Incoming International Student Programs

Welcome to Columbia

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Welcome to the ISSO: Your Home Away from Home

Listen as staff and students alike highlight the purpose and impact of the International Students and Scholars Office here at Columbia University.

Welcome from your ISSO Programming Team!
Welcome from your ISSO Programming Team!

Meet Chad, Stacy, James, and Cait. They're the Programming Team, focused on making you feel at home from your first step onto campus!

Program Highlights

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International Student Academic Success Series

Practical tips to communicate with your professors and advisers, participate in class discussions, and work in groups. Understand Academic Integrity within the culture of U.S. higher education.

Students with NYC
Campus Resource Series

Information on navigating housing options for Columbia students, understanding student health insurance requirements, discussions with Public Safety, resources for accompanying family members, and more!

Adviser with student
Adjustment and Well-Being

Advice on connecting with communities and networks at Columbia and in NYC, introduction to the U.S. banking system, building your knowledge and skills of overall financial wellness, and preparing to become an international student in the U.S. 

    Photo Gallery

    Check out photos of some of our past events:

       

    School / Academic Department Orientation

    In addition to the Incoming International Student Programs, ISSO will conduct an information session about your F‐1 / J‐1 status in the United States as part of your program orientation. You will receive this information directly from your school and/or programs.

    If you have missed the orientation, watch the ISSO portion here.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

    School and department orientations are required for all incoming students. It is important to take part in the orientations your school/department offers. If you cannot attend, please reach out to your school/department separately. Incoming international students are invited and strongly encouraged to join ISSO programs and events as your schedule allows. ISSO programs and events are specifically created for incoming international students.

    At this time, ISSO is not recording any of the virtual sessions for incoming international students, however any handouts will be made available upon request

    All incoming international students, regardless of when your program begins, are able to take part in any of the events on the calendar, regardless of where you are. Additionally, once you are in NYC, you are invited to take part in any of the in-person excursions organized by ISSO. Reach out to the ISSO Programming Team if you have any questions.

    ISSO welcomes all accompanying family members of our international students. Be sure to read through our Family Programming webpage as well as our additional resources for dependents.

    All incoming international students must report their arrival within one week of your first-time arrival with your Columbia I-20/DS-2019. You must report your arrival online, but you are always welcome to stop in to ISSO and introduce yourself in-person to the Programming Team and other ISSO staff!