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International Student Orientation

The Office of International Services recognizes that your transition to the University of Illinois at Chicago is multifaceted. You are not only beginning studies at a new school, you are entering a new country and culture. This experience can be both exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming! With this in mind, OIS has developed a series of customized orientation programs and arrival resources for all new international students entering UIC. Our goal is to support and enhance your transition by providing essential information about your immigration responsibilities, an introduction to the UIC community, an opportunity to meet other new international students, and much more.

OIS hosts International Student Orientations throughout the year. Incoming students should attend the session that most closely aligns with their I-20/DS-2019 program start date. Click the link below to view the complete orientation schedule and registration information.

Virtual OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetups Heading link

You are invited to join advisors from the Office of International Services and your fellow admitted international students for a casual and informative online meetup. Hear updates from campus, get pre-departure advising, and make connections even before setting foot in Illinois. See below for upcoming meetup dates and click through for details and registration information.

Apr 28 2023

OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Housing & safety

Friday, 9:00 am–10:00 am
Online - Zoom
May 12 2023

OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Arrival & academics

Friday, 9:00 am–10:00 am
Online - Zoom

Summer 2023 International Student Orientation Heading link

A group of international students pose along the shore of Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline behind them on a sunny, summer day.

International Student Orientation for students beginning their programs in summer 2023 will take place on Thursday, June 8, and Friday, June 9, 2023.

More information, including registration details, will be shared in upcoming Countdown to UIC emails. Stay tuned!

Summer 2023 ISO Schedule of Events Heading link

Jun 8 2023

New International Student Summit

Thursday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Student Services Building
Jun 9 2023

Sweet Home Chicago

Friday, 12:30 pm–4:30 pm
Student Services Building

The confidence we get after attending the orientation is very helpful! And the people who helped us and cleared our doubts, amazing!

New International Student  |  Fall 2022

Fall 2023 International Student Orientation Heading link

Student places a small flag pin on a large blue map of the world.

Fall 2023 International Student Orientation events begin with Global Music Night on Friday, Aug. 11, and continue through the week of Aug. 14. The New International Student Summit on Thursday, Aug. 17 is mandatory for all international students new to UIC.

More information about Fall 2023 International Student Orientation will be shared throughout the spring and summer of 2023 in Countdown to UIC emails and here on the OIS website. Stay tuned!

 

 

Fall 2023 ISO Schedule of Events Heading link

Aug 11 2023

Global Music Night

Friday, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Student Center East
Aug 17 2023

New International Student Summit

Thursday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm
UIC Dorin Forum
Aug 18 2023

UIC International Community Welcome Back BBQ

Friday, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
UIC Dorin Forum

ISO registration and fee information Heading link

All incoming international students are charged a non-refundable Orientation & Check-in Fee of $149 to their university bill to cover the costs of new international student services and programs, regardless of ISO participation. However, there is no additional charge for participation in selected ISO events. Incoming international students should register for the ISO that most closely aligns with the start of their academic program at UIC.

Information for graduate student employees Heading link

OIS is pleased to share information from two campus partners that support graduate students employed by UIC. If you are a new international student in a graduate program and will be working at UIC as a Teaching Assistant or a Graduate Assistant, please see below for more information on these important resources.

Graduate Employees Organization

The Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) is a labor union that represents 1,400 Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants at UIC. Students interested in learning more can view an informational video that contains instructions on how to join the GEO.

International Teaching Assistant Program

The International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) supports international teaching assistants and the departments that employ them. Students who will be working as teaching assistants while at UIC should visit the ITAP website to learn more and find dates for their Campus-Wide New TA Orientation.

FAQs Heading link

Here are some frequently asked questions about international student orientation.