International Student Services

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is an essential part of the international student experience and is carefully designed to help launch you into a successful semester at Reed College.

Spring 2025 International Student Orientation (ISO) will take place Friday, January 24, 2025 following New Student Orientation. ISO is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Wednesday, January 22 is the designated arrival date for new students. The program orients international students to the United States and Reed and also connects each student with an InterConnect peer mentor who will guide students through their first semester. There is no registration fee for ISO; all activities and meals are free for participants. 

Please confirm your participation in ISO by completing the International Student Orientation registration form below.

ISO Registration Form (Register by January 15)

Important Dates

InterConnect Mentor Program

An integral part of ISO, the InterConnect peer-mentoring program pairs each new student with an InterConnect group (2 to 5 new students) and a returning student mentor. InterConnect mentors contact their students over the winter and serve as a mentor and guide throughout Orientation and the first semester at Reed. During the spring semester, new students are supported through individual meetings and a series of fun InterConnect events with your mentor group.

Pre-Arrival Communication

Registrants for ISO will receive pre-arrival communication from International Student Services and their InterConnect mentor. Students attending Reed on F-1 and J-1 visas will receive access to an orientation module that will introduce essential information related to your visa status in the U.S. Students will be expected to complete the module at their convenience prior to arriving on campus in January.

Schedule

We are still finalizing the spring 2025 ISO schedule. In the meantime, find the tentative overview of International Student Orientation (ISO) below: 

• Wednesday (12/22) - Arrival Day: Check-in to campus rooms and settle in. ISS will be open for drop-in questions. Dinner with Orientation team and new students.
• Friday (12/24) - ISO Welcome Lunch + Information Session: meet ISS staff and InterConnect Mentors for lunch, and get important information for new international students.
• Saturday (12/25) - See the City: mentors take new students to their favorite Portland spots! 
• Sunday (12/26) - Explore Campus: mentor-led tours and walking trips to campus-adjacent resources.

Cost & Registration

There is no cost for ISO. All meals, sessions, and activities associated with ISO are covered by Reed. It is a good idea, however, to arrive with some US currency in order to purchase supplies and personal items. If possible, please bring a bank card that will work in the US, check with your local bank before departure.
We ask that all international students register online for ISO by January 15. Registration is important to help us pair students with mentors, collect dietary needs, and you can request airport transportation in the form. 

Packing

You will not need any items for ISO that you would not already be bringing to campus. We understand that due to travel and financial restrictions, you may be traveling light. We will have linens (sheets, blanket, pillows, and towels) available for you upon arrival to use until you are able to purchase your own. For guidance on what to pack, please email iss@reed.edu. You may also wish to order some items for delivery ahead of your arrival. Target, Amazon, and other US retailers offer competitive shipping rates. Contact contact mail services and bookstore directly for more information regarding your campus mail address and pick-up process.

Arriving

International students arriving to campus for the first time may move into campus housing on January 22nd. If you need to access your campus room before this date, please contact iss@reed.edu as soon as possible. January 18–20 is the MLK Jr. holiday weekend in the US, and there will be limited food and staff services on campus. 

International Student Services can arrange transportation from Portland International Airport to campus between January 20-22. Please register for International Student Orientation (above) to ensure request airport transportation. 

Accessibility

If you have special dietary needs or are a student in need of accommodations due to disability, physical or otherwise, please let us know in advance so we can be as accommodating and inclusive as possible in our programming. You may also contact Disability & Accessibility Resources to discuss your needs and other possible accommodations for your time at Reed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my parents or family members are coming with me to Reed?

As many international students do not have family travel with them to the United States, we want to let you know that we do not have any formal activities that include parents and family members of international students. The activities outlined in the schedule are for international students only. 

I’m not sure if I’m technically an international student. I am a United States citizen, but I have been living abroad. Am I able to participate in International Student Orientation?

Absolutely! We have a thriving Third Culture Kid (TCK)/Global Nomad community at Reed and welcome TCKs to engage with our office. If you identify as a Third Culture Kid or have just been living abroad and would like to transition slowly back to the United States and meet other global nomads, you are more than welcome to attend International Student Orientation. Please complete the registration form to let us know you plan to attend. Each year, we have several TCKs attend our orientation, and many TCKs continue to participate in our programs and services throughout their time at Reed. If you would like to speak with a TCK at Reed, let International Student Services know.