Orientation 2009

International Orientation Odyssey
Friday August 21-Tuesday August 25 

The international orientation odyssey serves an important supplemental role to new student orientation for international students. During the international orientation odyssey, new international students 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 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 number and password students will receive via mail in mid 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 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 15.

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 15. The international student services office will request specific flight arrival times and other information late in the summer.

Packing List

Students will not need any items they would not already be bringing to campus.  The international orientation staff recognizes that because of travel restrictions and costs, students may need to pack lightly.  During the first couple of days of international orientation, 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. For more information on what to pack, please contact the International Student Services office.

Move in dates

Students attending international orientation will be allowed to move into their dorms on Friday, August 21, and will have access to their rooms throughout the international orientation odyssey.

Arriving on Campus

Most international students fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). Some, however do arrive at the train or bus station.

Shuttle services from the airport, train station, or bus terminal will be provided for students. Many students 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 are automatically matched 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 correspond with their respective student during the summer and often arrange to meet them at the airport.

Check-In

International students are able to check-in and move into their campus housing beginning Friday, August 21. 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 are encouraged to be in contact with the international student services office if there are changes to flight itineraries in order for staff to be appropriately prepared for student arrivals.

When students arrive on campus, check-in and dorm key pick-up will be at the 28 West building located at 5436 SE 28th Ave. (near the intersection of SE Steele St. and SE 28th Avenue)

Participating in More than One Odyssey

Though international students are encouraged to attend international orientation, you are free to attend any of the odysseys. The international orientation odyssey is concurrent with the other odyssey programs (e.g. SEEDS community service odysseys and outdoor odysseys), therefore, students can only participate in one of the 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, assistant dean of international students, at riverad@reed.edu.