By Jim Crawley
Coordinator of International Admissions
Central Michigan University

You've just arrived in College Town, USA. and you are ready to begin your studies. Upon arrival, you should immediately report to the International Office at your university. There you will find people who will be some of the first to welcome you to your new "home away from home." At first you will look around with great wonder at this new place with its many different types of people, new restaurants, new stores and new opportunities for growing and learning. There will also be times when you look around and realize how different everything is. The people are different, the campus is different , the language is different, everything is different! You may experience an incredible feeling of curiosity and eagerness to learn, while you may also experience homesickness and a frustration with the new values system that you are now being exposed to. In the beginning, you may wonder how you will deal with all of these changes.

These are feelings that most international students have during their first few days in the USA. There are many reasons why they occur, but more importantly, is how universities help you deal with this situation. Most universities provide a very helpful program which is typically called "International Student Orientation" and it normally occurs immediately preceding the beginning of your first semester of classes. Orientation is a time for you to learn about yourself, the campus and community as well as meet other students from around the world. These students are feeling many of the same feelings and having many of the same experiences and questions that you are.

Orientation programs range in length from a couple of days to as long as 10 days. Many topics may be discussed including: health care, banking, driving, safety, academic expectations, and cultural adjustment. Other important sessions that take place are academic advising, registration and immigration information sessions. All these sessions provide valuable information that should help you feel more at ease about this new experience you are embarking on.

During orientation, a campus tour will usually be offered. This will give you the opportunity to see the campus and to learn where the various buildings and offices are. The arrangement of offices can vary from campus to campus so you are highly encouraged go on the campus tour if it is offered. One important department that you should take note of is the health services office. Most campuses will have a facility that is used for routine or urgent care situations. It is important to know where this facility is and how they can serve you. During orientation you will also receive information about health insurance. On most campuses, having student health insurance is a requirement. Health care is very expensive and having good health insurance is one of the best decisions you can make.

Academic orientation, including registration and academic advising, is a very important part of your overall orientation. The US educational system can be very different than what you are accustomed to. Information sessions will help you to become familiar with classroom expectations, student/faculty roles, degree requirements, "elective" courses as well as any language competency that might be necessary. You may also meet your academic advisor. This faculty member will play an important role in helping you to plan your academic schedule.

Information regarding cultural adjustment is undoubtedly some of the most important information that you will receive. By coming to study in the United States, you will be entering a new situation that will challenge you, please you and frustrate you all at the same time. Every student experiences some form of what is commonly called "culture shock". For some students it is very minor, while other students may experience difficulty concentrating and even various levels of depression. The most important thing to realize that having these feelings is very normal.

There will be many new experiences and you will have the opportunity to meet many new people. The staff of the university's international office can help you with these experiences. International student orientation is a great way to begin this important process of getting to know all about the university and the campus community. Make sure you arrive on time and attend all the sessions, as you don't want to miss the important information that will be available. Most importantly, relax and enjoy this time as it will give you the opportunity to meet new people and learn many new things before classes begin.