A Guide to Massachusetts
Getting A Massachusetts ID
Although not required, you may wish to get a Massachusetts ID card. This does not grant status to drive, but can be an alternative form of identification so you do not have to carry your passport, and can keep it in a secure location. There are various locations where you can do so, or apply online. Please visit the RMV website for instructions. You will need documentation showing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence as required by federal and state law.
To be eligible for a Mass ID card, you must:
- Be a Massachusetts resident (bring evidence of residency)
- Not hold a driver’s license in any U.S. state.
- Have a Social Security number (or a certified denial letter from the SSA).
Boston History
As one of the oldest cities in America, Boston has fun and fascinating attractions and experiences on almost every corner. From historic sites and erudite museums to stunning views, many of Boston’s attractions capture its essence. To narrow down the long list of possibilities and get the best sense of the city, here’s a look at the top 12 things to do in Boston.
Attractions
Rian J-1 Tip- Discounted Tickets: Most local public libraries offer discounted tickets and passes to local attractions and museums. Joining the libraries is free of charge with proof of residence in the town or city in which you reside (ie. an MA ID or lease etc.)
Freedom Trail (book here)
This 2.5-mile (four-kilometer) tour of Boston’s historic landmarks and sites is one of Boston’s most popular activities. The trail is marked by a red line around the downtown area, and includes 16 different sites such as churches, historic burial grounds, meeting houses and the STate House, where the state government resides. You can explore the Freedom trail yourself or book a tour with the Freedom Trail Foundation.
Fenway Park
Home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team, Fenway Park opened in 1912, making it the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. It currently holds over 37,000 fans. Fenway Park is known for its unique shape due to Boston’s famously crooked streets. The left-field wall, known as the “Green Monster”, was painted green in 1947 and is nationally considered the park’s most iconic feature. The park is accessible on the MBTA’s Green B, C or D lines (‘Kenmore’ stop), a short 15-20 minute train ride from downtown. Be sure to leave extra time on game nights! Rian J1 tip – if going to a game check out Gate E where a limited number of game day tickets are sold at face value for every home game.
Duck Tours
Known for providing historical and educational guided tours on decommissioned World War II boats, these tours cover both land and sea, starting in the city of Boston and venturing into the Boston Harbor.
Boston Common and Public Garden
Boston Harbor Islands
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace
North End
Charles River Esplanade
Boston Aquarium
Bunker Hill Monument
Museums
Museum of Fine Arts
With one of the most comprehensive collections of art, the MFA holds over 450,000 works of art, including sections dedicated to Contemporary Art, Europe, the Americas, the Ancient World, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Museum of Science
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Unique in its mixture of indoor and outdoor space, the museum is modeled after a Venetian palazzo, and houses one of the world’s most remarkable art collections, including oil paintings, tapestries, modern and Italian renaissance art. However, in March 18, 1990 13 pieces were stolen- the single largest art theft in the world.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Edward Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Day Trips
North Shore
Cape Cod
Portsmouth, NH
Coast of Maine
Newport RI and Block Island
Networking
Irish Network Boston (INB)
Boston Irish Business Association (BIBA)
Rian J-1 tip: connect with these groups before travelling to the U.S. to make connections ahead of travel. This may help you when settling in, and it allows you to note any important networking dates and contacts in your diary. It is always best to get a head start on the internship search process. Check out their useful resource guide here.
