Home / Programming / Student Programs / International Student Orientation

downtown-boardwalk-5.jpegThe International Student Orientation program (ISO) is designed to help you get to know other students, learn more about the campus, and ease your transition to UC Santa Cruz, with a focus on international student challenges and intercultural adjustment. During orientation, you will meet Global Engagement staff, connect with our Global Leaders (continuing undergraduate students), and learn about campus resources to support your studies and success as a UCSC Banana Slug.

ISO takes place on the UCSC main campus and is required for all new, incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 status. More information on preparing you for your arrival at UCSC can be found in the “Pre-Arrival Orientation” found in iGlobal.

Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1/J-1 status are also welcome to register and attend.

Orientation Programs

International Student Orientation (Frosh)

Monday, September 18 - Wednesday, September 20

International Student Orientation (Frosh) is a three-day in-person program that helps connect new international first-year students to UC Santa Cruz. ISO is required for all new, incoming degree-seeking international students in F-1 status. Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1 or J-1 status are also welcome to register, though it is not mandatory.

Program Highlights

The full schedule will be available closer to the end of summer.

Monday, September 18

  • On-Campus Move-In Day
    • Students must register for the Early Arrival Program
  • Welcome Reception (evening)

Tuesday, September 19

  • International Family Orientation
  • Global Leader Community Building
  • Campus Tour
  • Overview of immigration regulations and maintaining status
  • Resource Fair with banks, cell phone companies, etc.
  • Shopping Shuttles to Target
  • Meet-Your-RA Session

Wednesday, September 20

  • Campus Resources
  • Culture Sessions
  • Visa Check-In Process
  • Optional: Global Leader Evening Activities

Thursday, September 21 (optional)

  • SC Downtown & Boardwalk Day
  • Global Leader Evening Activities

Costs

  • $400 program fee, posted to your student account in fall quarter
    • As participation in ISO is mandatory, all incoming students will be charged the International Student Orientation fee
  • Early Arrival Housing fee, if you are living on campus

Registration

Register Here

International Family Orientation

Tuesday, September 19

International Family Orientation is a one-day, in-person program that takes place concurrently during the International Student Orientation (Frosh). We are excited to welcome family members of our new students to campus, who are invited to learn more about what the UC Santa Cruz experience is like and to meet university staff, at no extra cost.

Program Highlights

The full schedule will be available closer to the end of summer.

Tuesday, September 19

  • Remarks from Vice Provost of Global Engagement
  • International Student Services and Programs Introduction
  • Overview of UCSC College System, Advising, and Academics
  • Campus Resources including Safety and Business Services
  • Family Luncheon
  • Campus Tour
  • Resource Fair with banks, cell phone companies, etc.

Costs

  • There is no additional cost to participate in the International Family Orientation.

Registration

Register Here

International Transfer/Exchange Orientation

Friday, September 22

International Transfer/Exchange Orientation is a one-day, in-person program that helps connect new international transfer and exchange students to UC Santa Cruz. ISO is required for all new, incoming transfer and exchange students in F-1 and J-1 status. Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1 or J-1 status are also welcome to register.

Program Highlights

The full schedule will be available closer to the end of summer.

Thursday, September 21

  • On-Campus Move-In Day

Friday, September 22

  • Campus Resources
  • Overview of immigration regulations and maintaining status
  • Student Panel
  • Campus Tour
  • Shopping Shuttles to Target
  • Global Leader Evening Activities

Costs

  • $100 program fee, posted to your student account in fall quarter
    • As participation in ISO is mandatory, all incoming transfer and exchange students will be charged the International Student Orientation fee
  • Early Arrival Housing, if you register to move in earlier than Thursday, September 21

Registration

Register Here

Graduate Student Orientation

Wednesday, September 27

We are excited to welcome our new class of international graduate students. In addition to your specific departmental orientation, graduate students are required to attend the mandatory Graduate Student Orientation hosted by the Graduate Division. Graduate Student Orientation is required for all new, incoming graduate students in F-1 and J-1 status.

During the larger Graduate Student Orientation, Global Engagement will be presenting at international graduate student-specific sessions. More detailed schedules will be posted later in summer 2022.

Visit the Graduate Division website for up-to-date information on the Graduate Student Orientation.

Program Highlights

The full schedule with Global Engagement will be available closer to the end of summer.

Wednesday, September 27

  • Global Engagement Welcome
  • Overview of immigration regulations and maintaining status
  • Campus Resources
  • Graduate Resource Fair (in-person)