As a new international student or scholar at Texas A&M University, there may be numerous orientation opportunities available to you. Check out this page to learn what's available...and what's required!
- New International Student Orientation
- International Student Online Orientation
- Additional Student Orientations
- New J-1 Scholar Orientation
- Additional Scholar Orientations
New International Student Orientation
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is pleased to host a New International Student Orientation (NISO) each fall and spring term. Though not required, ISSS strongly encourages all new international students to attend! International students who arrive in summer term are encouraged to attend the fall event.
The purpose of the New International Student Orientation (NISO) is to provide important information to all international students on pertinent issues such as ISSS services, maintaining immigration status, adjusting to life in College Station and Texas A&M University, and introducing valuable resources that will assist you in becoming successful students in your academic journey at Texas A&M University.
Fall 2024 New International Student Orientation (NISO)
The Fall 2024 New International Student Orientation (NISO) will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in the Memorial Student Center (MSC) on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, TX. Click the link below to register for this event. We hope to see you there!
New International Student Orientation - Tentative Agenda
Please note this schedule is subject to change.8:30am – 9:30am Registration & Breakfast Refreshments
9:30am – 10:45am Welcome Session featuring...
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
International Student Association (ISA)
University Health Services (UHS)
10:45am – 11:00am Break
11:00am – 12:15pm Choice of 3 sessions:
So I Have This F-1 Visa… Now What?
So I Have This J-1 Visa… Now What?
Options for Students in Other Statuses
12:15pm – 1:45pm Resource Fair & Lunch
1:45pm – 2:30pm Choice of 4 sessions:
How to Get from Point A to Point B
Navigating Career and Job Search Resources at Texas A&M
Academic Expectations in the American University
Student Panel
2:30pm – 2:45pm Break & Light Snacks
2:45pm – 3:30pm Choice of 4 sessions:
What it Takes to Apply for a Driver License or ID
Navigating Career and Job Search Resources at Texas A&M
Academic Expectations in the American University
Student Panel
3:30pm – 3:45pm Break & Light Snacks
3:45pm – 4:30pm Choice of 3 sessions:
All About the University Libraries
Love Knows No Boundaries: Dating in the U.S.
Making Aggieland Home: What you need to know about off-campus living
Registration & Check-In
Please pre-register for the New International Student Orientation at the link above so we can plan accordingly and make sure we’ll have enough food for everyone in attendance. The Memorial Student Center (MSC) is located on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, TX. Locate the MSC on the campus map. Once you arrive at the event, you will need to check in to receive the event schedule and a lunch ticket. If you have your Aggie ID Card, please bring it with you because it will help us expedite the check-in process. After checking in, you can enjoy a light breakfast before the Welcome Session begins at 9:30am!Lunch & Resource Fair
From 12:15pm – 1:45pm, you’ll be able to do 2 things in any order you choose:- Visit the Resource Fair tables in the main hallway on the 2nd floor of the MSC. Numerous campus and community resources will be there to greet you and share helpful information.
- Order your lunch at one of the restaurants in the Memorial Student Center (MSC).
- Cabo Grill: Build your own burrito bowl
- Chick-Fil-A: Choice of chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, or 12-piece chicken nuggets, all with fries
- Houston Street Subs: Choice of sandwich and chips
- Rev's American Grill: Choice of chicken tenders, hamburger, or cheeseburger, all with fries
Aggie Dining states that Cabo Grill and Houston Street Subs are the best options for students with dietary restrictions because you will have the option to choose the individual ingredients as your meal is prepared. For more information about the ingredients and menu options, please visit the following links:
- https://dineoncampus.com/tamu/food-allergyspecial-diets
- https://dineoncampus.com/tamu/whats-on-the-menu
International Student Online Orientation
In addition to the in-person New International Student Orientation, ISSS also offers an Online Orientation for international students. The International Student Online Orientation can be accessed any time and completed at your own pace.
Additional Student Orientations
Graduate Students are strongly encouraged to attend the New Graduate Student Orientation, hosted by the Graduate & Professional School. More details about New Graduate Student Orientation can be found on the Graduate & Professional School website.
Exchange Students are required to attend the Exchange Student Orientation, hosted by Education Abroad. International exchange students will receive an email from Education Abroad if they are required to attend this orientation.
Undergraduate Students are required to attend a 2-day New Student Conference (NSC), hosted by New Student and Family Programs. More details about New Student Conferences can be found on the New Aggie website.
All international students are strongly encouraged to attend the many events held during Howdy Week, hosted by New Student and Family Programs. More details about all Howdy Week events can be found on the Howdy Week website.
ISSS recommends all international students try to attend the following Howdy Week events to learn about helpful campus and community resources:
- Ice Cream Carnival on Friday, August 16, 2024
- Libraries Open House on Friday, August 16, 2024
- President’s Picnic on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (in the evening after the New International Student Orientation)
Note: You may also be invited to attend an orientation for your specific academic program, department, or college. ISSS strongly encourages you to attend these orientations if you are able. Some of these orientations may be required. Be sure to inform your academic program if you cannot attend.
New J-1 Scholar & Student Intern Orientation
All J-1 Scholars and Student Interns are required to attend a virtual orientation with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) after arriving in the United States. The orientation is conducted through Zoom.
Additional Scholar Orientations
J-1 scholars in Postdoc positions are strongly encouraged to attend a New Postdoc Orientation, hosted by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. More details about New Postdoc Orientation can be found on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website.
J-1 scholars in employment positions may be required to attend an orientation with HR. J-1 scholar employees will receive an email from HR if they are required to attend this orientation.
Note: You may also be invited to attend an orientation for your specific hosting department or unit. ISSS strongly encourages you to attend these orientations if you are able. Some of these orientations may be required. Be sure to inform your hosting department if you cannot attend.