ORIENTATION Orientation
begins long before students arrive on-campus. Once a student confirms
his/her intention of coming to Geneseo, information packets are mailed
with:
instructions
on applying for a visa,
readings
on American culture, plus
checklists
of things to do before leaving home, and
checklists
of items to hand carry to the U.S.
The goal
of these information packets is to provide a description of American values
and behaviors to set students' expectations about life in the U.S.A., and
to assist students with the practical steps involved in applying for a
visa and packing to come to live at Geneseo.
Upon
arrival the "formal" orientation program includes presentations on the
American classroom and American culture.
Part
of orientation is dedicated to shopping for room and study necessities.
Experienced Geneseo students and staff escort new international students
to the shopping malls to explain the pricing schemes used in the U.S. and
suggest the best purchases students can make.
Orientation
does not end with the start of the semester. Special programs, designed
to ease the adjustment to Geneseo, are offered throughout the semester.
AIRPORT
PICK-UP
Once
students confirm their flight arrival information, a member of the International
Students Services Office is assigned to meet the student at the International
Airport in Rochester, New York.
ROOM
MOVE-IN
Upon
arrival, students are driven to the Geneseo Campus and move into their
residence halls. The ISS Office furnishes each new student with
sheets for the first few days on campus. During
orientation students are able to purchase the bed linens and room decorations
of their choice.
ADVISING Each
semester the ISS Office prepares a booklet summarizing important aspects
of U.S. government regulations for international students. This booklet,
entitled “Maintaining Your Nonimmigrant Status,” is given to all students
when they arrive on campus. Copies are available throughout the semester
at the International Student Services Office.
ON-CAMPUS
EMPLOYMENT The
ISS Office assists newly enrolled international students with the completion
of the paperwork required to work on campus. Staff of the local Social
Security Office of the U.S. government come to Geneseo to process the student
applications for a required "social security number." The ISS Office provides
an outline of all the steps students must complete to be able to work on
campus.
EVERYDAY HELP
The ISS Office encourages its students to stop into our office whenever they encounter problems or issues. Our staff is dedicated to stopping whatever it is they are doing and making sure the students get whatever help is needed.
TRAVEL With
Niagara Falls a nearby tourist attraction, the ISS Office frequently advises
international students about the visa requirements to enter Canada and
the paperwork needed to re-enter the United States.
INTERNSHIPS The
ISS Office, working closely with the academic department chairperson, evaluates
potential internships, and prepares the appropriate paperwork for the U.S.
government related to this type of off-campus "curricular" practical training.
EMPLOYMENT
OFF-CAMPUS The
ISS Office assists international students who wish to work for a U.S. company
in their field of study with the application forms for such employment
(called "practical training").
Important Dates: Orientation
Dates for Spring 2009:
Arrival Dates: January 12th
and 13th
Orientation: January 14,15,16
First Day of Classes: January 20th
The deadline for Fall admission has passed. Spring of 2009
Applications are due November 1st.
