Arriving in a foreign environment and starting the university student stage can be a complex adaptation process for some. For this reason, U.S. institutions work to create spaces that facilitate this stage for their international students through orientation programs.
There are several types of counseling programs, among them: for international students, for parents, academic, cultural, housing, health and student services orientation programs.
- International Student Orientation
This type of program is usually mandatory because it is essential to the adjustment process. In addition, it is usually divided into modules that begin when the student is in his or her country of origin and continue until they arrive at the university and can finally meet face-to-face.
This is an excellent opportunity to meet new people from different cultures who are going through the same experience. In this type of program, new international students are given important information about immigration regulations, academic expectations, on-campus resources, health, safety and other topics.
Sometimes, institutional departments organize their own initiatives in which students can win prizes. One of the most popular activities are the campus tours, as students get to know their new home for the next few years.
- Orientation for parents of international students
Depending on the institution, there is a financial cost for this type of program; however, many parents decide to make the investment because it allows them to clarify doubts, get to know the institution better and receive relevant information about their son's and daughter's educational process.
- Academic Orientation
This type of program helps students understand their academic expectations, the requirements of their university careers, clarifies doubts about policies related to the academic area, registration processes, class selections, academic support services, and even provides workshops on responsible time management and student life.
- Cultural orientation
One of the most complex aspects of adapting to a new environment can certainly be cultural differences. U.S. institutions are aware of this and therefore implement specific programs for this issue.
In this type of session, American culture, customs, traditions, celebrations, slang and social norms are introduced. This allows international students to feel welcome and to have a smoother adaptation process.
- Housing Orientation
This program allows new arrivals to obtain information about housing options both on and off campus. If necessary, they also provide advice and assistance on how to find roommates and divide housing costs to make it more affordable.
- Health and safety counseling
Health is a very important issue and one of the major concerns of families when a student begins his or her university studies abroad. This type of program provides information on health insurance, vaccinations, emergency procedures and crime prevention counseling.
- Student Services Orientation
Student services orientation is a program designed to introduce new students to the various support services and resources available on campus. These programs are usually organized by the university's student services department and are usually held at the beginning of the academic year.
Student services orientation programs generally include information on health and wellness services, counseling, psychological services, career services, job placement assistance, financial aid, housing, clubs and student organizations. These types of programs are developed with the goal of helping new students understand the institution's operations and the resources they can draw upon during their undergraduate years to ensure that they have an unforgettable experience.
Programs for international students are very helpful and most are mandatory, so it is important to check the website of each university so that you do not forget any enrollment dates or requirements that may be important.
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