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International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation through the Reves Center is for new international students in the U.S. and is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible. Topics covered during orientation include F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations, academic success at W&M, healthcare and health insurance in the U.S., mental health and wellbeing, and laws and safety in the U.S.
All new international students in F-1 or J-1 immigration status are required to complete the international student orientation requirements. This includes:
- New international undergraduate and graduate students
- New international undergraduate and graduate exchange students
- New international students transferring to W&M or VIMS from a U.S. high school or university
- Joint Degree Programme international students entering the U.S. and joining W&M for the first time.
We welcome all international students: Students not in F-1 or J-1 immigration status (e.g., U.S. citizens who lived abroad, dual citizens, students studying in a different immigration status, etc.) who are interested in attending International Student Orientation can contact Lauren Devan about participating in ISSP's orientation sessions
New International Student Requirements
All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status (including exchange and transfer students) are required to:
- Attend an orientation session
- Undergraduate students - details will be available soon
- Graduate students - Saturday, August 22 at 8:30am - 1:00pm in Miller Hall
- Complete the online Immigration Check-In within 30 days of the program start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. The Immigration Check-In can only be completed once you have arrived in the U.S.
ISSP will offer optional activities in August to help students settle in, such as shopping trips, social events, etc. The full schedule of activities will be sent via email to all new international students during the summer.
General Orientation Requirements for All New W&M Students
Please also note that International Student Orientation is one part of your larger orientation program. Undergraduate international students, including exchange students, are also required to join the New Student Orientation. Graduate students also have orientations with their programs.