GO: Global Orientation
Get to know students from all over the world while discovering Tufts, the surrounding community, and the city of Boston during the GO Pre-Orientation program.
About
We offer an incomparable opportunity to form intercultural connections and lifelong friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Your GO experience might include a ride on a speed boat in the Boston Harbor, a trip into the history of Boston, or an Amazing Race competition across campus. GO will be a highlight of your college experience and a perfect way to start this next chapter of your life. Student leaders, called Host Advisors, will lead new students in a wide variety of activities, planned to help with your transition and have fun!
Typical Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast of bagels, muffins, donuts, and coffee |
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome from the GO staff and Tufts faculty |
| 10 a.m. | Learn about Tufts student life, set up your phone and bank accounts or participate in our cross-cultural workshop |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch at Carmichael Dining Hall |
| 1 p.m. | Depart for day trips. Previous day trips have included Harvard Square, the Boston Harbor or the New England coast |
| 6 p.m. | Dinner with host advisors and fellow GO participants |
| 7 - 11 p.m. | On-campus evening activities such as the campus-wide Amazing Race competition or relaxing on the Tisch rooftop |
Student Coordinators
Jake Flosi
Jake '27 (he/him) has lived in Oregon and Tanzania. He is studying International Relations and Economics with a minor in Spanish. You can find Jake commentating Tufts sports for JumboCast, reflecting and worshiping with the Protestant Students Association, playing complex board games with friends, and yapping about all things Tottenham Hotspur.
Arman Kassam
Arman '27 (he/him) is a sophomore from Vancouver, Canada majoring in Computer Science and International Relations. He is an avid debater, a member of Tufts Hemispheres, and a massive Vancouver Canucks fan. He is excited for a great orientation this summer!
Staff
Patrick Himes
International Center Assistant Director
Pat joined Tufts and the GO team in 2014. Before that, he served in the United States Peace Corps in the Kyrgyz Republic where he discovered and cultivated a love for all things international and cross-cultural. Pat earned a Master’s in intercultural relations from Lesley University and earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State University.
Julia Keith
International Center Senior Program Administrator for Communication and Engagement
Julia joined the Tufts International Center and GO program in 2022. A native of Massachusetts and a former French teacher, she has spent extensive time traveling, living and volunteering abroad in places such as France, Morocco, French Polynesia, Haiti and Senegal. She earned degrees from Bryn Mawr College and Boston University.
Contact Us
GO
go@tufts.edu | 617-627-3458 | tuftsgo
Arriving at Tufts, I was extremely nervous about being in a new environment and trying to make new friends. However, immediately after meeting my GO group, I knew that I wouldn't have to worry. Everyone was super friendly, and I still fondly look back on my GO experience. Pre-O created so many avenues for people to meet, and some of my closet friends were made then. If you are apprehensive about the transition to college, or you are just yearning to come to Tufts early, then Pre-O is just right for you!
Will Miller, Class of 2027
Global Orientation really shaped my entire college experience: I've made life-long friends each year I've participated and found a growing and diverse community that I can always come back to. My freshman year, Pre-O gave me time to get to know the campus before Orientation week and find a support system early on in my new friends and group leaders.
Victoria Isuani, Class of 2025
I really loved the group bonding activities in GO. As an international student, the program had a huge impact on how I integrated into the community and allowed me to explore different cultures and backgrounds while getting to know new people. I think Pre-O gives this "grace period" before the actual school year officially starts, where students can sign up to meet those that have similar interests as them.
Stephanie Li, Class of 2027
My favorite part about my GO experience is that it made me more comfortable communicating with new people and sharing my own feelings and ideas. I find exploring Tufts and the city as a group helped tighten the bond between me and my group members, and familiarized me with college life, living as an individual in a dorm community. People should participate in Pre-O to be more comfortable in socializing with people and have more time in Tufts and Boston.