Living in a new country without the familiar faces of family and friends is a challenge commonly faced by international students and their parents. The Office of International Education (OIE) sponsors an orientation, known as the International Welcome Series, to welcome all new F and J visa international students to campus. 

GT 1000-INT is designed for freshman who have lived and received most of their education outside of the U.S. In addition to the Georgia Tech curriculum, this section will afford opportunities to students to learn strategies that will help them succeed in an American academic environment.  Students will grow in their understanding of cross-cultural realities,  their ability to understand the expectations that both professors and international students have for the other and how to effectively manage differences.

The International Welcome Series will run during the first month of classes. By attending these OIE-sponsored sessions and events, new international students will have the opportunity to meet other new international students and the ISSS staff. We hope students will gain valuable information that will assist them upon their arrival at Georgia Tech and throughout their studies. 

Topics for the International Welcome Series include:                                                 

• OIE Welcome Party
• USA/ Georgia Tech 101  

• How to succeed as a F1 or J1 student: understanding immigration regulations
• Academic transitions: tips for a successful cultural transition (discussion with staff of ISSS and international student panel)
• Staying safe and healthy in the U.S. (and understanding health insurance in the United States)
• Achieving academic success as an international student: discussion with graduate international student panel

Find more information about these sessions on the International Welcome Series website. While participation in the International Student Welcome Series is strongly encouraged, it is optional.

It is however mandatory for new international students to check-in with OIE to have their registration holds removed so that they may register for courses. Check-in in Clough Commons begins on Thursday, August 7, and lasts through Friday, August 15. Information about the mandatory OIE Check-In, please see our website.

Want to learn more about what your student should be doing now and what you as a parent can do to help them through the transition to Georgia Tech? Please see our International Student Parent Webinar! This is a recording of a live webinar held last June with questions from parents like you and information about important resources.