“Every student leader is so kind and patient. I have talked with them about selecting courses, buying meal plans, scheduling a meeting with an academic advisor, etc. And they shared many important experiences with us about their campus life.”
-Haider Merchant ’23
“Before coming to Morris, I had a lot of worries and uncertainties, but all of the student leaders were very kind and welcoming, which made me feel at ease and at home very quickly. Their efforts to bring all the international students together through games and other activities made it easy for us to make friends. It made me want to become an international Welcome Week group leader in the future.”
-Isadora Pacheco ’24
What is International Welcome Week?
International Welcome Week is an orientation meant to answer all your questions and adjust to campus life. The goals of our International Welcome Week are to guide students to: establish strong campus connections, develop college-level academic success strategies, and implement health and wellbeing practices. In addition, we do our best to tailor the orientation experience to the needs of our international students. There are a lot of fun social activities where you can connect with other new international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Student Orientation?
The University of Minnesota Morris’s international student orientation (ISO) is held prior to Welcome Week in order for international students to recover from travel, often from across the globe. International student orientation also offers sessions that address health and medical insurance issues, programs about cultural adaptation, weather adjustment, and liberal arts education, as well as informational sessions about U.S. systems that many international students are not familiar with or are very different from their home country. This program prepares international students to successfully transition to being students at Morris. Students will be introduced to the rigorous academic experience that awaits them through meetings with their faculty adviser and registering for classes. You will learn about Morris’s array of co-curricular opportunities, resources, and services for students will be highlighted. During ISO, Students will build relationships with other students, faculty, and administrators.
All new international students are expected to attend and participate in international student orientation.
What are the dates of the program?
For students beginning their time at Morris in spring 2024, the international student orientation program runs from January 9–13, 2024. Please plan on arriving on international student arrival days, January 7 or 8, 2024. If you arrive prior to January 8, housing and/or meals may not be available.
What kinds of activities are planned? What can I look forward to?
The program differs from year to year. However, international student orientation generally offers sessions that address health and medical insurance issues, programs about cultural adaptation, weather adjustment, and liberal arts education, as well as informational sessions about U.S. systems that many international students are not familiar with or are very different from their home country. Community building and social events are held throughout so that new students get to know each other and Morris faculty and staff. Students also have a chance to go shopping and take care of banking needs.
How can I register for the program?
You are expected to attend, but in order for us to account for everyone during their travel and for emergency purposes, you must complete the Arrival and International Student Orientation Registration form.
Do I have to pay for international student orientation?
The orientation program is free of charge, but you will have an additional charge on your meal plan to allow you to eat in the dining hall during orientation. Additionally, there will be some optional fee-based activities that you may want to participate in. Some examples may be movies, shopping, or field trips.
Who can attend international student orientation?
- All international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa
I'm arriving at Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) International Airport on arrival days for international students. How do I get to Morris?
If you arrive on January 7 or 8, 2024, a free shuttle service is provided to Morris for the new international students coming for orientation. Orientation leaders will be at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) to greet and welcome you to Minnesota and to Morris.
How can I join the free shuttle service to Morris for international student orientation?
- Register for international student orientation
- Arrive on international student arrival days, January 7 or 8, 2024. There may not be pickup at the airport on other days.
- Arrive at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP).
What if I cannot arrive on the international arrival days?
If you arrive on another day, you can arrange transportation »
Will my room or dorm be open for me when I arrive for international student orientation?
As an international student orientation participant, special arrangements will be made for your keys to be given to you on international students arrival days. You will be allowed to stay in your room.
What if I'm arriving earlier? Can I get into my room?
Please plan to arrive on campus on January 7 or 8, 2024. We may not be able to accommodate earlier arrivals. If you must arrive earlier, you will be directed to make private lodging arrangements in Morris and come to campus on international student arrival day.