Living in a new country far from the familiar faces of family and friends is a challenge commonly faced by international students and their parents. The Office of International Education’s (OIE) ISSS advisors serve as a resource related to immigration, visas, academic and personal adjustment matters. We advocate for the large and diverse population of international students and scholars at Georgia Tech and partner with our colleagues across campus to create an environment where international students and scholars are able to make a well-integrated transition to Georgia Tech through diverse cultural, educational, and leadership opportunities.

The value that international students, scholars, and faculty bring to the Georgia Tech community is unquestioned. Our president recently stated, “Georgia Tech has grown into one of the most global research universities in the nation. The overall student body attracts students from 127 countries, and 54 percent of our B.S. degree recipients have an international experience prior to graduation. I am particularly proud of the Georgia Tech community for its broad global perspective, its welcoming environment and its ability to come together to address challenges in a positive manner. I know that I speak on behalf of the entire Georgia Tech community when I say we are enormously proud of our international students and the international scholars who have contributed to Georgia Tech’s reputation, and are a key component of our 25-year Strategic Plan with its global focus. Georgia Tech is a stronger, better place because of the contributions of our international community. You are welcome here, and you are valued.”

Your student receives pre-arrival communication from OIE available at oie.gatech.edu/isss/pre-arrival-communication which includes variety of guidance about the student visa application process, preparing for arrival to Atlanta, and the OIE online check-in process which is required prior to registering for classes. Students are encouraged to begin the OIE check-in process using iStart before leaving home. The last step, which includes meeting an international student advisor, will take place after arriving to the U.S. Advisors will be stationed in the Clough Commons from Thursday, August 10, through Friday, August 19, to assist the more than 1,500 international students who will be new to Georgia Tech in Fall 2017! Complete details about the International Student Check-In is at oie.gatech.edu/isss-check-in

The International Student Welcome Series will be held August 14-24. Students attending these events will have the opportunity to meet other new international students, the ISSS staff and hear from seasoned international students who will offer their perspective for new student success. International Student Welcome Series includes a number of informational sessions which supplement FASET Orientation and address a variety of topics that are essential and of interest to international students. Complete details about the Welcome Series is available at oie.gatech.edu/isss/welcome-series. Participation is strongly encouraged, although the “How to Succeed as an F-1 or J-1 Student” session is mandatory.

We look forward to meeting and assisting your student to be successful at Georgia Tech!