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International Student Orientation

New International Student Orientation Spring 2025

Coming to a new country can be a challenging experience, but with the right preparation it can be exciting and full of opportunities! To assist you with the transition from your home country to Loyola, the Center for International Education requires that all new international students complete the mandatory International Student Orientation.

The orientation covers information that you, as an international student, need to know, whether this is your first time in the U.S. or you have studied here already. The orientation also provides a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other international students. It’s a great way for you to begin your Loyola experience!

In-person orientation for new F-1 and J-1 international students is scheduled for Friday, January 10, from 9AM - 6PM. A tentative program schedule can be located here.

As you prepare for your journey, we invite you to join our Facebook pages for the Center for International Education, the International Student Association and the Cultural Connections program. You can ask questions and exchange your thoughts with current international students at Loyola.

You will also find the International Student section of our website helpful with information on the visa application processpre-departure information and much more.

If you have any questions, please send us an email to cie@loyno.edu.

Below is a list of topics that will be covered during our mandatory orientation. Videos that are hosted on Kaltura can be accessed using your student Single Sign On (SSO) credentials. Additional links in each topic are meant to provide more information and resources regarding all aspects about living at Loyola and living in the U.S.

Please keep in mind, the videos provided here are not intended to substitute the attendance of in-person orientation. Rather, they are intended as supplemental information to the presentations you will view during your in-person orientation. 

For videos and quizzes about SEVIS/Immigration Regulations, students are only required to complete the material related to their own visa type. Students should complete these quizzes on their own time, ideally after viewing the SEVIS/Immigration Regulations presentations offered by CIE. Completion of these quizzes is mandatory and constitutes proof that you have understood and will abide by the information covered in your orientation. This quiz must be completed no later than 24 January, 2025. 

Finally, following the completion of orientation and required quizzes, students should submit their immigration documents to the Center at cie@loyno.edu. These are the documents students will receive after their entry to the U.S. is complete and therefore cannot be submitted in advance. All documents should be either photocopied in full color, or else photographed clearly with minimal shadows and clear text. The following documents should be photocopied/photographed and submitted as one single PDF file: passport, visa sticker, entry stamp, and I-94. The PDF file with these documents is due to CIE no later than 24 January, 2025.

 

ORIENTATION TOPICS - WELCOME TO LOYOLA!

The CIE Orientation will be hosted in-person in Spring 2025. Both J-1 and F-1 students are required to complete their orientations.

In-person orientation for new F-1 and J-1 international students is scheduled for Friday, January 10, from 9AM - 6PM. A tentative program schedule can be located here.

Following the completion of orientation, students should submit their immigration documents to the Center at cie@loyno.edu. These are the documents students will receive after their entry to the U.S. is complete and therefore cannot be submitted in advance. All documents should be either photocopied in full color, or else photographed clearly with minimal shadows and clear text. 

The following documents should be photocopied/photographed and submitted as one single PDF file: passport, visa sticker, entry stamp, and I-94. The PDF file with these documents is due to CIE no later than 24 January, 2025.

Please note that there are two parts to New Student Orientation: a general Loyola University Orientation that is accessed through SSO and a specific CIE Orientation that contains additional information from our office. 

Remember, the orientation program is mandatory. You must complete it or you will not be allowed to register for classes.

  1. Gain information about your visa type and how to remain in legal immigration status.
  2. Learn about working on campus and in the U.S.
  3. Receive information on classes, how to open a bank account, get a SSN, cell phone and much, much more!
  4. Find out how to adjust to life in the U.S.
  5. Meet and become friends with other international students and American students.
  6. Explore the differences and similarities between the academic systems of the United States and the academic system of your home country and gain helpful skills that can help you navigate the U.S. academic system more effectively.
  7. Become acquainted with places and services on campus.
  8. Learn about how to get involved with student life at Loyola.
  9. Discover what makes New Orleans unique, including its culture, music and food.
  10. Have your questions and concerns answered by people you can trust including current international students at Loyola.