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International Undergraduate Orientation

Welcome to Dartmouth College!  Orientation for international undergraduates, including members of the Class of 2013, transfer students, and international exchange students, begins on Sunday, September 13, 2009, and ends on Tuesday, September 15, 2009.  First-Year Orientation for the entire Class of 2013 begins on Tuesday, September 15, and includes an additional eight to ten sessions specifically offered for international students.  Students who will attend DOC Trips may arrive on campus as early as Monday, September 7, 2009, or Tuesday, September 8, 2009.  Students not intending to participate in a DOC Trip may not arrive until Friday, September 11, 2009.

Instructions for Obtaining Undergraduate Immigration Documentation

International students requiring a visa status to study in the U.S. will find the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) to be of critical importance.  Please click on the following link if you have any concerns or questions related to your immigration status:  www.dartmouth.edu/~ovis.

Orientation Schedule

Important Notes for International Undergraduates:

  • The program of orientation for new international undergraduates will begin at 5 pm on Sunday, September 13th.
  • International Logan "Meet and Greet" service is September 7th and 8th.
  • International students participating in DOC trips will be invited to participate in DOC trips G & H.
  • Exchange Students: The International Student Programs Office (ISPO) will send exchange students the same orientation information as matriculating students and provide them with access to the arrival forms and mentor request forms.  Exchange students will notify the International Student Programs Office when they plan to arrive, and whether they will be involved in the orientation.  ISPO International Student Mentors will help international exchange students get settled well before they arrive at the Off-Campus Program office orientation, which happens at the end of the afternoon on the day before classes start.


Sunday, September 13th, 2009 INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM BEGINS.  A sampling of tentative programs subject to change follows.  As sessions, dates, times, and locations are confirmed, this website will be updated - please check it weekly.)

Sunday, September 13    
5:00 - 6:00 pm      
  International Student Mentor Dinner and
Panel-Discussion (Part I) for new International students
 
  DOC House on Occom Pond (meet in front of Collis at 4:40pm to walk over)

6:00 - 7:00 pm   Mentor/Mentee Dinner   DOC House on Occom Pond
7:00 - 8:00 pm  

Student Talk I: The Dartmouth Social Life
"Frats, Tracks, Woods, Books and the Rest!"

Learn how life in Greek fraternities, the DOC Club, their lives as athletes, and alternative activities have helped other international students create meaningful social relationships with their peers.

  DOC House on Occom Pond
         
Monday, September 14    
8:00 - 10:00 am
 

"International Student Breakfast with Faculty"

Faculty panel with breakout sessions with faculty from the Social Sciences, Humanities, the Science Divisions, and from the Thayer School of Engineering.  Enjoy a continental breakfast from 8:00-8:30.

  Filene Auditorium, Moore Hall
10:30 - 12:00 pm
 

"How to STAY in the U.S. & STUDY at Dartmouth - F-1& J-1 Pre-Check-In Session"

MANDATORY for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders.  The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) will review requirements and how it impacts your Dartmouth experience, and will address problems with the port of entry admission process.

  Carpenter Hall 013
12:30 - 2:00 pm
 

"A Dickey Center Welcome Luncheon for New International Students"

Join staff of the Dickey Center for International Understanding for lunch as they highlight some of their programs and other opportunities for students interested in global issues.

  Collis Common Ground
2:15 - 5:15 pm
 

Shopping trip by bus to K-Mart

Free bus transportation and a 10% off coupon on all purchases at K-Mart between 2:00-4:45 pm for all new international students.

  Meet at Hanover Inn bus stop
6:15 - 8:00 pm
 

International Student Banquet

Dress is semi-formal and international students are encouraged to wear traditional clothing from their countries and cultures if available.

  Collis Center, Common Ground
8:00pm - 1:00am  

Let the fun begin...

Enjoy a fun and entertaining evening with your International Mentors in Fuel Loung, 8-Ball Hall, and the Collis Cafe!

  Collis Center
         
Tuesday, September 15
   
10:00 - 11:00am
 

"International Student Credit & Course Placement Issues"

Faculty and student panel will address issues such as selecting courses, academic credit and advanced standing.

  Rockefeller Center 03
11:00 - 12:00pm
 

"International Students: The Challenge of Writing at Dartmouth"

Professor Karen Gocsik will focus on the needs of international students and others for whom English is a second language.

  Rockefeller Center 03
12:00 - 1:00pm   Bank of America Luncheon for International Students   Brace Commons, East Wheelock
1:00 - 2:00pm
 

Student Talk II
"Key to a Rewarding and Enjoyable Intellectual Journey"

Hear upperclass students share their knowledge and experience regarding the academic environment at Dartmouth,

  Rockefeller Center 03
2:00 - 4:00pm
 

International Student Visa Check-In Session

MANDATORY for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders.  Open to all F-1 or J-1 visa status students who have not already been through the visa check-in prcocess since arriving at Dartmouth.  Students with other visa status are welcome and encouraged to check in. To sign up for session, contact Marcia Calloway.

  Starr Instructional Center 274, 2nd floor Berry Library
4:00 - 6:00pm
 

International Student Visa Check-In Session

MANDATORY for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders.  Open to all F-1 or J-1 visa status students who have not already been through the visa check-in process since arriving at Dartmouth.  Students with other visa status are welcome and encouraged to check in.  To sign up for session, contact Marcia Calloway.

  Starr Instructional Center 274, 2nd floor Berry Library
         
Thursday, September 17    
12:30 - 1:30pm
 

What International Students Need to Know About On-Campus Employment

Student Employment Office staff conduct this session on requirements, restrictions and other issues related to working on campus, including how to find a good student job at Dartmouth.

   Rockefeller Center 03
3:30 - 5:00pm
 

Campus Resource Fair

Administrators and faculty from over 15 offices and departments will be available for informal conversations and introductions, with lots of great information to share about campus resources.

  Collis Common Ground
         
Sunday, September 20    
4:00 - 5:00pm  

International Students and the Academic Honor Principle

Director of Dartmouth's Judicial Affairs Office, April Thompson, will role play scenarios with upperclass students, and will conduct a very important discussion of the do's and don'ts of academic work at Dartmouth.

  Rockefeller Center 03
         
Monday, September 21
 
3:00 - 4:30pm  

Library Tour for International Students

A fun and informative session specifically designed to familiarize international students with the library resources on campus, including a treasure hunt with prizes!

  Berry Library Main Street Corridor
         
Tuesday, September 22    
9:00 - 11:00pm  

ISA Members Want to Meet You!

Enjoy Ben & Jerry's ice cream over an informal conversation with members of the International Student Association and mentors on the eve of the Fall Term.

  Occom Commons, Goldstein Residence Hall
   
 

Arrival Information

International undergraduate students planning to participate in a DOC Trip may arrive as early as Monday, September 7, 2009.  Arrival details must be previously provided by new students to the International Student Programs Office - OPAL via the Undergraduate Arrival Information Form, in order for International Student Mentors to be on hand to:

  • meet students arriving at Logan Airport (Boston, Massachusetts) on Monday or Tuesday, September 7 or 8, 2009;
  • assist students arriving at Logan to locate the Dartmouth Coach bus service to Hanover, New Hampshire;
  • meet students arriving in Hanover at the Hanover Inn; and
  • assist students when they arrive in Hanover with their luggage, and escort them to their residence halls.

Links to Important Information for International Students

The following are links to important information for international students who will be attending Dartmouth.  We hope these links will answer your most critical questions while you are still in your home country, and once you arrive at Dartmouth.  You will receive more detailed information after you arrive.  Feel free to write, e-mail, or fax us at the International Student Programs Office with any questions.  Once you are in Hanover, we can help you further with academic issues, personal and social adjustment, cultural opportunities, and programming information.

Dartmouth Coach (Bus service to Boston and New York)

Greyhound Bus Line (National bus service with terminal in White River Junction, VT)

Amtrak (Train service with station in White River Junction, VT)

Advance Transit (Local community bus service)

Lebanon Airport

Manchester Airport

Logan International Airport

Your Arrival

Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions

Dartmouth Travel Office

International Orientation Programs

Online Resources Relating to Dartmouth College

Undergraduate Housing

Overseas Telephone Calls

Student Organizations

Useful Dartmouth Phone Numbers

Resources for undergraduate internationals can also be found on our International Student Resource List webpage.  Additional information about visas, as well as other immigration and tax information, may be found on the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) website: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~intl/updates/index.html.  For further information or questions about International Undergraduate Orientation, students should contact the International Student Programs Office at International.Student.Programs@Dartmouth.edu.

International Student Mentors

International Student Mentors provide friendship and assistance to new international undergraduates during the fall and winter term of the first academic year.  To be assigned to a Mentor, students must fill out the request form.  To obtain an International Student Mentor request form, please contact the International Student Programs office at (603) 646-2331, or via email at International.Student.Programs@Dartmouth.edu.

International Friendship Family Program

The International Student Programs Office sponsors the International Friendship Family Program, which matches students with host families in the Upper Valley.  Friendship Families can be a valuable resource as students adjust to college life and American culture.  Visit the link above to learn more about the program and how to sign up for it by submitting the request form available on the link.

We look forward to meeting you in September!

Last Updated: 9/14/09