Skyline College is expecting about 100 new international students from 21 countries during the fall 2017 semester. In an effort to ease new students’ transition, the International Student Program (ISP) hosted multiple orientations. The attendees received valuable information on the following topics: F-1 visa regulations, employment, cultural adjustment, safety and security, immigration laws, health insurance coverage, and academic expectations.
The Global Learning Programs and Services and the Counseling divisions provided informative sessions to help new students adjust to campus life and benefit from the support services available at Skyline College. The three-day orientation included the following activities: International Student Club panel, campus tour, counseling presentation, International Student Club reception, placement testing, and class registration. In addition new international students will have an opportunity to socialize with their peers and student ambassadors during the fall 2017 welcome party on August 25.
For many students, it is their first time away from home, so orientation is an opportunity to become acquainted with their new environment. Mr. Chiedoza, father of one of the new students from Nigeria, was impressed with the orientation and the services, he said “this event is very informative and everybody at Skyline College is willing to help.” The International Student Orientation is a an important event for international students ‘success and it wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of the volunteers who helped to prepare ahead of time, and worked during the event itself. ISP will continue to provide services and programs for international students as well as for the entire Skyline College community.
Article by Wissem Bennani
