Graduate International Student Orientation

September 4-6, 2019

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services and the Graduate Sidekicks are excited to welcome incoming graduate international students at our annual Graduate International Student Orientation (G-ISO)!  G-ISO is open to students in all academic programs and departments.  

Meet the Graduate Sidekicks- your orientation peer leaders! 

What happens at G-ISO?

  • Meet other new graduate international students, the Graduate Sidekicks, and IO staff
  • Complete immigration check-in
  • Learn the key rules for maintaining your F-1/J-1 student status
  • Learn about academic culture in the US and student life at Northwestern

 

Immigration check-in (BEFORE ORIENTATION)

All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to check in after arrival at Northwestern.  

Here are the steps to check-in:  

  1. Complete the online check-in through the OISS portal 
    • You will upload a copy of your form I-20 or DS-2019, passport, F-1 or J-1 visa and I-94 arrival record 
    • You will learn how to update your U.S. address, phone number and emergency contact in the CAESAR system, which is required to check in 
    • You will learn about important immigration information 
  2. Update your current address, US phone number & emergency contact in CAESAR
  3. Attend Ininternational Student Orientation 

 

G-ISO 2019 Schedule

PDF schedule

Wednesday, September 4, 2019
  • 12:00 - 2:00 PM: Resource Fair in Louis Room @ Norris 
  • 12:00-  2:00 PM:  Campus Tours led by the Graduate Sidekicks (orientation peer leaders)
  • 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Optional Resource Presentations (on student health, career centers, G-ISA, etc.) @ Norris
  • 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Bed Bath & Beyond Shopping Shuttles (10% discount for students)
Thursday, September 5, 2019: Attend only the orientation you signed up for!

Graduate Student Orientation Session 1:

  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM Student Arrival 1
  • 9:00 - 12:30 PM Graduate Student Orientation 1 in Louis Room @ Norris

Graduate Student Orientation Session 2:

  • 1:30 - 2:00 PM Student Arrival 2
  • 2:00 - 5:00 PM Graduate Student Orientation 2 in Louis Room @ Norris
Friday, September 6, 2019

Graduate Student Orientation Session 1:

  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM Student Arrival 1
  • 9:00 - 12:30 PM Graduate Student Orientation 1 in Louis Room @ Norris

International Graduate Student Bonfire and Party 

  • 6:00-9:00 PM @ the Lakefill
Saturday, September 14, 2019

NU vs UNLV Football Game (tickets will be available at orientation)

 

Register for G-ISO 2019 sessions today!

All incoming International Students are strongly encouraged to attend a Graduate International Student Orientation (G-ISO) session. At G-ISO, you will learn important information about your visa status, academic culture in the US, NU resources, and make new friends!

All 3 G-ISO sessions will include the same content, so please only register for one session.

Session 1: Thursday 09/05, 9 am-12:30 pm

Session 2: Thursday 09/05, 2-5:30 pm

Session 3: Friday 09/06, 9 am-12:30 pm

 

Additional orientations

Your academic program/department may also have a separate orientation. Please ask your program/department for specific dates and requirements.