International Student Orientation: 3 September through 9 September 2008

International Student Orientation is mandatory and free of charge. International transfer and exchange students are also required to attend the International Student Orientation.

Note: You must contact Petra Crosby (pcrosby@acs.carleton.edu) by June 30, 2008 to participate in the International Student Orientation.

The Director of International Student Programs organizes a special International Student Orientation, which takes place before the New Student Week activities.

We feel that students who have participated in the orientation have adjusted more easily to their new life:

My ISO experience was fantastic. Any apprehensions or uncertainties that I thought I might have about life at Carleton were immediately quelled by a very meticulously organized orientation program. I received a one week crash course in the subtle nuances of Carletonian culture and way of life. Such was the success of the orientation program, that during the first day of New Student Week, which follows right after ISO, I found myself frequently giving directions to my peers to places on campus and informing them about Carleton traditions and secrets.
-Reshad Sabed '08 Singapore

Honestly, I think it's the little things about ISO that I'll never forget. My favorite was the laundry skit that the ISO leaders put up. I know it sounds silly but sometimes the most intimidating thing as a freshman can be just not knowing how to operate a washer and dryer. It's simple enough now but when you're trying to adjust to a new climate, an alien environment and an entirely new life, having ISO leaders who would explain the most basic of things was definitely a plus.
-Dashini Jeyathurai '08 Malaysia

I sincerely thank ISO for what it has provided me. The seven-day orientation with international upper classmen and other international incoming students was definitely a great chance to get myself used to Carleton in a much smoother way. Although I had some previous experience in the U.S. through attending an American boarding school, the transition to Carleton would have been quite difficult without ISO. Starting from having breakfast together in the morning, opening a bank account at a local bank, trip to the city, and the Minnesota State Fair, ISO helped me find my right place at Carleton through various events. I am grateful to ISO for the fellowship it has allowed me as well. Lots of people I got to know at the ISO are still the ones with whom I get together often. ISO is a once-in-a-Carleton-time event one should never miss out on. Would I do it all over again? Of course!
-Wookie Hwang '09 Korea

ISO was a really great experience, and one of the warmest welcomes I've ever received. My parents came to see me off, and after the first day, my mom said, "I'm so relaxed now, all my worries have vanished!" Apart from all the fun and the mixing around, meeting new people and sharing our experiences, it was the best way to begin college. It was simply great!
-Avantika Jalan '10 India

I thought at first that staying at Carleton for an extra week would be the most boring experience that I would ever have at Carleton. However, everything turned out to be completely different. It was the most enjoyable week I ever had. Getting to know other international students who had similar concerns made me realize that we are all into this whole new Carleton world together. Getting to know the international upperclassmen also helped us to get acquainted with this new world. They helped so much. The most important thing about ISO is that I realized that I'm not alone and people will be on my side. I am thankful for the experiences I had during ISO.
-Mio Shimma '10

This Orientation is intended to provide international students with added time and exposure to life at Carleton College during a calm time before New Student Week. Some international students have language insecurities and some have no experience outside of their home countries; this is a time for these students to adjust not only to life at Carleton College, but also to completely different food, weather, time zone, and interpersonal communication.

Other goals of orientation include helping international students become acclimated to the United States, to the campus, and to the academic expectations of Carleton College. With the assistance College administrators and faculty, staff, and Peer Mentors the participants will receive help with:

• Opening a bank account
• Shopping for necessary supplies
• Introduction to immigration regulations
• Academic advising and support
• Public safety issues
• Health Education
• Introduction to computer and library facilities
• Intercultural adjustments strategies

Participants will tour Northfield and the Carleton College campus. There will also be time to shop and explore, and a one-day excursion to a place of cultural and historical interest in the vicinity of Northfield. There will be time for discussions about life in a foreign environment, and reports from returning international students on their methods of coping with adjustment to student life in the United States.

View 2007 orientation schedule

International Student Orientation is required and mandatory for all incoming international students and international exchange and transfer students.

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Transfer Students

American citizens who have grown up abroad may wish to participate in the International Student Orientation. These students have typically lived outside of the United States for much of their lives and might have attended non-American school systems abroad. Though they may carry a U.S. passport or a green card, their concerns about student life in the United States parallel those of international students. While those students are welcome to participate, they should be aware that a small part of the program focuses in on the concerns of non-U.S. citizens, such as visa regulations. Usually up to one third of ISO participants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

New Student Week

New Student Week is the time for all incoming students to begin to organize their fall course selection and get oriented to Carleton College and their new home in Northfield. New Student Week is free of charge and starts September 10th!