International Student Orientation
For degree-seeking international students beginning Fall 2024
- Laura Flower Kim, Associate Director, ISP
- Daniel Yoder, International Advisor, ISP
- Hanna Drollinger, Case Coordinator, ISP
Immigration Basics | Zoom Recording
What happens when my visa expires? Will I be eligible for a summer internship? What documents do I need for future travel? Can I ever take a term off? Your ISP advisors, Laura and Daniel, will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under F-1 and J-1 status. We will review documents and address frequently asked questions so that you can feel more in control of your own U.S. nonimmigrant status.
Relocation & Cultural Adjustment | Zoom Recording
Meet Barbara Avouac, Cross-Cultural Advisor within the International Offices at Caltech. Originally from France, Barbara understands what it's like to move to another country, live "24/7" in a second language, and manage daily tasks like shopping, dining, and driving in an unfamiliar culture. Barbara brings her experiences and tips to you, to help you acclimate and to find resources to help you make Caltech and Pasadena your new home.
Campus Culture | Zoom Recording
Learn how Caltech can support you and how we all can participate in keeping Caltech's campus a safe and inclusive community to promote student success in and outside of the classroom. This session will provide practical tips to help with a smooth transition to life on campus, discuss boundary setting and clear communication strategies, and make clear campus policies and resources related to discrimination, sexual misconduct and unlawful harassment. We want everyone at Caltech to feel heard, supported, and have full access to educational opportunities. This will allow everyone greater confidence in building healthy professional and personal relationships at Caltech and beyond. Presented by the Office of Equity & Title IX.
Navigating the American Classroom | Zoom Recording
What is U.S. academic culture really like? What should I expect from the classroom experience? Caltech international students share their own cultural observations and tips for a successful transition to academic life at Caltech.
U.S. Banking Basics | Zoom Recording
Confused by ATM vs. debit vs. credit, savings account vs. checking account, bank vs. credit union? Want to know how to protect your money from scammers? This session will cover basic U.S. banking terminology and concepts, teach you about common financial scams and how to avoid them. Plus, we offer a brief "how to guide" to open a student account and to set up direct deposit with the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union (CEFCU). Presented by CEFCU.
Aug 7 | 6 AM | Q&A w/ISP+Orientation Leaders | Live Zoom
Aug 12 | 8 PM | Q&A w/ISP+Orientation Leaders | Live Zoom
Got questions about arriving and settling into campus? Want to know how to navigate the Pasadena community? ISP and Orientation Leaders will be ready to answer any pre-arrival questions you may have. These sessions will not be recorded. Zoom links will be distributed by email only. Sessions are listed for U.S. Pacific Coast Time Zone.
ISP Online Immigration Check-In
- ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS must complete the ISP Online Immigration Check-In AFTER arrival in the United States
- PhD students require an in-person I-9 Employment Verification; Visit ISP Walk-In Hours, Monday - Thursday, 1 - 3 PM
U.S. Address Updates
All students who are eligible for an Access.Caltech account must update their address and phone number upon arrival.
- Log into Access.Caltech
- Click "My Personal Information"
- Click "Phones and Addresses"
- Click "Local Residence Address" to edit and enter your physical address (no Mail Codes)
Important Address Info
Graduate Students and any students living off-campus must check NO to "Local Residence in a Student House" (Student House relates only to undergraduate dormitories).
Example of On-Campus (Undergraduate) Address:
- Address Field 1: 1200 E California Blvd
- Address Field 2: Bechtel 123
- City, State, Zip Code: Pasadena, CA 91125
Example Off-Campus + Grad Student Housing Address:
- Address Field 1: 500 S Catalina Ave
- Address Field 2: APT 201B
- City, State, Zip Code: Pasadena, CA 91106
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Center for Student Services (CSS) Lobby
ISP staff and Orientation Leaders will be available throughout the day to provide a friendly HELLO, luggage transport, and lots of snacks and refreshments to enjoy as you arrive and settle in. There are no meals provided by ISP on this day.
Campus Dining available on this day:
Breakfast
- Red Door Marketplace: 7 AM - 11 AM
- Browne Dining Hall: 7 AM - 10:30 AM
- Broad Café: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Lunch
- Red Door Marketplace: 11 AM - 8 PM
- Browne Dining Hall: 11 AM - 3:30 PM
- Broad Café: 11 AM - 2:30 PM
Dinner
- Red Door Marketplace: 11 AM - 8 PM
- Browne Dining Hall: 5 PM - 7 PM
9:00 AM | Breakfast + Registration | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Collect your name tag and let's enjoy breakfast together!
10:00 AM | Culture Shock Comedy Sketch | Ramo Auditorium
Whether you are new to the United States or just new to Caltech, cultural transitions come with ups and downs. We will discover and discuss together with a little humility and a lot of humor. With introduction by ISP and comedy sketch by your Orientation Leader theater troupe.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Caltech Scavenger Hunt
A wacky journey through campus. Join teams, meet friends, and explore. This game will help you discover the secrets of Caltech and help you navigate your way around campus.
- Most Correct Answers: Chinese International Travelers (CIT)
- Most Locations Visited: Chaotic Runners
- Most Creative Team Name: I Suffer PhD (ISP)
- Best Team Photo: The Big Bang Team
12:30 PM | Lunch | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Collect your ISP "Hello" t-shirt and tote bag! Grab some lunch, make a new friend, sit with us under the tent, or enjoy one of the many beautiful spots to sit and eat on the Caltech campus.
5:30 PM | Outdoor Dinner + Games | Tournament Park
Join us for food, games, and conversation while playing anything from chess and cards to badminton and frisbee.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided by ISP
Wear your new HELLO t-shirt + Name Tag!
9:00 AM | Breakfast | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Wear your name tag + Hello t-shirt, and join us for a special breakfast and group photo!
10:00 AM | Immigration Dramedy Sketch | Ramo Auditorium
Let's learn through laughter! Don't miss this hilarious performance by Laura + Orientation Leaders. What happens when my visa expires? Will I be eligible for a summer internship? What documents do I need to travel with? Can I ever take a term off? The Immigration Dramedy Sketch will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under F-1 and J-1 status followed by Q&A.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Peer Panels
Meet in assigned small groups facilitated by Orientation Leaders. Orientation Leaders are current Caltech international students who have been enrolled at Caltech for at least one academic year. They are ready to help you get to know each other, to share stories from their own cultural transitions to Caltech, and to offer peer-to-peer advice.
12:30 PM | Lunch | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Enjoy free food, make a new friend, sit with us under the tent, or enjoy one of the many beautiful spots to sit and eat on the Caltech campus.
3:00 - 5:00 PM | Painted Rocks of Pasadena | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Join ISP plus other campus and community partners for a fun "crafternoon" of painting river rocks. When we're done, we can keep our rocks or hide them around campus for others to find and enjoy. All supplies provided by ISP. No artistic skills needed! #CaltechRocks
Dinner on Your Own
7:30 PM* | International Dessert Night + Film Screening | Amphitheater
Sample treats from around the world, watch a short film under the stars, and find out who won prizes from the previous day's Scavenger Hunt! Meet at the Amphitheater behind the Sherman Fairchild Library.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Late-Night Desserts provided by ISP
Dinner on Your Own
Campus Dining available on this day:
Dinner
- Red Door Marketplace: 11 AM - 8 PM
- Browne Dining Hall: 5 PM - 7 PM
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Breakfast | Beckman Lawn - Tent
Again? Yes! Let's eat together once more!
Throughout the Day | Meet Ups with Orientation Leaders
A day of optional, student-led activities, both on and off-campus, from morning to sunset. Activities include a morning jog in the neighborhood, walk to City Hall, shopping through Old Town Pasadena, boba, dinner out, and more. Sign ups available during iBegin@Caltech. All Meet Ups start from the Beckman Lawn Tent.
Enjoy a scenic 5K run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Pasadena and San Marino. We will run at a comfortable pace for runners of all skill levels.
A short walk from Caltech, Twinkle Tea, Tpumps, OinkMoo Tea, and L'moon Creamery are Boba Tea shops that serve loose-leaf premium quality teas used to brew hot and cold drinks with unique flavors. Costs: your food + beverage.
Take a short walk from Caltech to visit a variety of shops and restaurants on South Lake Ave while making new friends. Favorite options include Mediterranean food, California cuisine, vegetarian and vegan offerings and much more! Costs: your food + beverage.
Walk together to historic Old Town Pasadena. Over 200 specialty shops, over 100 restaurants, sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops. See the famous City Hall dome and other Pasadena landmarks. Costs: your food + beverage + any transportation back to Caltech.
Located on just a short walk from Caltech, join us for a visit to Afters Ice Cream. This is a one-of-a-kind dessert experience where you can enjoy handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors such as cinnamon toast, mango, and real jasmine tea leaves. Costs: your food + beverage.
Campus Dining available on this day:
Lunch
- Red Door Marketplace: 1 PM - 8 PM
Dinner
- Red Door Marketplace: 1 PM - 8 PM