Orientation

Students

ISSO staff collaborate with campus partners to welcome you to campus and provide information to international students regarding their transition to the US and to the BU community.  Due to the COVID pandemic and our temporary shift to remote employment, we have expanded information in BU First Class, our online pre-arrival orientation course required for all new students.  These essential sessions feature tips for academic success and critical visa and immigration information.

In addition to other BU First Class content, there are four ISSO modules including:

  • Introduction to the ISSO Staff and Services
  • Maintaining your Student Immigration Status
  • Employment in the US
  • Visa documentation required to travel during your program

We urge you to take advantage of all of the BU First Class offerings before you travel to campus.  Additionally, you are encouraged to return to the course periodically throughout your first year to review content, as you will pick up something new each time!

Undergraduate (new freshmen and undergraduate transfers)

We hope you engage with ISSO staff during University Orientation throughout the summer.  We invite you to participate in the “Continuing Conversations” organized by the Orientation Office as the summer continues.  Please register directly through the Orientation office.

Graduate (including non-degree and certificate students)

Individual schools and colleges offer programming and orientation sessions to their incoming students and often invite ISSO staff to participate.  Please check with your school/department to confirm your Orientation schedule.  Additionally, the Graduate Education website may have resources that are helpful as you prepare to come to Boston.

How do I get access to BU First Class?

Many of our new students should have received an e-mail from BU Global Programs (global@bu.edu) in early July inviting you to access the course.  If you have not received your invitation to BU First Class, please e-mail Kamelia Turcotte to request access.

 

Scholars

New J-1 Scholar Check-in and Orientation

New J Exchange Visitors in the Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern and Specialist categories should plan to attend the New J-1 Check-in and Orientation. This session is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. No registration is required.