Orientation 2008

International Orientation Odyssey
August 22-26, 2008

The international orientation odyssey serves an important supplemental role to new student orientation for international students and language scholars. During the international orientation odyssey, new international students and language scholars will be able to connect with campus staff and faculty, learn about campus services that affect them as internationals, and receive a facilitated introduction to American culture. In addition, students and scholars will have an opportunity to rest, settle in, and start exploring Reed and Portland.  

Costs

All meals, workshops, and trips associated with the international orientation odyssey are paid for by Reed. It is a good idea, however, to arrive with some U.S. currency in order to purchase supplies and/or personal items. 

Registration

All international students and language scholars are asked to register online, whether or not they plan to attend the international orientation odyssey. Registration is important since it includes information requests for the host family program. The online registration is through IRIS. Access to IRIS will be available by using an ID and password students will receive via mail in late May. If a student has not received this information packet by the end of May, he/she should contact the international student services office.

Part of the online registration is the ability to sign up for the international orientation odyssey. All students and scholars planning to attend international orientation need to complete both the international orientation application and the waiver and release form on IRIS. In order to facilitate the coordination of events, students are asked to complete the online forms by June 29.

The international orientation staff is well aware that travel plans may not be finalized by the application deadline. Students and scholars are asked to provide as much information as possible by June 29, and to update flight information on the registration form, via IRIS, as soon as it is available.  

Packing List

Students and scholars will not need any items they would not already be bringing to campus.  The international orientation staff recognizes that because of travel circumstances, students and scholars may need to pack lightly.  During the first couple of days of international orientation, scholars and students will have an opportunity to visit some local stores to purchase items needed to outfit their rooms and prepare for the beginning of classes.  More shopping trips will also be offered during new reedie orientation.

Move in dates

Students and scholars will be allowed to move into their dorms on Friday, August 22, and will have access to their rooms throughout the international orientation odyssey.

Arriving on Campus

Most international students fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). If this is not the case, please make sure to note the appropritate travel information on the registration form. For students and scholars arriving by plane at PDX, please provide international orientation staff with the flight information as soon as it becomes available. Students and scholars can update this information by logging on to IRIS and completing the appropriate fields.

Shuttle services from the airport, train station, or bus terminal will be provided for students and scholars. However, many students and scholars coordinate transportation with their host family. Once students register for the international orienation odyssey, a staff member will contact them with further information regarding transportation to campus.

Host Families

Most international students and language scholars are automatically matched up with an American host family prior to their arrival in the U.S. Host families serve as a resource and support for international students during their time at Reed, and help introduce students to American life beyond the campus grounds. Host families often correspond with their respective student or scholar during the summer, and arrange to meet them at the airport.

Check-In

International students and language scholars are able to check-in and move into their campus housing beginning Friday, August 22. The international orientation staff understands that international flights are long and airport delays are unpredictable and, therefore, have arranged for 24-hour check-in and registration. Students and scholars are encouraged to be in contact with international orientation staff if there are changes to flight itineraries in order to be appropriately prepared for student and scholar arrivals.

When students and scholars arrive on campus, check-in and dorm key pick-up will be at the 28 West building (located near the intersection of SE Steele St. and SE 28th Avenue). 

Participating in More than One Odyssey

The international orientation odyssey is concurrent with the other odyssey programs (i.e. SEEDS community service odyssey and outdoor odyssey).  Therefore, students can only participate in one of the three odysseys.

Schedule

View a tentative schedule of events.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the international orientation odyssey, call the international student services office at 503/517-5538, or email David Rivera at riverad@reed.edu.



Top of Page