Supplement to the John Hancock International Funds Prospectus
                               Dated March 1, 2002

                        John Hancock European Equity Fund
                            John Hancock Global Fund

On November 19, 2002, the Trustees of John Hancock European Equity Fund and John
Hancock Global Fund (each a "Fund" and together the "Funds") voted to recommend
that the shareholders of each Fund approve a tax-free reorganization of the
Fund, as described below.

Under the terms of each reorganization, subject to shareholder approval at a
shareholder meeting of each Fund scheduled to be held on May 7, 2003, each Fund
would transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock International
Fund ("International Fund") in a tax-free exchange for shares of equal value of
International Fund. Further information regarding the proposed reorganizations
will be contained in a proxy statement and prospectus which is scheduled to be
mailed to each Fund's shareholders on or about February 25, 2003.

Effective at the close of business on February 14, 2003, the Funds will be
closed to all new accounts.


November 21, 2002

11/02