International Programs

International Student & Scholar Services

International Programs

International Student Orientation (ISO) Fall 2009: August 31 to September 4, 8

This schedule is subject to change. Specific events and times will be announced in the official orientation brochure that you will receive during your Check-in and Immigration session.

International Student Orientation (ISO) is a program for all incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 student status, including freshman, graduate, professional, transfer, and exchange students. ISO is designed to help students learn about and understand important immigration/visa regulations and procedures required of F-1 and J-1 students, confirm their arrival for required government reporting purposes, and to assist new students in adjusting to Penn.

Advance Online iOffice Check-in (see below for detailed instructions) and attendance at one of the Immigration Document Review and Presentation Sessions is mandatory. All other events are optional but recommended. Students who choose to participate in the earlier optional events should make their own housing arrangements.


Mandatory Online Check-in and Immigration Document Review & Presentation Sessions

Federal regulations require that you register your presence at the University by completing international student check-in procedures.  Check-in has two steps: 1) Advance Online iOffice Check-in and 2) attendance at one of the 30 two-hour Immigration Document Review and Presentation Sessions when you reach Philadelphia (see schedule below). Please note that both steps must be completed after you arrive in the United States.

Step One: Advance Online iOffice Check-in (after arrival in the United States)

  • You must complete an online check-in form in advance after you have entered the United States
    • You will need your 9 digit admission ID, which you used to complete your application for I-20 or DS-2019, and your date of birth to login.
    • If you do not know your 9 digit admission ID, please visit OIP and/or check your acceptance letter.

  • You will need your immigration documents, as listed below, including the I-94 card that is issued upon arrival in the United States

  • To complete the online check-in form in iOffice, go to www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/iso. 

  • You will be asked to complete the following:
    • Update your biographical information, if applicable (must match your passport and visa information)
    • Your  US local address information
    • Your personal contact information
    • Home country contact and local US contact.  If you don’t have US contact yet, please provide your department contact.
    • Passport information
    • Visa (stamp) information
    • I-94 card information
    • Transfer-in information (optional, only applies to prior F-1 and J-1 students transferring from another SEVIS school in the US to Penn.)

PennCard

Step Two:  Attend one of the following Immigration Document Review and Presentation Sessions:

You must arrive on time.  Late arrivals (five minutes or more) will need to return for the next available session.

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: June 30, July 7 - August 27  
    Begins promptly at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon)   
    Office of International Programs (OIP), 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W 

  • Monday, August 31 -  Friday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 8
    Begins promptly at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 - 4:00 PM
    International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, South America Room  
  • Evenings: Wednesdays: August 12, August 19, 26 and Tuesday, September 8  
    Begins promptly at 5:15 - 7:00 PM
    OIP, 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W

  • Special note for MBA and LLM students:

    Wharton MBA Students - Monday, August 3 (9:00 AM)
    Law School LL.M Students - Wednesday, August 12 (9:30 – 11:30 AM)

    A special group check-in and immigration session will be held as a part of your school's orientation program. Additional details about this event will be provided by your school. If you attend this check-in/presentation session, you do not need to also attend one at ISSS, however, it is recommended that you complete the online check-in ahead of time. If you will arrive prior to or after these dates, please check our web site for alternate sessions. If you will attend Summer Session, you must attend an earlier session.

 

You should come prepared with all of the following:

  • Original immigration documents:
    • Passport
    • F-1 or J-1 visa (except Canadian citizens)
    • I-94 card (white departure card that you will obtain upon arrival in the US)
    • I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) issued by Penn with US entry stamp
    • Any previously issued I-20(s) or DS-2019(s) from previous program, if applicable; it is required for transfer students
    • Any other official correspondence from USCIS, such as an I-797, if applicable

  • At check-in, you will also complete an online check-in form.  Alternatively, you may complete this form online in advance after you have entered the US at http://www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/iso (Please use your 9 digit admission ID and your Date of Birth to login.)

It is required that you attend one of these sessions to have your immigration documents registered within 20 days of the program start date on your I-20 or DS2019. F-1 transfer students must have their documents registered within 15 days of the program start date on the I-20.  At each of the check-in and immigration sessions, an OIP-ISSS staff member will present information about immigration regulations, life at Penn, safety issues, social activities and more.

Orientation Events

Space is limited for most events, so sign up early (starting August 31) in the International Reception Center (IRC) located in the South America Room on the 2nd floor of International House, 3701 Chestnut Street. IRC will be open for sign-up and ticket sales between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (except 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM).

Monday, August 31

Graduate Student Social Hour
5:30 - 6:30 PM International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Australia Lounge
Cost: Free
Enjoy good company and good food with other new graduate and professional students.

Tuesday, September 1

Shopping Trip to IKEA and Target
12 - 5 PM Meet in front of OIP, 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W  
Cost: $10
Shop for household and personal items at very reasonable prices. Please note that large items will have to be delivered separately at your expense.

Small Group Dinner Outings
6 PM Meet in front of OIP, 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W  
Cost: $15 - $25 for dinner and tip
Experience a taste of Philadelphia by dining at a local restaurant.

Wednesday, September 2

Information Session: Staying Healthy in the United States

Student Health Service

9:00 – 9:45 AM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1
This session provides an introduction to the resources of the Student Health Service (SHS) and the Student Health Insurance Program. Parents are welcome to attend.


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

9:45 – 10:30 AM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1

This session addresses some of the concerns international students may have and situations they may face, e.g. culture shock, stress, adjusting to college, and how CAPS professionals can help.


Information Session: A Day in the Life of an International Student: Communication Across Cultures


10:30 AM – 12 PM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1

Learn about the challenges that international students may encounter as they adjust to university life and life in the United States and helpful ways of bridging communication. Don’t miss this fun session – you’ll have a chance to relax and laugh but also learn many valuable things that will make your stay at Penn an enjoyable and successful one. Learn from fellow international students who have been in your shoes and from our own director, Dr. Rudie Altamirano and Ms. Chia-Ying Pan.  This two-part program includes Assembly of International Students (AIS) members and the Bridges for Understanding (BFI)  club who will act out three scenes from A Day in the Life of a Penn International Student. 

Information Session: Getting to Know the US Classroom

1:30 – 2:30 PM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1

This session addresses issues surrounding the norms of American classroom such as learning about academic integrity, interacting with faculty and working with diverse groups of students on campus. This session will be presented by Chia-Ying Pan, Weingarten Learning Resources Center, Susan Herron, Office of Student Conduct and Rudie Altamirano, International Student and Scholar Services.

Information Session: Staying Healthy in the United States

Student Health Service (*a repeat of the morning session)

2:30 – 3:15 PM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1

This session provides an introduction to the resources of the Student Health Service (SHS) and the Student Health Insurance Program. Parents are welcome to attend.


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (*a repeat of the morning session)

3:15 – 4 PM Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th Street, Room B-1

This session addresses some of the concerns international students may have and situations they may face, e.g. culture shock, stress, adjusting to college, and how CAPS professionals can help.

Provost's Welcome Reception for Undergraduate Students and Parents


5:00 - 6:00 PM Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, Lobby
Please use Annenberg Plaza entrance off Locust Walk   
Cost: Free

OIP invites new undergraduates and their families to celebrate the beginning of their Penn experience with other new students, faculty, and staff. Enjoy refreshments and receive greetings from Provost Vincent Price and OIP staff.

Baseball Game: The Phillies vs. the San Francisco Giants

6:05 - 11:00 PM 37th and Walnut; between Annenberg Center and the Graduate School of Education  
Cost: $15

Join spirited baseball fans at the Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia to cheer for the Phillies - Philadelphia's own 2008 World Series Championship team - as they play the San Francisco Giants.

Thursday, September 3

Longwood Gardens
3:00 - 11:00 PM Meet in front of OIP, 3701 Chestnut St., Suite 1W  
Cost: $15

Visit one of the world's premier horticultural displays located 30 miles west of Philadelphia. Longwood Gardens attracts more than 900,000 visitors each year and offers 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows. You will have the chance to explore the gardens, listen to a Blues Concert, view an illuminated musical fountains show and special features like the Italian Water Garden. For more information about Longwood Gardens, visit http://www.longwoodgardens.org/.

Friday, September 4

Information session: Getting to know the US Classroom

*A repeat of Wednesday’s session.

1:30 – 2:30 pm, South America Room, 2nd floor International House, 3701 Chestnut Street

This session addresses issues surrounding the norms of American classroom such as learning about academic integrity, interacting with faculty and working with diverse groups of students on campus. This session will be presented by Chia-Ying Pan, Weingarten Learning Resources Center, Susan Herron, Office of Student Conduct and Rudie Altamirano, International Student and Scholar Services.

Graduate Student Welcome Reception

5:30 - 7:30 PM International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, South America Room  

Cost: Free, but advance registration and ticket required

The Office of International Programs would like to welcome all new graduate and professional students to Penn. Come join other new international graduate and professional students for food and games.

Saturday, September 5

Trip to the Barnes Foundation

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Meet in front of OIP, 3701 Chestnut St., Suite 1W  
Cost: $20

Showcasing masterpieces by great artists such as Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, as well as Picasso and others, the Barnes Foundation is one of the largest and most impressive Impressionist & Post-Impressionist collections in the world. Take the rare opportunity to visit this Philadelphian treasure.

Tuesday, September 15

Information Session: Topics for Additional Financial Assistance


A representative from Student Financial Services will provide guidance and review resources to help students prepare to meet expenses such as health insurance, computers, and travel.

Saturday, September 19

Trip to Washington, DC
7:45 AM - 10:00 PM Meet in front of OIP, 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W
Cost: $35 for roundtrip fare on a chartered bus (including guided tour)
Come make new friends and join us on a trip to the nation's capital.


Workshops

Academic Plus (A+) Workshops

These workshops are for international students who are new to US higher education and are sponsored by Weingarten Learning Resources Center (WLRC) Please register online at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lrc/

Getting to Know the U.S. Classroom

(no registration required)

Sep. 2 (1:30-2:30 pm), Sep. 4 (12-1 pm), Sep. 8 (4-5pm), Sep. 10 (4-5 pm)

Navigating Academic Resources at Penn

Sep. 11 (4-5 pm) and Sep. 30 (6:30 – 7:30 pm)

Academic Listening and Note-Taking

Sep. 14 (6:30 – 8:30 pm) and Sep. 15 (6:30 – 8:30 pm)

Academic Speaking and Presentation

Sep. 16 (6:30 – 8:30 pm), Sep. 17 (6:30 – 8:30 pm), and Sep 21 (6:30-8:30 pm)

Academic Reading and Critical Thinking

Sep. 22 (6:30 – 8:30 pm) and Sep. 23 (6:30 – 8:30 pm)

Academic Writing and Research Skills

Sep. 24 (6:30 – 8:30 pm), Sep 28 (6:30-8:30 pm), and Sep. 29 (6:30 – 8:30 pm)


All workshops to be held at Weingarten Learning Resources Center, 3702 Spruce Street, Suite 300 http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lrc/ except: the last two session of “Getting to Know the US Classroom” and “Navigating Academic Resources…” which will be held at Weigle Information Commons Seminar Room (Room 124), Van Pelt Library http://wic.library.upenn.edu/equipment/seminar.html, and the first two sessions of “Getting to Know the US Classroom” (see locations above)

Additional Links

 
University of Pennsylvania