
NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is excited to welcome you to UC San Diego! As a newly admitted international student, you are required to attend New International Student Orientation, in addition to any of your college or department orientations (UCEAP students are not required to attend their college orientation).
ISPO’s orientation is designed to help orient you to the UC San Diego campus community, inform you of your F1/J1 rights & responsibilities, and give you an opportunity to connect with other new international students!
STEP ONE: Complete iTriton Online Training on Canvas
- Students will have access to iTriton June 1 - September 11.
- This is a mandatory virtual orientation that needs to be completed on Canvas.
- Deadline: September 11, 2023
- NOTE: You DO NOT need to complete Module 7 before September 11, 2023 if you are NOT physically in the US. Once you have physically arrived in the US to begin your program of study, you need to complete this module within 10 days of arrival.
STEP TWO: International Orientation Sessions
- September 12 - 14, 2023
- These sessions are mandatory and will be conducted virtually. Example sessions include:
- “Meet ISPO & Understand Your Immigration Documents”
- “Know the Rules”
- “Working in the U.S.”
- Registration coming soon!
STEP THREE: International Welcome Programming
- September 18 - 27, 2023
- Welcome programming will be take place in-person and virtually and is strongly recommended.
- Examples of previous events and programs:
- U See San Diego (Bus Tour of San Diego )
- International Social Mixer
- Intercultural Communication Workshop
- Meet-Ups! For Students, By Students
- And more!
- Registration coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I required to attend ISPO's Orientation?
- In addition to attending your college (for undergraduate students) or Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and department orientations (for graduate students), ISPO requires all newly admitted international students to complete the iTriton Online Training and attend the mandatory virtual sessions offered September 7-9. Attendance at International Student Welcome Programs is highly encouraged.
Will I meet OTHER newly-admitted international students during ISPO’s Orientation?
- YES! During the International Welcome Programming, ISPO will offer a variety of events, intercultural sessions, and programs both in person and virtually that are designed to help you connect with other students! Check them out at our iEvents Calendar.
Is there an Orientation for my Parent & Family as they may have questions?
- When parents and families are informed, students benefit! We encourage parents and families to learn more about resources and support in place for them at the Parent & Family Programs. If you have any questions, please contact parents@ucsd.edu.
What are topics covered in previous Orientations?
- Please see topics and webinar recordings from Fall 2021 Orientation.
- Additionally, if there are any topics you would like to learn more about, fill out this google form.
If I have questions about registration, who should I contact?
- Please email iNewStudent@ucsd.edu for more information.
I am a current UC San Diego student. How can I help with orientation?
Volunteer Orientation Assistants (OAs), play an integral role during the New International Student Orientation held every September to welcome over 3,000 international students to UC San Diego. Please visit our Orientation Assistant Program webpage for more information.