International Student Orientation

Coming to a new country can be a challenging experience, but with the right preparation it can be exciting and full of opportunities! To assist you with the transition from your home country to Loyola, the Center for International Education requires that all new international students attend the mandatory International Student Orientation.

As you prepare for your journey, we invite you to join our Facebook pages for the Center for International Education, the International Student Association and the International Buddies (inbus) program. You can ask questions and exchange your thoughts with current international students at Loyola.

You will also find the International Student section of our website helpful with information on the visa application process, pre-departure information and much more.

The orientation covers information that you, as an international student, need to know whether this is your first time in the U.S. or you have studied here already. The orientation also provides a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other international students and it’s a great way for you to begin your Loyola experience.

Orientation Schedule

Spring 2013

Friday, January 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mercy Hall Room 301

• Sample Orientation Schedule
  

Please Register Here for Orientation

NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen who has been living abroad or you are on another visa type (rather than a student visa) you are also welcome to attend International Student Orientation!

If you are a Loyola Intensive English Program (LIEP) student, please see the LIEP website for information about orientation.

Click on the links below to learn more about orientation: 

• Topics Covered at Orientation
• Orientation Schedule
• Benefits of Attending
  
• Airport Pickup
• New Student Orientation
• Multicultural Orientation

Topics Covered in Orientation


• Introduction to U.S. Academic Life
• Working on campus and in the U.S.
• SEVIS and Immigration - Everything you need to know to stay in-status
• Living in New Orleans
  
• International Student Association and campus life
• Adjusting to life in the U.S.
• Student Panel: A Practical Guide to living in New Orleans: International students tell you everything you need to know!

Orientation Schedule

Remember, the orientation program is mandatory and you must attend or you will not be allowed to register. For specific times and locations, please refer to the appropriate schedule below.

Fall 2013


F-1 Degree-Seeking Students must attend both days: 

• Monday, August 20, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Miller Hall Room 112 AND
• Tuesday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Miller Hall Room 112

J-1 Exchange Students must attend both days:

• Thursday, August 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mercy Hall Room 305 AND
• Friday, August 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mercy Hall Room 305
   

Spring 2013

Friday, January 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mercy Hall Room 301

• Sample Orientation Schedule
  

Benefits of Attending International Student Orientation

1. Gain information about your visa type and how to remain in legal immigration status.
2. Learn about working on campus and in the U.S.
3. Receive information on classes, how to open a bank account, get a SSN, cell phone and much, much more!
4. Find out how to adjust to life in the U.S.
5. Meet and become friends with other international students and American students.
6. Explore the differences and similarities between the academic systems of the United States and the academic system of your home country and gain helpful skills that can help you navigate the U.S. academic system more effectively.
7. Become acquainted with places and services on campus.
8. Learn about how to get involved with student life at Loyola.
9. Discover what makes New Orleans unique, including its culture, music and food.
10. Have your questions and concerns answered by people you can trust including current international students at Loyola.

Airport Pickup

Once you have purchased your ticket, please visit the airport pickup website to enter the details of your flight. Please fill out the information at least two weeks before your arrival.


New Student Orientation

All new F-1 degree-seeking students are also required to register for and attend New Student Orientation. You are welcome to attend any of the sessions being held throughout the month of June.

However, if you cannot attend a June session because you live abroad, there will be an orientation in August. Please send an email to Heather Roundtree to reserve a spot at the August orientation.

NOTE: J-1 exchange students and LIEP students are not required to attend New Student Orientation.

Multicultural Orientation


The Multicultural Orientation is a free event held for incoming freshman of any racial or ethnic background.

Through a variety of activities, students will have the opportunity to unite, interact, form bonds with one another, explore their similarities as well as their differences, and learn about opportunities to get involved on-campus.

Participants will learn:

• Diversity awareness and intercultural understanding and appreciation.
• Awareness of the power of prejudice and stereotypes and their impact on teaching and learning and develop some strategies for dealing with this problem.
• To identify from one’s experience behaviors that build trust or break trust across cultures and identify strategies for building trust between cultures on this campus.

The Multicultural Orientation will be held on Saturday, August 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please contact Co-Curricular Programs.

Don't forget to register for International Student Orientation!