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. A schedule and sign-up link will be shared soon. For now, please save the date and arrange your travel plans so you can be here in time!
![Flyer for New International Student Orientation on August 17, 2024](/getmedia/cb1b531a-1b6f-459e-b45d-9d2ddb78c03e/NISO_Fall_2024_Save-the-Date.png)
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.