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ACADEMYBOSTON

CATS Academy BostonPre-arrival Handbook 2014 - 2015

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Dear CATS Academy Boston Students, Congratulations, and how wonderful that you have chosen to join us at CATS Academy Boston! All the members of the CATS Boston community send you warm greetings and eagerly await your arrival to our school community! Located just seven miles from the center of Boston, you will live and study in a caring community of teachers and learners surrounded by the rich history and culture of Boston, home to some of the world’s greatest colleges and universities, including Harvard and MIT.

At CATS, you will learn from expert teachers, who are themselves graduates of many of these great universities, and study alongside students from dozens of countries around the world. You will make friendships that will last a lifetime.

I am looking forward to seeing you here in Newton soon.

In the meantime, this Student Pre-Arrival Handbook provides the essential information you will need before and after your arrival, so please read it carefully and follow the instructions. To speed the process of completing these forms in a timely manner, please send them to us by email if you can. Do make sure the Contact Form is completed.

Best Wishes.

Dr. James TracyHead of School, CATS Academy Boston

Welcome to CATS Academy Boston

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Contents

Academy Contact Information .......................................................... 5Before You Travel ............................................................................... 6When and Where to Arrive............................................................ 7What to Bring with You When You Travel ......................................... 8Arrival in Boston - What to Expect.................................................... 9Orientation ....................................................................................... 10Adjusting to Life in America.............................................................. 11Academy Expectations ...................................................................... 12Financial Matters .............................................................................. 13Academy Activities ............................................................................ 14Map of CATS locations...................................................................... 15

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AddressCATS Academy Boston575 Washington StreetNewton, MA 02458

TelephoneSchool +1 (857) 400-9700Emergency (off-hours) +1 (617) 610-5635

E-mailstudentservices@catsacademyboston.com

Academy Contact Information

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Before You Travel

VisasIf you are not a US citizen, you will need to hold an I-20 from CATS Academy Boston and a valid F-1 student visa in order to be able to study at the school. If you have not previously studied in the USA and you meet all the conditions on your offer letter, Central Admissions will provide you with an I-20. You will need to apply for the F-1 student visa in your main country of residence before travelling to the US.

If you have already been studying in the US on a F-1 visa from another school, we will need to transfer your I-20 from that school. If you return home between courses, you might need to apply for a new F-1 visa before returning to the US. Central Admissions can advise you based on your individual circumstances - please contact us at +44 1223 345698 or admissions@ceg-uk.com.

Preparing for your Student Visa Interview:Should your application be successful and you are admitted to our program, your next step will be to apply for a student visa. As part of your visa application process, you will likely have to attend an in-person visa interview. Below are some tips on how to prepare for this. Please note we can not guarantee a successful outcome to your visa interview. These points are only meant as a guide for your interview.• Attend: Failure to attend the interview may result in your application being automatically refused. • Answer: You should always answer all questions fully and honestly.• Think: You should think in advance about your program or course, the documents you provided in your visa

application, and your intention to study. The Visa Official wants to know that you have given serious thought before choosing your course.

• Speak English!: The Visa Official will likely be checking your level of English so always answer in English, not via an interpreter. Practice answers to potential questions and be prepared.

• Ask: Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question to make sure you are providing the information they want.

Medical Forms IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANTthatyoumaketimetocompletetheseformswithyourfamilydoctorPRIOR to arrival in theUSasthisisalegalrequirementintheStateofMassachusetts.You will receive a packet of medical forms once you have enrolled in our school. Completion of these forms is compulsory and students will not be allowed to begin courses until the packet is completed in its entirety. You must bring up-to-date immunization records when you arrive. If you don’t arrive with proper immunization records, then CATS Academy Boston will arrange immunizations for you at a cost, so it is important we know your immunizations.

InsuranceHealth insurance is mandatory in the state of Massachusetts and is not provided free of charge. You will beautomatically enrolled in the CATS Academy student health insurance. The cost is $1,020 for the academic year.

Insurance of personal property• The Academy cannot accept responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, your personal belongings.• Don’t bring highly valuable possessions or equipment to the Academy.• If you do choose to bring valuable items, we encourage you to arrange your own insurance for personal possessions

as the Academy cannot arrange this for you• There are multiple providers available for Students’ Possessions Insurance• The school can hold student passports in a safe location.

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When and Where to Arrive

When and where to ArriveFor Fall and Spring semesters, please plan to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before the start of classes.

All arriving students should report to CATS Academy Boston for registration and a welcome by staff between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. This school’s address is:

575 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458

For students who have not booked a transfer and are arriving independently, please plan to arrive during this time frame.

Students arriving outside of these time frames will need to go directly to their dormitory. Please notify us if your arrival is before or after the 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM time frame and we will confirm your dormitory assignment and address for your arrival.

If you would like for us to arrange an airport transfer for you, we would be glad to do so. Airport transfers must be requested at least 48 hours prior to departure from your home country. Please inform us of your exact flight details and we will arrange for a driver to pick you up and transport you. Airport transfer charges will be invoiced.

Staying in CATS Academy Dormitories?• You should plan to arrive at your residence hall on the Saturday or Sunday before the start of classes.• If you would like for us to arrange an airport transfer for you, we would be glad to do so. Please inform us of your

exact flight details and we will arrange for a driver to pick you up and transport you. Airport transfer charges will be invoiced.

• All students are expected to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before the start of classes. If you cannot do so, you must let the Academy know in advance before the start of classes.

Staying in a Homestay Arranged by CATS Academy Boston?• You will receive your homestay family contact information before you are arrive. You must contact your homestay

family in advance to tell them when you expect to arrive to their home so they can arrange to be there and greet you.

• If you would like for us to arrange an airport transfer for you, we would be glad to do so. Please inform us of your exact flight details and we will arrange for a driver to pick you up and transport you to your homestay. Airport transfer charges will be invoiced.

CATSAcademyBostonEmergencyPhoneNumber Foremergenciesduringarrivalweekend,pleasecall:Tel: +1 (617) 610-5635

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What to Bring with You When You Travel

International studentsPlease make sure that you have the following with you when you travel:

Documentation:Keep ALL of the following in your hand luggage.• Passport with visa• I-20• ORIGINALS (not copies) of documents which were used to support your visa application• This pre-arrival handbook with CATS Academy Boston details and phone numbers• If you bring any medication into the USA, also carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor explaining

what the medicine is and what it is for • Students aged under 18 should have a letter from their parents giving them permission to travel Keep in Mind:• Do not bring any fruit, vegetables, plants, meat or animal products. It is illegal to import these to the USA. • Depending on the time of year for your arrival, you should bring a warm jacket for colder weather. For those arriving

in warmer September, the weather will get very cold before you leave in December.

All students• Please bring cash for arrival and the first two weeks. We suggest around $250.• Spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you have them and a copy of your prescription • Medicines prescribed by a doctor and also a copy of prescriptions, preferably with generic names • A USA travel adaptor • Photographs and reminders of family and home • Essential toiletries for the first few days such as shampoo, soap/body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.• Bed linens are provided with your housing, including pillows, blankets, sheets and towels, but you are welcome to

bring your own if you wish to personalize your living space.• The coldest temperatures in Boston for the winter range from (-6°/ 2 °Celsius), so it advisable to bring warm clothes,

for example sweaters, boots, thick socks, and wool/down jackets. You will also be able to purchase some of these items while in the USA.

• New students should purchase in their home country, a paper-based bilingual dictionary to assist the students with their learning in their subjects.

• Cell Phones - All students are required to have a US based cell phone. You may bring a US compatible phone with you or purchase one on arrival.

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Arrival in the USA - What to Expect

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionWhen you arrive at your port of entry, you will need to pass through immigration. You will need to show the immigration team: - Passport - I-20 - Evidence of payment for your SEVIS application

The immigration officer may take your fingerprints and ask you questions about your reasons for studying in the US. It is important that you can answer these questions in detail. Make sure you have all of your academic and visa documents in your carry-on luggage if you are flying into the US; you will not have access to your luggage until you have cleared immigration. Failure to have the right documents will result in delays or possible denial of entry into the US.

If you have any problems outside school hours, contact the Academy at +1 (617) 610-5635.

CustomsWe strong recommend that you do not bring more than $250 when arriving into the US to avoid immigration complications otherwise you may need to make a declaration at US Customs when entering the country.

CATSAcademyBostonEmergencyPhoneNumber Foremergenciesduringarrivalweekend,pleasecall:Tel: +1 (617) 610-5635

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Orientation

CATS Academy Boston provides a full orientation to welcome new students and equip you with all the key tools for success before you start classes. We will help you with the practical side of living in Boston, as well as make sure you have a lot of fun getting to know your new classmates!

• Meet and greet CATS Academy Boston staff• Be shown around CATS Academy Boston facilities• Plan your schedule with CATS Academy Boston teachers• Check your visa documentation - Bring this with you!• Learn your way around Boston• Get a US cell phone or US SIM card• Get help opening a bank account • Take placement tests• Perform the state-required medical forms• Get to know your new classmates and make friends

• Local trips and exciting activities

The orientation takes place at the start of term so be sure to arrive on time!

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HomesicknessWhen you arrive in Boston, life will be very exciting and upbeat. Over time, however, you may begin to miss your friends and family back home. It is perfectly normal to experience homesickness or culture shock when arriving in a new country and if is a good sign that you are engaging in the local culture and a healthy part of adjusting.

We are here to support you if you are experiencing these feelings, so please let us know. Staff will check in with you from time to time to see how you are doing. Many of the staff have experienced similar challenges, and would be happy to give advice on how to deal with it.

Counseling and Personal SupportIf you have a personal problem, worries or concerns of any kind (such as relationships, health, depression, anxiety, etc) please speak with any of the Academy staff. We have a school counselor on site and access to a school psychologist who can support you with managing any concerns you may have.

Student ServicesThe Student Services team is one of your central points of contact within CATS Academy. They will help you with any questions you have and act as your first point of contact for all non-academic issues or concerns. They will also be the main point of contact for your parents or agent. Please go and speak to them if you have questions and they will be very happy to help you or find the right person who can.

Adjusting to Life in America

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Academy Expectations

Academy RulesThe Academy encourages students to be responsible and to learn to manage their own time. You will experience a different learning environment from your previous school, but we will help you adapt. The Academy tries to keep an informal atmosphere. However, this is not at the expense of good manners and behavior. You are expected to treat your fellow students and all staff with respect. We have four very strict rules:

Drug MisuseIllegal drugs are not allowed under any circumstances. Legal drugs that are sold or misused will be dealt with as illegal drugs. The Head of School may, at his discretion, expel anyone caught in possession of, or having taken illegal drugs, may suspend the students, or may take other appropriate measures in keeping with school policies. Other actions may include:• Frequent drug testing (on average monthly) to be covered by the fee payer. Any positive reading will result in

immediate expulsion. • Participating in drug counseling and education programs as deemed appropriate by the Academy. Costs may be

incurred for this.

AlcoholIt is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink or possess alcohol. Though not illegal for anyone over the age of 21, alcohol is and will be treated as an illegal drug by the Head of School, and will be subject to the same policies.

SmokingSmoking is prohibited on all CATS Academy Boston property and on all related events and excursions. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces in the USA. This includes places such as restaurants, airports, railway stations, cafes and museums. In the USA, purchasing tobacco products is illegal for anyone under the age of 18.

AttendanceAuthorized attendance must be over 95%, with a minimum of 80% actual attendance at lessons. If it falls below this, then sanctions are applied. Missed assignments will affect your overall grade.

You must be here for the start of each term and not leave before the end. Make sure your travel arrangements comply with this. End of year examinations may not be taken early, and any missed exams will receive no credit, so we recommend that you plan your travel for after the last day of class.

DisciplineThere are five stages in the discipline process, the fifth being permanent exclusion from the Academy. During your first week, your advisors and dorm parents will take you through the specifics of the school behavioral policy. Parents will be notified if students are placed into the discipline process.

Curfew in Dorms and HomestaysGrades 9-10 Grades 11-12

Weeknights 7:30 pm 7:30 pmFriday & Saturday 8:30 pm 9:30 pm

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Financial Matters

You will need to have money for:

LivingcostsoutsideoftheAcademywhichmayincludeclothes,music,travel,eatingout.

• If you are over the age of 16 you will have the opportunity to set up a bank account in the United States. • If you are under 16, please have a debit card or credit card which allows you access to money throughout the year.

You will need spending money from time to time. CATS Academy Boston can arrange a float account for students under 16 who are unable to open a bank account.

MealsDormitoryBoardingStudentsMeals are included in the accommodation fees and are served at the school and in the Residence Hall. The Academy will not refund any element of the fees if the meals are not taken.

CATSAcademyArrangedHomestayStudentsBreakfast and dinner will be eaten with your homestay family and this is included in your accommodation fees for the homestay program. You may eat lunch at school during the school week. Lunch will be provided by your homestay family on the weekends.

Independent StudentsLunch during the week days is included with your tuition fees.

HousingIf the Academy decides to keep the dorm open during the school vacations, which is not guaranteed and assessed on a year-to-year basis, any student staying in the dorm will be charged $600 per week. During winter vacation, the residences are closed - students may return home, stay with approved family/guardians or a homestay can be arranged.

CATS Academy arranged homestay students may stay with their host family during any school vacations without any added cost.

Laundry The Academy will provide basic linens including sheets, blankets, and towels, as well as a regular laundry service for those items. There are laundry facilities either within the dorm or located a short walk away from the dorm for students to do their own laundry. Students are not allowed to do laundry in their rooms and drying clothes on heaters is not allowed, as it poses a fire hazard.

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Academy Activities

Sports and Clubs CATS Academy Boston provides a full After-School activities program, which offers an array of sports and clubs throughout the school year. The After-School Activities Program is mandatory for all students and an essential part of the cirriculum.

Activities and Trips CATS Academy Boston provides an enriching program of weekend and evening activities and excursions within the New England area for our students to enjoy. The program is designed to engage our students as members of the local community by providing access to key American experiences and places of cultural significance. Over the year there will be several New England-based trips, both for study and for learning more about the USA.• All trips are included in the Activities fee unless expressly stated by the trip organizer. • We arrange many leisure activities throughout the year such as bowling, theater, cinema visits and

organized Academy social events. Students will be notified about activities in advance.

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Map of CATS locations

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CATS Academy Boston Inc is part of Cambridge Education Group

Cambridge Education GroupKett HouseStation RoadCambridgeUnited KingdomCB1 2JH