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International Student Orientation

Aug. 25-27, 2026

Important dates

International Student Orientation is a required program for all new international students and an essential part of your transition to uedbet体育官网 uedbet体育官网.

New international students arrive on campus before Welcome Week to participate in an extended orientation experience designed specifically for students with a global background. These early days provide time and space to adjust, ask questions, build friendships, and begin feeling at home before the full campus community arrives.

During orientation, students will have the opportunity to set up a U.S. bank account, visit local markets to purchase essential items, and engage in social and community-building activities with fellow new students. They will also learn how to navigate campus while receiving important information about academics, campus resources, and immigration requirements to ensure a strong and confident start at uedbet体育官网.

Arrival and questions

Transportation assistance for international student arrival from the Quad Cities Airport and Moline bus station is available through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS).

International students should share their travel details using the international student travel form. Students should direct questions to both the OISSS office and their Admissions Counselor. 

Learn more about instructions for international arrival.

International Student Orientation Schedule 

Please note that the following events are subject to change. You will receive the final schedule via email by early August.

Sunday, Aug. 23

  • 8 a.m.-midnight: Arrivals and residence hall move-in
  • 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: International support and welcome hub
  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch dining hours
  • 4:30-6 p.m.: Dinner dining hours

Monday, Aug. 24

  • 8 a.m.-midnight: Arrivals and residence hall move-in
  • 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: International support and welcome hub
  • 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.: Chase Bank account opening (optional)
  • 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Shopping adventure (optional)
  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch dining hours
  • 4:30-6 p.m.: Dinner dining hours
  • 6:30 p.m.: Evening social activity (optional)

Tuesday, Aug. 25

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast (optional)
  • 10 a.m.: Morning sessions
  • 12 p.m.: Lunch with ISO group
  • 1 p.m.: Afternoon sessions
  • 5:30 p.m.: Dinner with ISO group
  • 6:30 p.m.: Evening social activity

Wednesday, Aug. 26

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast (optional)
  • 10 a.m.: Morning sessions
  • 12 p.m.: Lunch with ISO group
  • 1 p.m.: Afternoon sessions
  • 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner (optional with ISO group)
  • 7 p.m.: Evening social activity

Thursday, Aug. 27

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast (Optional)
  • 10 a.m.: Morning sessions
  • 12 p.m.: Lunch with ISO group
  • 1 p.m.: Afternoon sessions
  • 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner (optional with ISO group)
  • 8 p.m.: Bonfire and closing celebration

Global Pathways to Success (GPS)

International Student Orientation is part of Global Pathways to Success (GPS), a year-long experience designed to help first-year and transfer students with a global background thrive at uedbet体育官网.

GPS supports students as they transition to life in the United States and on campus through early connections, intentional programming, and personalized support. Throughout the year, students participate in opportunities that:

  • Foster cultural understanding
  • Prepare students for academic success
  • Develop leadership and campus engagement
  • Build meaningful community and belonging

Program features

  • Pre-arrival connection: Communication and support before you leave home
  • International Student Orientation: Early arrival and transition programming
  • Cultural and community engagement: Events and programs throughout the year
  • Peer mentorship led by Global Mentors: Guidance from trained upper-class student leaders
  • Pathways to Success workshops: Skill-building sessions focused on academic and personal growth

GPS ensures that your transition doesn’t end after orientation — it continues throughout your first year.

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