Marietta College: Orientation

High School Students

International Students
- How to Apply
- International Application Form (PDF)
- SEVIS/Visa Information
- Orientation
- What Should I Bring to Campus?
- Pre-Arrival Checklist
- International Student Program

Transfer Students

Graduate Students

Continuing Education

Admission Philosophy

Admission Visit Calendar

Admission Staff

Financial Aid

Orientation for International Students

The Office of International Programs (OIP) coordinates a 3-5 day orientation for all new international students and scholars each semester. The OIP orientation is in addition to the college orientation program which is required for all incoming freshmen.

The OIP Orientation Schedule changes each year and is often extended over a period of two weeks. However, the general outline is as follows:

Arrival Day:
Throughout the day, new students arrive to campus and move in to your residence hall.

The OIP will give you a free phone card (provided by www.zaptel.com) so that you may call your family to report your safe arrival.

Graduate students and off-campus residents should be prepared to stay in a hotel for several days until there is free time to search for an apartment.

As a gift, each new student will receive a set of bed sheets, a pillow and case, a bath towel, wash cloth and basic toiletries (this will open up a little space in your luggage for more clothes and personal items).

Day One:

Welcome, Overview of the OIP orientation program
Campus Tour
Set up campus mailboxes, voicemail accounts, obtain student ID cards
Set up bank accounts
ESL speaking interviews
Math Placement Testing (basic algebra or calculus test determined by the major you intend to study) (graduate students are exempt)
Shopping trip (buy needed items: telephone, laundry soap, desk lamp, trash can, etc.)

Day Two:

ESL Testing
Setup Campus Email accounts
City Tour
Orientation Session 1: The US Educational System
Orientation Session 2: Health and Safety in the US/Insurance Overview

Day Three:

Academic Advising (meet one-on-one with an academic advisor from your
academic major to choose courses for the semester)
Buy books and supplies for class
Orientation Session 3: On-campus Living Rules and Responsibilities (off-campus residents hear a related session on renting apartments, utilities setup, etc.)

Day Four:

Orientation Session 4: Cultural Adjustment/Understanding Americans
Orientation Session 5: Immigration Overview: The OIP/Staying In-Status

During the OIP Orientation, all meals are provided at the Gilman Dining Hall at no additional cost to you. Social activities are planned to help you get to know each other as well as faculty, staff and returning MC students. During the program, you will also be introduced to some of our local Mentor Families.

As an extension to the orientation program, all new international students are invited to take part in the ECC International Student Retreat in September.