You must complete the pre-arrival Canvas course before attending in person orientation and enrolling in classes. You will be added to the course upon admittance to Ohio University. You should receive your enrollment via your student email. If you have not received your invitation to enroll in the course, please email iso@ohio.edu.
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation
Congratulations on your admission to Ohio University! We look forward to welcoming you as you start your journey as a Bobcat.
Aside from attending International Student Orientation (ISO) in person, there are pre-orientation modules you must complete prior to your arrival to campus. Please review this page to learn more about what to expect during on-campus orientation and to complete the pre-arrival modules.
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Pre-Orientation Canvas Course
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Pre-Arrival Sessions
Join the ISSS team for our pre-arrival sessions, which will help you prepare for moving to Athens, Ohio.
November 18, 2024 – Cost of Living/Finding Housing in Athens, Ohio
Meeting Recording // Presentation PDF
November 22, 2024 – The Ins and Outs of Graduate Assistantships
Meeting Recording // Presentation PDF
November 25, 2024 – Medical Care in the U.S.
On-Campus Orientation
Students starting in the spring semester 2025 will attend on-campus International Student Orientation January 6 – January 9. For more information on orientation, please see the Pre-Arrival Canvas course.
Orientation Schedule
Learn more about what to expect at International Student Orientation by reviewing the schedule. Aside from session times, the schedule contains location information.
Spring 2025 Orientation Schedule
| Date | Session/Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday 1/04/25 | Arrival Day | All Day | |
Sunday 1/05/25 | Arrival Day | All Day | |
Monday 1/06/25 | ISO Welcome Day (Paperwork, check-in, U.S. Culture, LIA, Stress | 1 – 4:30 p.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 |
| TOEFL Orientation | 5 – 5:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday 1/07/25 | Employment Paperwork | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 |
| Academic Success Session & Academic Achievement Center | 1 – 2:15 p.m. | ||
| Community Standards | 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. | ||
Wednesday 1/08/25 | Dependents Session | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 |
| Welcome Dinner | 5 – 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday 1/09/25 | Selfie Tour and Donkey Coffee Trip Included | 1 – 3 p.m. | Meet at the 4th Floor of Baker Center |
Aside from viewing the orientation schedule in this section, you may also download and print a copy of the schedule.
International Student Orientation Event Details
International Student Orientation (ISO) is filled with information sessions that will help you get started at Ohio University and integrate into life in Athens, Ohio. From academics and academic success to U.S. culture and local shopping, you'll learn and experience life at OHIO fully.
Aside from viewing event details in this section, you may also download and print a copy of the event details.
ISO Welcome and Paperwork Check-In
Join your fellow international students at our first orientation event! You will hear from University administrative staff as well as your peer advising team.
Come meet people who can answer all of your questions specific to being an international student at Ohio University! Please bring your passport and I-20 to this session.
Employment Paperwork
During this session, students who have a TA/RA/GA/GRS position at the University will fill out necessary paperwork related to working in the U.S. We will also discuss general items of interest for working students.
Academics at OHIO
The ISSS orientation team will go over OHIO academics at a general level, including a walkthrough of essential tools for students.
Academic Success
The Academic Achievement Center and Graduate College staff will present information on the available supports for international students as well as tips and tricks for success in your academic journey.
Community Standards
Our Community Standards staff will share University expectations for students and the process of student conduct should you need to engage with their office.
Stress and Adjustment Changes
In this session, you will hear from your peer advising team regarding stress and navigating the transition to the United States, Athens, Ohio, and Ohio University.
U.S. Culture
Join this session to learn more about the cultural differences and how to navigate them with experts from the OHIO Program of Intensive English (OPIE) and Graduate College.
Campus Selfie Tour
Not sure how to get to your classes? Join us for a campus selfie tour so that you can start to learn your way around campus. We will meet at 4th floor of Baker University Center to go on a walk around the campus with the Peer Advisors and our selfie sticks.
State Street Shopping
Still need a few items for your room or for classes? The Peer Advisors will help you find what you need by acting as your guides on the Athens Public Transit.
We will meet on the 4th floor of Baker University Center to walk to the Mulberry at Baker bus stop. Peer Advisors will be guiding the trips every 30 minutes. They will stay with you on State St. until the bus leaves Walmart.
Make sure to bring your student ID and cash.
TOEFL Activities
Who is Required to Attend?
- Undergraduate Students: Check your admission letter to see if you are required to take the test.
- Graduate Students: Contact your department to see if you are required to take the test.
If you are required to take the TOEFL test, please make any necessary arrangements so that
you are prepared to attend all of the following events.
TOEFL Orientation
During this presentation, you will learn everything you need to know about the TOEFL test process.
TOEFL Test
This test will determine whether you need to take some English classes prior to starting your degree classes.
TOEFL Results
All students that took the TOEFL test must stop by Gordy Hall during the scheduled time to
pick up their test results.
English Placement Test
Depending on your TOEFL score, you may need to take an English Placement test. All students that take the TOEFL should arrange their schedules so that they are able to take the placement test if needed.
What's Next?
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Admitted International Student Next Steps
As a newly admitted student to Ohio University, there are many steps you must complete prior to coming to campus and once you arrive on campus. If you have not done so already, visit the Admitted International Students page to learn more about and complete all next steps.
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Early Arrival Information
If you will be arriving to the Ohio University campus prior to the start of ISO, you should review the Early Arrival page and complete the arrival steps.
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Questions?
If you have questions about as you complete the pre-orientation modules or as you prepare for ISO, please contact the ISSS team by sending an email to iso@ohio.edu.