Orientation Information

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Maryland, College Park! We are pleased that you have selected the University of Maryland (UM). We hope you will find your time here rewarding both academically and personally. The Office of International Education Services (IES) is here to serve you during your stay.

To help you with your adjustment to the university and our culture, IES organizes International Student Orientation. There will be sessions addressing immigration, education, life at College Park, health and safety, plus activities introducing you to classmates, faculty and staff. A detailed schedule of events will be available on this website several weeks before Orientation.

If you will be arriving early please consider attending one of our Welcome Sessions.

International Student Orientation will be held August 25 – 27, 2008. See a draft copy of the Orientation Schedule

Orientation includes (*indicates a required session):

  • Introduction to the Academic System at the University of Maryland*
  • Undergraduate Academic Advising and Class Registration*
  • Visa and Immigration Status*
  • Immigration Documents Check*
  • Health Insurance and Health Care
  • Immunization Clearance*
  • Welcome Reception

Please report to room 1101 Biosciences Research Building on Monday August 25. Bring the following documents (and copies of them) with you for the entire Orientation program:

  • Your Admission Materials
  • Passport
  • Immigration Forms
  • I-94 Card (should be white card stapled in your passport)
  • Descriptions of any course work you would like to use towards your degree in the U.S.

Please remember to fill out the Orientation Reservation Form. By returning the Reservation Form on time, undergraduates are assured of reserved time with their academic advisors to set up their class schedule and to register. Some graduate school orientation programs may conflict with the IES Orientation. If you have such a conflict, you should attend your departmental program and include IES sessions as time allows.

Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation
 Each semester, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the Graduate School coordinate a campus-wide orientation program for new graduate teaching assistants (GTAs).

All new Teaching Assistants need to register for this orientation in addition to the IES Orientation.