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.

welcome receptionAs 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.

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! Please let us know if you would like to attend.

Loyola Intensive English Program (LIEP) students attend orientation on the first day of LIEP classes. See the LIEP website for more information: www.loyno.edu/cie/liep

Click on the links below to learn more about orientation: 

    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 2011

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

    *F-1 Undergraduate Degree-seeking students will then proceed to New Student Orientation at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Charles Room of the Danna Student Center.

    J-1 Exchange Students must attend both days:

     

    Spring 2012

    Friday, January 6, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mercy Hall Room 301

    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 following website http://www.loyno.edu/cie/airport-arrival-information to enter the details of your flight. Please fill out the information at least two weeks before your arrival.

    For the Spring 2012 semester, airport pickups will occur on Thursday, January 5 only.

    NOTE: We cannot guarantee pickup for students whose flights are delayed or for students who arrive after 9 PM on the established day for airport pickups. If you are staying at a hotel, we cannot pick you up at the airport.

    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 please send an email to Heather Roundtree to make other arrangements. (Note: J-1 exchange students are not required to attend New Student Orientation)

    Multicultural Orientation

    Multicultural OrientationThe 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 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please send an email to Kristy Magner at kmagner@loyno.edu.

 

Don't forget to register for International Student Orientation!