INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATIONStarting 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 ORIENTATIONThe 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

Going over expectations at the start will greatly reduce the potential for problems later on.

Placement Tests

Getting Support

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 INTEGRATIONHelping 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

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?