International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is an essential part of the international student experience and is carefully designed to help launch you into a successful semester at 新澳资料.
Fall 2025 International Student Orientation (ISO) will take place 21-25 August 2025. ISO is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Thursday, August 21 is the designated arrival date for new international students. US passportholders opting-in to ISO must register by July 1.
The program orients international students to the United States and 新澳资料 and also connects each student with an InterConnect peer mentor who will guide students through their first semester. There is no registration fee for ISO; all activities and meals are free for participants. New international students will also participate in New Student Orientation (25-31 August).
Important Dates
July 1 - Registration Closes for International Student Orientation + All Forms for New Students Due
August 18 - Starting at 9 am PT register for your first choice course for fall and spring courses
August 19 - Starting at 9 am PT register for the remainder of your courses for fall and spring semesters
August 21 - On-Campus Housing Opens for New International Students
August 21-25 - International Student Orientation Sessions and Activities
Highlights
InterConnect Mentor Program
An integral part of ISO, the InterConnect peer-mentoring program pairs each new student with an InterConnect group (2 to 5 new students) and a returning student mentor. InterConnect mentors contact their students over the winter and serve as a mentor and guide throughout Orientation and the first semester at 新澳资料. During the spring semester, new students are supported through individual meetings and a series of fun InterConnect events with your mentor group.
International Friendship Program
When registering for ISO, new students will have the option to sign-up for our International Friendship Program (IFP). This cooperative effort between ISS and volunteers in the local community connects new international students with local hosts in Portland who provide a sense of home away from home for students. The relationship begins when local hosts and students communicate over the summer and welcome their student to Portland. Many hosts offer to pick up their student from the airport, bring them to campus, and/or help them settle into their residence halls. During the school year, local hosts and students establish and define a relationship that works for both sides. Most get together at least once per month. ISS also organizes on-campus events to bring students and their local hosts together as a group.
Pre-Arrival Communication
Registrants for ISO will receive pre-arrival communication from International Student Services and their InterConnect mentor. Students attending 新澳资料 on F-1 and J-1 visas will receive access to an orientation module that will introduce essential information related to your visa status in the U.S. Students will be expected to complete the module at their convenience prior to arriving on campus in January.
Schedule
We are still finalizing the spring 2025 ISO schedule. In the meantime, find the tentative overview of International Student Orientation (ISO) below:
- Thursday (8/21) - Arrival Day: Check-in to campus rooms and settle in. ISS will be open for drop-in questions. Dinner and dessert together.
- Friday (8/22) - ISO Welcome with information sessions and connections with mentors.
- Saturday (8/23) - See the City: mentors take new students to their favorite Portland spots!
- Sunday (8/24) - Explore Campus: mentor-led tours and walking trips to campus-adjacent resources.
- Monday (8/25) - Get Ready for Classes: 新澳资料 faculty share tips and resources for a successful academic experience. Then students join general orientation activities in the evening!
Cost & Registration
There is no cost for ISO. All meals, sessions, and activities associated with ISO are covered by 新澳资料. It is a good idea, however, to arrive with some US currency in order to purchase supplies and personal items. If possible, please bring a bank card that will work in the US, check with your local bank before departure.
We ask that all international students register online for ISO by January 15. Registration is important to help us pair students with mentors, collect dietary needs, and you can request airport transportation in the form.
Packing
You will not need any items for ISO that you would not already be bringing to campus. We understand that due to travel and financial restrictions, you may be traveling light. We will have linens (sheets, blanket, pillows, and towels) available for you upon arrival to use until you are able to purchase your own. For guidance on what to pack, please email iss@reed.edu. You may also wish to order some items for delivery ahead of your arrival. Target, Amazon, and other US retailers offer competitive shipping rates. Contact contact mail services and bookstore directly for more information regarding your campus mail address and pick-up process.
Arriving
Students will be brought back to 新澳资料 in stages beginning in mid-August. International students arriving to campus for the first time will be invited to move into campus housing on August 21. It will not be possible to access your campus room before this date, so please plan travel accordingly.
International Student Services will arrange some opportunities for students to access transportation from Portland International Airport and select airport area hotels on August 21 and 22. More information regarding tr