Pre-Orientation for International & Global Nomad Students is held just prior to the New Student Orientation program. New international students and language assistants are required to attend, and US Global Nomad students are also invited. Participants may move their fall housing assignment to attend the program.

Pre-Orientation will focus on preparing you for success at Grinnell; exploring cultural transitions to life in the U.S.; and teaching you about a variety of regulatory issues that impact your stay. You will learn your way around campus and have the opportunity to open a bank account and go shopping. You will also meet your Friendship Family, get to know Grinnell staff and faculty and have a great time with some of your new classmates!

Following the OISA program, all new students (international and domestic) participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). NSO will include tutorial meetings, language placement tests, computer workshops, course registration, etc. This is a good time to become acquainted with your academic advisor, your hall/roommate(s) and your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC).

The International PreOrientation Committee (IPOC) is selected from an applicant pool of current Grinnellians. IPOC works together with the OISA to plan and help facilitate this program. The IPOC Team for Fall 2009 included: Saida Ayupova '10, Uzbekistan; Kyle Blair '10, Oregon, USA; Periklis Chatzistavridis '12, Greece; Phyllis Frimpong '12, Ghana; Sarah Packard '10, Texas, USA; Sunanda Vaidheesh '12, India !!!

*Global Nomads (sometimes called TCKs / Third Culture Kids) are individuals who have spent significant parts of their childhoods outside of their home country(s) - usually because of a parent's occupation. The OISA invites Global Nomad students to consider our office as a resource and to participate fully in our programming, including Pre-Orientation and the Host Family Friendship Program.