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New International Student Orientation
Welcome to OWU!
Every year, before New Student Orientation, a one-day pre-orientation program, called New International Student Orientation (“NISO”), is held for new international and global nomad students. Parents and family are also welcome to attend--there will be special sessions for parents during NISO. All students and their accompanying families attend the annual Helen and Gordon Smith International Welcome Banquet, which celebrates the arrival of our new internationals and honors OWU alumni Helen C. Smith ('56) and Gordon V. Smith ('54) for their support of our international students.
During the Pre-Orientation Day, new students are also assisted with opening bank accounts, getting their rooms in the residence halls set up, and the like. There is also a special program and a question/answer session just for parents/guardians.
NISO continues through the first half of the Fall Semester with meetings every Monday night. Many topics are covered in NISO: from immigration rules and benefits to health insurance, from the academic culture of the USA to what to expect from the weather, from culture shock to local area transportation.
New international and global nomad students are met at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) on the designated arrival day by our Orientation Leaders. Please note that students will only be picked up at CMH on the arrival day. Please plan to arrive on the arrival day only.
Important dates for New International Student Orientation 2013
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| International / Global Nomad Arrival Day | Monday, August 19 |
| New International Student Orientation |
Tuesday, August 20 |
| August StART | Wednesday, August 21 |
| New Student Orientation (all incoming students) | Thursday, August 22-25 |
| Classes Begin | Monday, August 26 |
This is the 2013 orientation schedule: New International Student Orientation 2013 (PDF). The 2013 Orientation Schedule will be similar and will be posted in May.
Please note: International and global nomad students are not expected to attend the June 2013 StART OWU Program. Pre-registration materials for course selection (and other information) will be mailed / E-mailed to students during the summer.
NISO Pre-Arrival Guide '12 (364k PDF*) (The NISO Pre-Arrival Guide '13 will be similar and will be posted in May.)
Remember to carry a copy of the following forms in your carry-on luggage when you travel to OWU:
* Note: You will need the free Adobe Reader software to view/print PDF files. Click the "Get Adobe Reader" icon to begin the download process.