The Center for International Services conducts a comprehensive orientation for new international students every Fall and an abbreviated orientation every Spring semester. The orientation is designed to help incoming students adjust to life in the United States and at Rutgers. Starting school without preparation is confusing and even a bit frightening. Orientation is an important component of a successful transition. The personalized environment of the program created by the entire staff of the Center for International Services and a team of trained student volunteers help new students get familiar with their new surroundings and understand the various opportunities and resources available to them at Rutgers. The program also provides opportunities to meet informally with new and returning students, learn from their experiences, and make new friends.
Even if you have participated in an orientation program at another American university, you will find Rutgers' International Student Orientation useful --and a lot of fun! No two schools are alike and it is much easier to meet people and get things done before everyone gets busy with classes.
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The Fall Orientation is a 6-day program run like a conference, i.e., multiple sessions run concurrently, and participants select the sessions of most need and interest to them. Certain critical sessions are repeated several times during the week. Orientation registration fees paid by students who wish to participate or by departments wanting to ensure their international students participate fund the orientation program. The fee of $57.50 covers 6 very full days of information sessions and workshops, two dinner picnics, a welcoming reception, shuttle transportation to local shopping, several evening social activities, subsidies for three different trips (two to Broadway shows and one to Philadelphia for a day of sightseeing and relaxation), and many other programs.
Some of the other programs covered during orientation are:
- Opening a bank account
- Planning for Academics at Rutgers
- Taking placement examinations
- Moving into your residence hall (if staying in temporary Orientation housing only)
- Meeting other new students
- Learning about life in the US
- Getting familiar with the campus and local community
- Shopping for basic supplies
- Fulfilling your immigration-related reporting obligations and verifying your travel documents
- Obtaining permission to work on-campus
- Applying for a U.S. social security number
- Learning about rights and responsibilities of nonimmigrant students
View sample programs from the past
Testimonials
Read what student participants have to say about orientation.
Upcoming Orientation Information can be found in your admissions packet.
Spring 2010 Orientation on Friday January 15
View Photos from Recent Orientation Programs
Regarding further information about the International Student Orientation, please feel free to contact us
Marcy Cohen, Director, marcohen@rci.rutgers.edu
Urmi Otiv, Associate Director for Student Services, uso@rci.rutgers.edu
Center for International Faculty and Student Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
180 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-932-7015
