INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION Starting the year off right!

The Importance of Orientation Why do we need an international student orientation? To address issues that domestic students won’t have Cultural Awareness Logistical Support Residential Program A successful orientation can prevent problems down the road.

CIIE In-Country Pre-Orientation Of course, schools still need to put on their own orientations!

What Do You Need to Cover? School and Campus Orientation Where and what everything is, and setting up the academic program. Life in the U.S. Logistical support for international students. Residential Life and Integration Introducing Host/Dorm Parents, and helping ensure a smooth transition to the school community.

SCHOOL AND CAMPUS ORIENTATION The Basics

Campus Tour Allows students to get a physical feel of the campus. Note: This will almost certainly be the first time students have been on the campus at all, unlike many domestic students.

Meet the Faculty and Staff Chinese students love to have personal relationships with teachers. Helps students adapt to the classroom more quickly.

Classroom Expectations Discussion- based Classes ParticipationGrading Going over expectations at the start will greatly reduce the potential for problems later on.

Placement Tests Helps schools find the appropriate amount of language support to provide to their students. English Tests International students have taken different curricula. Subject tests can verify what classes they should be taking. Subject Tests

Getting Support Tutoring ESL CambridgeOnline

LIFE IN THE U.S. Providing Logistical Support

Cell Phones The school should offer opportunities for students to purchase cell phones Complex process, so students will need help from schools. Pay-as-you-go plans offer good value. Cambridge Phone Plans Pre-paid bar phones or Smartphones No overages or outages Unlimited calls and text

Banking - What Schools Need To Know! Minors often need a co-signer to open an account Host families and schools should never act as a co-signer! Local banks are often the best option. China Construction Bank Relationship with Bank of America

Banking - What Students Need To Know! Bank Account types Hours ATM Fees Bill Payment International Banking

Documentation Students should have the following: Official transcripts Immunization Records Visa I-20 Passport Keep several copies of these documents, students need to have them at all times!

Visas What are the duties of F1 students while in the U.S.? Keep to Arrival and Departure Dates Have a Full Course Load No Unauthorized Employment Leave U.S. Immediately If Expelled

Immunizations Students are expected to have all immunizations completed upon arrival However, be prepared if they do not by providing opportunities to go to local health care provider.

Transportation and Domestic Travel Public Transportation Travel Policies Make sure students are aware of public transit options and how to use them safely and effectively. If your school has rules regarding students traveling, this is the best time to introduce them to your international students.

Shopping School supplies Notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, protractor, calculator, etc. Uniforms and School Clothes If your school has a uniform, students can purchase that during ISO. If not, they may want to buy some more school clothes.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE AND INTEGRATION Helping Ensure a Smooth Transition

Introduction to Residential Life Homestay Programs – Be sure both students and host parents have appropriate expectations of their host families. It’s best to have host parents actively involved in the ISO. Dormitory Programs – Be sure to have the Dorm Parents meet the students and conduct tour of the dorm.

Residential Agreement Schools should make sure to go over the Residential Agreement with their students. Even though students have signed it, they probably have not read it. Set clear guidelines early.

Introduction to Local Area Unique features ShoppingRestaurantsActivities Remember, your international students will be very unfamiliar with your neighborhood!

Integration Into the School Community This is the time to talk about events you have planned that international students can take part in. Survey students- find what they’re good at and help them find an outlet for it.

Communication & Accountability During ISO, it is vital to instruct students on who they may turn to for different resources and guidance. Provide students with a list of school officials, what they do, and how to contact them.

Feedback Let students tell you what they think. This will encourage them to process the information they have received and help you prepare for next year!

Questions?