104 works out of American Headway 4 and NorthStar Intermediate •

Level 105- Pre-Advanced: Once students have mastered the verb tenses and first and second conditionals, as well as the other points mentioned above, they will be ready to put some of the "finishing touches" on their language skills. Students study in depth the different relative clauses, practice all conditionals and explore the intricacies of the different future tenses. Students at this level should be able to read articles without problems and their listening comprehension should be quite high. In order to move to the Advanced level students must demonstrate mastery of: the passive voice, infinitives and gerunds, conditionals, relative clauses, common phrasal verbs, and integrating past modals and perfect tenses into everyday speech patterns. This course works out of NorthStar Upper-Intermediate and Focus on Grammar 5.

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Level 106- Advanced: Students will only be advanced to the highest level if they demonstrate that they can consistently use the entire tense system correctly with ease and that their vocabulary and reading comprehension is at a level to read newspapers and magazine articles. In addition, work with radio and TV broadcasts is common and students should have very little problem understanding native speakers speaking at their natural speed. Students understand stress, rhythm and intonation and have very few lingering pronunciation or structure difficulties. Students who complete these levels should be at a level where they could go on to an American university or college. This level works out of Northstar Advanced and Communicate What You Mean.

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Afternoon Classes

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Conversation: Conversation is divided into three levels: pre-intermediate, intermediate, and pre-advanced. Students are placed in a level based on the level of their morning class. Each level focuses on improving fluency and increasing vocabulary. Frequent exercises are roleplay, presentations, current events, group projects, and debates. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and to feel comfortable interacting with their classmates and teacher without prompting by the teacher.

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TOEFL Preparation: As mentioned in the description of the Intensive 30 afternoon choices, we require at least an intermediate (Level 103) knowledge of English if you would like to change from Conversation class to TOEFL Preparation. In this course, students learn strategies for taking the TOEFL test and practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There is a ten week curriculum and the course is of an intensive design to prepare students to successfully take the TOEFL test.

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Modular Business Course: This course is designed for students of intermediate to advanced levels who want to improve their business communication skills. Each Monday a new weekly topic is introduced to the class, and students in this course will be expected to follow the challenging twelve week curriculum. The curriculum includes speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Students will both alone and in groups depending on the weekly module.

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IF YOU H AVE A PR OBL EM WITH :

Classes

First, speak with your teacher

Next, speak with the Director of Studies (Christine)

Homestay

First, speak with your host family

Course bookings, payments, or your Visa

Speak with the Registrar

Next, speak with the Homestay Coordinator

Speak with the 8School Director (Olga)

Feeling homesick or upset

Speak with the Student Services Coordinator

ENGLISH ONLY!!!! You are expected to speak only English while you are at LSI. We also ask that you try to practice this rule outside of the school to improve your English. If you would like to learn more about places you can go and speak English outside of school please talk to Christine.

HOLIDAYS The school will be closed for the following holidays: January 19 – Martin Luther King Day February 16 – Presidents Day April 10 + 13 – Good Friday, Easter Monday May 25 – Memorial Day July 3 – Independence Day Observed September 7 – Labor Day October 12 – Columbus Day November 26 + 27 – Thanksgiving December 19 – January 3 – Closed for the Holidays

SNOW EMERGENCY LSI Boston is sometimes closed in the winter due to severe weather. If a significant winter storm is forecasted please do the following: 1) Go to www.whdh.com and look for Language Studies International under the “School Closings” section. 2) Call LSI at 617-542-3600 and listen to the message. If school has been cancelled the message will say so. 3) If you are unsure, ask your host family to check. 9

STUDENT MAIL All student mail received at LSI will be put in the student mailbox next to the class schedule in the hallway by the elevator on the 4th floor.

NO SMOKING There is no smoking in LSI. That includes the hallways, common areas, classrooms, elevators, or bathrooms. Smoking is prohibited inside all public buildings in the US. Please smoke outside in designated areas away from the entrance to the building.

FOOD AND DRINK Please enjoy your food and drinks in the student lounge areas only. Please do not eat or drink in the computer area. There is a microwave and refrigerator provided for students on the 5th floor. Please feel free to use them at your convenience.

MEDICAL INSURANCE Students studying in the USA are required by law to have medical insurance while they are at LSI. If you do not have medical insurance you must see the Registrar immediately to purchase coverage from LSI for $22.00 per week.

SICK POLICY If you are sick and cannot make it to school, you MUST call the school or email the school the day you are sick in order for the absence to be excused. It is not sufficient to text message a friend. Please call 617-542-3600 and leave a message with your name and your teacher’s name telling us you are sick. If you do not feel comfortable calling, please send an email to [email protected] with your name and your teacher’s name and a message that you are sick. You must contact LSI each day you are at home sick in order for your absences to be excused.

VISITING Please do not gather at the front door of the building. Feel free to visit and talk with friends and classmates in the student lounge areas, near the computers, or at any public place.

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Attendance Requirements: ▪ 80% attendance weekly [4 out of 5 days]

Start times: 9:10am-10:50am Morning Session I 11:10am-12:50pm Morning Session II 12:50pm-1:50pm Lunch 1:50pm-3:00pm Afternoon Session I 3:00pm-4:05pm Afternoon Session II

Late/Absent: Present: 0-5 minutes after class start time Late: 6-20 minutes after class start time = LATE 3 Late arrivals = 1 Absence Absent: Arrival 21 minutes or more after start time *If you are ill, please notify the school of your illness by phone or email. *If you have transportation problems, please speak with your teacher at the break regarding your tardiness.

Afternoon Classes: Attendance in the afternoon is not optional. If you are enrolled in an Intensive 30 course you MUST attend afternoon classes. If you do not wish to attend your afternoon classes you must see the registrar and officially change to the Standard 20 course. There is no refund for canceling afternoon classes.

Failure to meet Requirements: 1) Possible I-20 termination 2) No Certificate of Completion at the end of the program. *If you have any questions regarding this policy please speak with the Director. 11

I-20 IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR CLASS BEGINS: When may I enter the US? You may enter the US up to 30 days before your first day of class. That is the start date on your I-20.

WHILE YOU ARE AT LSI: Can I take a vacation? You must be studying for 16 weeks[ 4 months without break] in the Intensive 30 program or 24 weeks[ 6 months without break] in the Standard 20 program in order to take a vacation during your time at LSI. What if I take the vacation anyway? Your unauthorized vacation may be reported to the government and you may be reported as “out of status” to the government. Your course may be cancelled and you may be sent home. Can I extend my stay and study longer at LSI? If you would like to extend your time here, please notify the Registrar no later than Wednesday of your last week. After your last day at LSI has passed, your I-20 cannot be extended.

ONCE YOUR CLASSES AT LSI HAVE ENDED: You have 60 days to stay in the US.

TRANSFERRING TO A NEW SCHOOL: Can I transfer to a different school? You have 60 days after your classes at LSI have ended to find a new school, enroll, and transfer your I-20. What if my classes don’t start until after the 60 day period? You have up to 5 months to begin your classes at a new school. If they do not have a start date within the first 60 days, you must choose the earliest start date possible. What do I need to do to transfer? Register with the new school, be accepted, and pay all of their fees. You will need to show them your passport and your bank statement, just like you did for your original I-20. The new school will give you a transfer form that you will bring to the LSI Registrar to be signed.

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WORDS OF ADVICE: ▪The fewer changes made to your I-20, the better. If you wish to extend, it is better to extend for a long period of time rather than a short period of time. ▪If you wish to transfer, it is better to transfer once than to transfer to a number of different schools. ▪It is best to limit the amount of break time you have when you transfer between schools. ▪Remember: ALL changes made to your I-20 are seen by the government. The more irregularities or unusual behaviors you have, the more likely it will be that you have problems either returning home or being allowed back into the US.

VACATION

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In accordance to US Immigration Law, students MUST complete the equivalent of an academic semester to be eligible for a ONE TIME vacation. The three weeks MUST be taken at the same time. LSI defines an academic semester as four months (16 weeks) of the Intensive 30 program or six months (24 weeks) of the Standard 20 program. Students must also have a good attendance record at LSI to qualify for the vacation. Any student wishing to take a vacation must make an appointment with the Director to make a formal request for a vacation. All requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Students will be eligible for a vacation of 1-3 weeks with the Director’s approval.

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ACCOMMODATIONS LSI Boston offers assistance in booking accommodations for students in host families and residence halls. All of the accommodations that we offer are carefully selected and inspected by our Student Services Coordinator. If you have any problems or concerns, please see the Student Services Coordinator immediately.

Homestay Homestay accommodations are available year round in single rooms with your choice of meal plan. The Bed & Breakfast meal plan includes breakfast daily, while the Half Board plan includes both breakfast and dinner. LSI host families represent a vast array of lifestyles and backgrounds. While no single family situation is typical of the LSI home stay program, our hosts share a common interest in cultural exchange. Overall, LSI seeks easygoing, flexible hosts who are interested in sharing some of their time with international students. Some hosts will include students in any and all family activities; others will be less able to consistently involve students in their busy lifestyles. In all cases, it is important to remember that communication is the key to a good relationship with your host family—if you have any questions or problems, talk about them!

Homestay guidelines

Meals All host families will provide breakfast each morning. Most families work, so students will often be required to prepare breakfast on their own with food provided by the family. Bed & Breakfast students may ask the family if it is possible to store some of their own food in the refrigerator for snacks and dinner. While some families may allow the use of the kitchen facilities, this should not be expected, and you should always ask first! Students who have requested the half board meal plan can expect to sit down to dinner with the family each evening. Please be sure to advise the family of any allergies or special dietary requirements you may have.

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Linens and Laundry Host families provide clean bed linens and towels weekly; you are responsible for changing your own sheets and will be told where to put soiled linens. You will have use of the family laundry facilities.

Smoking Generally, smoking is not allowed in host family homes. If you want to smoke, please ask your host family where you can smoke.

Telephone Privileges Do not use your host family’s telephone without permission, especially for long-distance calls. LSI recommends that you buy a phone card for long distance phone calls. Phone cards can be purchased at many convenience stores and pharmacies throughout the city.

Pets Many host families have one or more pets. If an agent informs LSI that a student is allergic to animals, we arrange accommodations for that student in a home without pets. If there was a misunderstanding and you are with a family that has a pet, please talk to the student services coordinator as soon as possible and he will discuss the options with you.

Housekeeping Remember that you are living in a private home. The home stay should not be treated as a hotel, and maid service is not provided. You are expected to keep your room neat and clean. Also, please be considerate of common areas shared by the whole family. 15

Cancellation Policy If you wish to leave your host family for an apartment or other non-LSI accommodation, you must inform us in writing 2 weeks in advance. If you leave without notice, you will be subject to a cancellation penalty equal to the amount of 2 weeks in the accommodation.

Residence Halls Accommodations are available on a limited basis at the International Guest House, located within 25 minutes walking distance of the school. Service and regulations are established by the International Guest House. These facilities offer accommodations in double, triple and quadruple rooms. Double rooms share a bathroom and have a small refrigerator. Triples and quadruples include a private bathroom and a full kitchenette with a sink, stove and refrigerator. There is a refundable key and damage deposit of $200, which must be paid on arrival. Rooms are simple but comfortable and include a bed, desk, dresser and closet. Meals are included and can be shared in the common dining area. The address and telephone are: International Guest House 237 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02116 Telephone: (617) 437-1975 Accommodations are available on a limited basis at the ESL Townhouse, located within 25 minutes of the school. Service and regulations are established by the ESL Townhouse. These facilities offer accommodations in single and double rooms within apartments. Each apartment has a kitchen, a bathroom, a single room, and a double room. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, pans, etc. There is a mandatory $200 move in fee, and a refundable security deposit of $200, which must be paid on arrival. Rooms are simple, but comfortable and include a bed, desk, dresser and closet. No meals are provided, but you may use the kitchen to prepare your own. The address and telephone are: ESL Townhouse 31 Queensberry Street Boston, MA 02215 Telephone: (617) 350-3556 LSI also offers an alternate residence hall, the Berkley Residences at the YWCA. This accommodation can be set up by the Student Services Coordinator. The YWCA offers mostly single rooms with breakfast and dinner provided. See the Student Services Coordinator for details.

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USEFUL INFORMATION Transportation Public Transportation, the T The subway system in Boston is known as the "T." It is the fastest and most convenient form of public transportation in Boston. LSI is about one block from the Red Line “South Station” stop, and the Orange Line "Chinatown" stop is just a five minute walk. There are four subway lines on the “T”, designated by color: green, red, orange, and blue. There are also many bus lines that service LSI, greater Boston, and the Host Families; check to see which routes are most convenient for you. Some of you may wish to use the commuter rail to travel to and from the school; these services are located at South Station, 1.5 blocks from here (for the south shore) or North Station, a short subway ride away (for the north shore). The most economical way to travel is by buying a 7 day pass (good for 7 consecutive days) or a monthly pass (good for a calendar month). The passes vary based on what services you use, so speak to a T employee to get the best pass. The "T" runs from about 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. weekdays, and 6:30 am to 12:00 am weekends

Trains and Buses If you wish to travel to other cities while at LSI an Amtrak train or inter-city bus is the best way to see most places. Both trains and buses depart from South Station and include destinations such as New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Montreal. Buy tickets before boarding; prices on the internet are normally the cheapest. LSI would caution you against using the Fung Wah bus service; they have had a very poor safety record. Other services are fine.

Bank accounts You may want to open a local checking account if you are staying in Boston for a long period of time. Most banks offer student checking accounts with low monthly service fees; remember to bring your passport. Banks near LSI include: Bank of America & Citzens Bank. Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and some offer evening and weekend hours.

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Some more useful information………

Post Office: Boston’s main Post Office is located directly behind South Station, and there are branches located throughout the city. Ask your host family where the nearest to your home is. Stamps can be bought at convenience stores or pharmacies.

Pharmacies: CVS is the most common pharmacy in the city. Others are Rite Aid and Walgreens. Pharmacies in the US sell almost everything from shampoo to food. There is a large CVS on Summer St. at Downtown Crossing as well as on Washington St. at Downtown Crossing.

Bookstores: Borders is on Washington St. in Downtown Crossing. There is another one on Boylston St. between Berkley and Claredon. The Harvard Coop is a large bookstore at the Harvard Square T stop.

Shopping Malls: The Cambridgeside Galleria is in Cambridge. Take the red line to Kendall Square and a shuttle bus will take you there, or take the green line to Lechmere and it is a short walk. The Copley Mall is a high end mall located next door to the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. The best place to enter is through the Westin Hotel at Copley. The Prudential Mall is located on Boylston St. between Fairfield and Gloucester.

Car Rentals: The best place to rent a car is at Logan Airport. Check the internet for the best deals. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty are all located there. You must be 21 years old to rent a car.

Grocery Stores: Trader Joe’s is on Boylston St across the street from the Prudential Mall. There is also a Shaw’s adjacent to the Prudential Mall. Throughout the city you can find Trader Joe’s, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Stop +Shop. 18

EMERGENCIES Emergencies If you need an ambulance, the police or fire department for an emergency situation, call "911" and be prepared with the address from where you are calling. If you need a doctor, check the yellow pages of the telephone book, or ask Jay, Olga, Christine or your host family.

Medical Emergencies If you are not feeling well and need a doctor or prescription medicine, the nearest clinic is the New England Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, (617) 636-5000. Exit the school and walk down Beach St. to Washington and turn left. Please check with your insurance first to see if they prefer you go to the Emergency Room or to a doctor’s office.

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LSI’s NEIGHBORHOOD LSI is located in the neighborhood known as the Leather District. Years ago this area was full of factories that produced all kinds of leather goods from shoes to saddles. Now, it is a trendy area of converted residential lofts, businesses, and restaurants. It is conveniently located between Chinatown and South Station. Listed below are various dining options for you in the LSI area. Fine Dining Le Zygomat: French cuisine served in a friendly, casual environment. At lunch you can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, entrees, and salads. Located on South Street, simply exit the school taking a right on Beach St. and your first left on South St. You will see it on your left. Soriso: Italian cuisine served in an elegant yet comfortable space. Here you can enjoy an upscale Italian lunch close to the school. It is located next door to Les Zygomat.

Mid-Priced Figaro’s Deli: Located on the first floor of our building. Figaro’s serves traditional American breakfast in the morning and Italian inspired sandwiches for lunch. Peach Farm: Authentic Chinese cuisine for a reasonable price, an LSI staff recommendation. Located at 4 Tyler Street in Chinatown. South Street Diner: A small place for a great meal. With 1950’s American style decor, it’s located at the corner of Kneeland St. and South Street. Boston Deli Deluxe: A small sandwich and salad place offering a wide variety of choices. It is located at 102 South Street.

Inexpensive The Food Court at South Station: The food court has a variety of fast food restaurants. You can get burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Some of the restaurants that are located there are: McDonalds, Pizzeria Regina, Cosi, Au Bon Pain. Anna’s Fast Food- Chinese food- 66 Harrison Ave Xinh Xinh – Vietnamese food – 7 Beach St. 20

BOSTON BY NEIGHBORHOOD The North End: This is Boston’s “Little Italy” and one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It is a charming area that is full of young people and professionals. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. It borders the waterfront so it is a lovely place to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Restaurants: Marco, Terramia, Pomodoro, the Daily Catch, Prezza, Fiore, Lucca Cafes: Café Paradiso, Café dello Sport, Café Pompeii, Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry Bars: The Living Room, The Sail Loft, Tia’s, Fiore Shops: Polcari’s, High Society, Salumeria Historic Sites: Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Cemetery

Beacon Hill: This is a beautifully maintained historic neighborhood in the shadows of the State Capitol building. The tree-lined streets bring you back to the revolutionary times. It is now the home to wealthy Bostonians both young and old. You can enjoy a walk, a drink, or dinner in this lovely neighborhood. Restaurants: Figs, Beacon Hill Bistro, Toscana, Grotto Bars: Beacon Hill Pub, The 77, Harvard Gardens, the 21st Amendment, Emmet’s Historic Sites: The State House

Back Bay: This neighborhood is home to the wealthy Bostonians and students. It is an area that is full of designer boutiques and trendy restaurants and cafes. Walk Newbury Street and Boylston Street and explore the hundreds of boutiques. If it’s shopping you are after and your wallet is full, then this is the place for you. This is also the place to come if you want to hang out at a sidewalk café and people watch. The views are as interesting as the shops! Restaurants: The Parish Café, Sonsie, Stephanie’s, This Way Café, Abe and Louie’s, Legal Seafood, Atlantic Fish Company, Ciao Bella, Charlie’s Bars: The Pour House, The Cactus Club, Whiskey’s, Daisy’s, The Foggy Goggle, McGreevy’s, Dillon’s, The Oak Room, Citybar, The Rattlesnake Shops: Copley Mall, Prudential Mall, Zara, H&M, Anthropologie, and so many more… Attractions: Boston Common, Public Garden, Prudential Skywalk, LOEWS on the Common, The Wang Theater, The Shubert Theater, The Orpheum Theater, Symphony Hall

Harvard Square: Here is where you will find the famed University. Explore the campus, the bookstore, and the museums. Then, relax and unwind like the students do at one of the square’s many restaurants and bars. Restaurants: Cambridge 1 Pizza, The Border Café, Charlie’s Kitchen, Cambridge Common, Grendel’s Den, Bartley’s Burgers, The Hong Kong Bars: Charlie’s Kitchen, The Grafton Street Grill, Grendel’s Den, Club Passims, John Harvard Ale House, Club Casablanca, The Red Line Attractions: LOEWS Theater, Peabody Museum, The Brattle Theater, The American Repertory Theater, FOGG Art 21

ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND BOSTON Boston is a city full of life and diversity. It is one of the US’s most historic cities and has some of our nation’s oldest Universities. There are over 300,000 University students in the Boston area, so it is a wonderful place for young people to meet each other and enjoy this fine city. Boston is divided into a number of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has numerous places to visit and explore! Make sure you check the school’s monthly list of activities, but here are some more ideas of places top explore on your own.

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The Freedom Trail: Explore historic Boston by following the red painted line. The walk begins at the Park Street T stop and winds through the historic landmarks and buildings of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. The Boston Common and Public Garden: The Boston Common and Public Garden are two beautiful parks in the heart of the city. The parks begin at Park Street and stretch to Arlington St. In the summer there are free concerts and theatrical performances as well as swan boats available for rent on the pond. In the winter you can rent ice skates and skate on an outdoor rink. It is also a lovely place for a picnic in the warm weather. Boston Esplanade: There is a lovely stretch of green area along the Boston side of the Charles River. It is easily accessible from the Charles/MGH stop on the red line. You can go sailing at the Community Boat House, picnic, watch a concert or a movie in the summertime, or rent a kayak. Harvard Yard: Located a few steps from Harvard square, this is a great area to go for some people watching. See what Harvard University looks like from the inside out! Boston Harbor Islands: Take a day trip to some beautiful uninhabited islands in Boston Harbor. Buy your ticket in front of the Aquarium. Castle Island: Take a walk around a historic fort located right here in Boston! Take the red line to Broadway and then the #9 bus to City Point. Visit the fort and then enjoy a hot dog at Sullivan’s. Harbor Walk: You can enjoy the harbor and a cool breeze on a hot day by following the newly restored harbor walk all around Boston Harbor. You can pick up the walk anywhere around the harbor. The Fens: The Fens is a great area to play Frisbee or soccer with American college students. Located off Boylston St. just west of Mass Ave., it is a great place to meet up with Americans 22

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES •

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New England Aquarium: This is a great place to spend a rainy day. Learn about New England Marine life as well as sea animals from all over the world. There are sharks, seals, dolphins, and penguins just to name a few. You can also watch a movie at the IMAX Theater next door. Museum of Fine Art: The MFA is one of the best museums in the USA. It has wonderful exhibits from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Take the green line E train to the Museum stop. If you go on Wednesday afternoon bring your student ID and you will get in free after 4pm! Elizabeth Gardner Museum: This is the most unique museum in Boston. It was once a woman’s home and she donated her home and her entire art collection to create the museum. You can explore the vast collection of art and the beautiful architecture of the building. Take the green line E train to the Museum stop, and walk on Park Drive until you see the museum. Institute of Contemporary Art: The ICA is Boston’s most innovative museum. There are many forms of art on display as well as frequent dance and musical performances. It is located within walking distance of the school on Northern Ave.

Museum of Science: This museum has some of the best dinosaur exhibits in the US. You can also explore the innovative visiting exhibits that change every couple of months. You can also experience the OMNI Theater, a 180 degree screen which brings movie viewing to a whole new level! Take the green line to the Science Park stop. Bowling and Billiards: You can try bowling at Kings in the Back Bay, just take the green line to Hynes and walk to 50 Dalton St, just off Boylston St. You can shoot pool (billiards) at Jillian’s, which is across the street from Fenway Park on Lansdowne St. You can also enjoy the evening at Felt on Washington St. near downtown crossing. (these are all great under 21 spots at night too) Brewery Tours: You can take a tour of the Sam Adams Brew Pub located at 30 Germania St. in Jamaica Plain. Check out their website at samadams.com for more information. You can also visit the Harpoon Brewery at 306 Northern Ave right on the waterfront in Boston. You can visit their website at harpoonbrewery.com for more information. (these are 21+ activities and bring your passport)

ADDITIONAL MUSEUMS The Peabody Museum at Harvard, Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, the FOGG Art Museum at Harvard, the MIT Museum 23

ENTERTAINMENT •

IMAX Theater: See a 3D movie on the big IMAX screen next door to the Aquarium.

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Movie Theater: There is a LOWES theater located on the Boston Common at the green line Boylston St. stop. There is also another LOWES at Harvard Square. They always have a variety of movies playing so you are sure to find something you like! Boston Comedy Connection: If you are over 18, you can enjoy listening to comics at the Comedy Connection at Quincy Market or in Harvard Square. Head of the Charles: Every year in the fall there is the Head of the Charles Regatta on the Charles River. You can see teams from all over the world compete. Boston Restaurant Week: Two times a year you can experience a week of fine dining on a serious budget! For one week in March and one week in August, restaurants around Boston offer fine dining menus at budget prices. Make sure you make a reservation for this event! Bowling and Billiards: You can try bowling at Kings in the Back Bay, just take the green line to Hynes and walk to 50 Dalton St, just off Boylston St. You can shoot pool (billiards) at Jillian’s, which is across the street from Fenway Park on Lansdowne St. You can also enjoy the evening at Felt on Washington St. near downtown crossing. (these are all great under 21 spots at night too) Shakespeare in the Park: Every summer there are free performances of Shakespeare plays in the Boston Common. Hatch Shell Movies: Every weekend in the summertime there are free movies shown on a big outdoor screen at the Boston Esplanade on the Charles River. Start time vary so stay tuned!

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Boston Red Sox: Take in a Red Sox baseball game at historic Fenway Park. The season starts in April and runs through September or October. If you are interested in purchasing tickets to a game ask your teacher or a staff member what the easiest way to do so is. Also check redsox.com Boston Celtics: You can watch the Boston Celtics play at the TD BankNorth at North Station in Boston. The Celtics take the court a couple of times a week from November through April. Ask a staff member where you can buy tickets. You can always check celtics.com Boston Bruins: The Bruins share the TD BankNorth with the Celtics. You can watch the Bruins battle another NHL team in the quest for the Stanley Cup. The Bruins play from November to April. Ask a staff member where to buy tickets. You can check bruins.nhl.com. 24

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New England Patriots: Learn about American football by watching a game in Foxboro. Buy tickets in advance and take the commuter rail to the game.

WEEKEND OR DAY TRIPS OUTSIDE BOSTON •

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Beaches: There are a number of beaches that are near Boston and easily accessible by public transportation. Revere Beach is located at the Wonderland T stop on the blue line. Singing Beach is located in Manchester by the Sea which is on the Rockport commuter line which leaves from North Station. Crane Beach is a beautiful beach and conservation area in Ipswich on the Newburyport commuter line which leaves from North Station. Salem: Salem is a lovely historic town located on Boston’s North Shore. You can stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the Peabody Essex Museum, and also the Salem Witch Museum. Salem is easily accessible from North Station on the commuter rail. Newburyport: Newburyport is a beautiful historic town on the North Shore of Boston. You can shop in the downtown area and grab a bite at a great seafood restaurant. If you prefer nature, you can take the city bus to Plum Island for a hike or to spend some time at the beach. Providence, RI: Providence is the capitol of Rhode Island and located only one hour to the south. You can take the commuter rail from South Station to downtown Providence. There is great shopping, wonderful restaurants, and Brown University (an Ivy League University). New York, NY: New York City is one of the most dynamic and interesting cities in the world! Anything is possible and everything is at your fingertips. You can visit MOMA, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the list goes on and on. NYC is only 4 hours from Boston and there are numerous buses departing from South Station all day every day. If you prefer the train, that leaves from South Station too. Buy your tickets online and save some money. Montreal, Canada: Enjoy the European charm of Canada’s most cosmopolitan city. It is old world meets new world in this beautiful city just 5 hours north of Boston. It is easy to reach Montreal by bus or rented car, but make sure you speak with the Registrar before you go in case there are special Visa requirements or in case you need to bring your I-20. Portland, ME: Portland is the largest city in the state of Maine and has been voted one of the best small cities to live in. It is a two hour bus or train ride from Boston and a great place to spend the weekend. In the Old City you can dine on the water and explore artisan shops. Portsmouth, NH: Portsmouth is a beautiful seaside city in New Hampshire. It is a great place to spend the day or evening and enjoy the beach, wonderful food, a brewery, and Water Country (New England’s biggest water park). It is a 1.5 hour bus ride from South Station. 25

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Amusement Parks: There are two major amusement parks near Boston. The biggest is Six Flags in western MA which is accessible by chartered buses. Check with a staff member for more information. The second is Canobie Lake which is in southern NH. It is about one hour north of Boston and accessible by car. White Water Rafting: This is an exciting sport that can be done on certain rivers in New Hampshire and Maine. Private tour operators organize half or full day excursions during the summer. Get ready for a wet and wild ride! Ask the Student Services Coordinator for more information. Hiking: If you like to go hiking then New England is the place for you. Near the city you can visit Blue Hill, Mount Auburn, or Walden Pond. If you have more time you can go to the White Mountains in New Hampshire or the Green Mountains in Vermont. Ask the Student Services Coordinator for more information on places to hike or visit www.outdoors.org. Lakes: There are numerous beautiful lakes in New England. Lake Winnipesaukee is about 2.5 hours north of Boston. If you’d like to spend the weekend, Wolfeboro and Meredith are beautiful lakeside towns. Cape Cod and the Islands: Cape Cod is a beautiful area to visit if you want to experience the pristine beauty of beaches and sand dunes. You can take a bus from South Station or a ferry from the Aquarium. Spend the day, weekend, or week! There is plenty to do! Newport, RI: This is where young people go for an action packed weekend! The water is warm, the surf is high, and the bars are packed. Make sure you make a reservation at a motel before you board the bus from South Station!

Under 21?? Sometimes it is hard to find something to do at night when you are under 21. For those of you who are, here are a few ideas: Live Music: Most of the places where there is live music are open to the 18+ crowds. The Middle East and TT The Bears are two live music venues in Central Square in Cambridge that are open to 18+ crowds. Harper’s Ferry is in Allston and is usually open to 18+ crowds. Dance Clubs: The Pheonix Landing in Central Square Cambridge is a laid back dance club that opens its doors to 19+ crowds. **Check the Improper Bostonian for more Club listings and age requirements** 26

Computer Etiquette Dear LSI Student, Before using the Computer, please read the following rules regarding computer etiquette. If you have any questions, please see an LSI staff member and someone will be happy to help you. 1.

Once the computer is on, please leave it on, it is not necessary to shut the computer off.

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Please sign out from Email when you are finished.

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Do not change any settings/defaults on the computer.

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Please limit your time to 10 minutes when others are waiting. Everyone needs the chance to communicate with their friends and family back home.

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No food or drinks in the computer room.

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Messages are private. If you know that a message is not for you, don’t read it!

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Students are not permitted to miss class time in order to use the computer. Computer hours are during breaks and after school only. Any student in violation of the rules may lose his/her computer privileges!

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Helpful web pages If you need extra practice or are curious about what is going on in Boston, you can take a look at these websites. www.esl-lab.com listening exercises www.geocities.com/yamataro670/readinglab.htm reading exercises http://daveseslcafe.com grammar quizzes, reading http://a4esl.org Grammar quizzes www.eslgold.com all skills www.esl-lounge.com all skills www.tefel.net all skills www.espartyland.com activities www.boston.craigslist.org housing, tickets, items for sale www.boston.citysearch.com search events, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. www.yelp.com/boston search events, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc www.boston.com see what is happening in the city

Enjoy your stay in Boston and LSI 28