International Student Orientation
Fall 2021 International Student Orientation (ISO) Program
Arrival/residence hall move-in for all International Students, Exchange Visitors, and Third Culture Kid (TCK)/Global Nomad Students: Wednesday, August 18, 2021
International Student Orientation: Thursday, August 19, 2021
International Student Orientation will be held virtually on Thursday, August 19th from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. More information on how to login to participate will be forthcoming. ISO is mandatory for all students on an F-1 or J-1 visa and is designed to provide you with valuable information and facilitate your transition to Colorado College. By participating you will gain essential information about:
- immigration rules and regulations that affect your visa status
- academic and student life at CC
- campus and community resources
- living in Colorado Springs
- opportunities to meet other new international and domestic students at CC
Fall 2021 ISO Mentors
ISO Mentors are returning international and globally-minded students who serve as orientation leaders and role models to help with your transition to CC and help prepare you for what's ahead. ISO Mentors begin communicating with our new international students before they arrive on campus, support you during ISO, and continue throughout the fall semester by organizing events and serving as a resource for questions about U.S. culture and academic life at CC.
Meet your ISO Mentors here:
Gina Jeong Class of 2024
Hello, everyone! I am Gina from South Korea. I grew up in Laos and India prior to coming to CC. My intended major is Political Science. I work at the CC Outdoor ED and I am a finance representative at Colorado College Student Government Association. I am also a performer at the Gamelan ensemble at CC music department. I love adventures and playing the drums. I am so excited to meet you all!
3 pieces of advice:
- Be prepared for the cold. It gets really cold here in the winter (it was quite hard for me in the beginning).
- If you applied with a CSS profile, make sure you've saved them. It is impossible to retrieve them after March because the record gets deleted. (Clearly coming from my experience....).
- Feel free to reach out to me or any of the other ISO mentors! We're here to help you embark on your journey at CC. :)
Sean McGonigle Class of 2024
s_mcgonigle@coloradocollege.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Sean McGonigle, and I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I have not chosen a major yet, but some of my favorite areas of study are philosophy and Japanese. I am part of Wasabi, the men's ultimate frisbee team, and the B-Side Collective music group. Some of my favorite hobbies are playing guitar, skateboarding, and clothing design/embroidery. I look forward to meeting you all soon!
3 pieces of advice:
- Get involved in clubs. It's a great way to meet upperclassmen.
- Check out the Outdoor Education Center. They have lots of fun opportunities to get involved in.
- Always vocalize your concerns. College is a big change and it is important that every student is comfortable in their new environment.
Jasmine Volkaert Class of 2024
j_volkaert@coloradocollege.edu
Hello everyone, My name is Jasmine and I am a rising sophomore from Thailand. I have explored many interesting courses during my first year and I am soon to declare a molecular biology major! Ritt Kellogg Climbing Gym is where I spent most of my free time climbing and socialize with other climbers. I also work for the Outdoor Ed and hoping to lead some trips in the future. There are many cool places at CC and in Colorado Springs that you should be excited for. Travel safe and I am looking forward to be spending time with you all in the fall!
3 pieces of advice:
- Prepare for the high altitude! Take a deep breath and don't forget to drink a lot of water.
- Connect with your fellow international students and the upperclassmen. It's a very warm and welcoming community that will be with you for the next four years.
- Learn and travel as much as possible with the Outdoor Ed department. They have many cool activities to offer!
Barbara Bilic Class of 2024
Hello everyone! My name is Barbara and I am a sophomore at CC. I am Croatian from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have not declared my major yet, but I am seriously considering the Integrative Design and Architecture major. I am looking forward to meeting you all!
3 pieces of advice:
- Make sure to get involved in campus activities and campus life.
- Take time for yourself, spend time in nature, and do not overwork yourself.
- Try to stay in touch with your friends from home but also make sure you are establishing bonds at CC.
Kenza Zakarya Class of 2024
Hi All, Welcome to CC ! My name is Kenza. I am a first-year, winter start at CC from Morocco. I still didn't declare my major, but I am thinking about Mathematical economics. Last semester, I have been involved with CC Mobile Art, working with the Career Center, and the MSA. While not in class or in my job, you'd probably find me hanging out with people and enjoying Colorado Springs' weather. There are a lot of cool people and great opportunities waiting for you at CC. Super excited to see you! Please reach out if you have a question about anything.
3 pieces of advice:
- Go outside your comfort zone.
- Bring something emotional/valuable from home.
- Reach out to people and seek opportunities! There are plenty.
Anna Sofia Vera Class of 2022
Hi All! Welcome to the CC fam! We're excited to have you join us in this adventure at Colorado College. I'm Anna, a senior Environmental Science major. Santiago, Chile is one of my homes, but definitely the international community has become my home here too. I work at the Collaborative for Community Engagement, so if you want to know more about community work and social activism in the Springs hit me up! Let's play a game of pickup soccer, cook some food, play some groovy (dance) music or hang downtown. You can reach out to me at a_vera@coloradocollege.edu if you have any questions:)
3 pieces of advice:
- Get involved! Try clubs and orgs and explore the Springs.
- Take it easy! Even though it might be very exciting to do everything (class, club, social wise) make sure to create time for yourself and do things that help you relax and restore.
- Bring something to share from home (can be your favorite snack, tea or maybe an item that reminds you of home).
The 2020 and 2021 ISO Program has been adapted to allow all students to participate during the COVID-19 Pandemic, with its requirements for social distancing. Information below is not relevant for the 2020 or 2021 ISO programs. It is retained here as we explore possible redesign of the ISO program for the Fall 2022 arrivals.
2019 International Student Orientation Description:
At the beginning of each term, International Student & Scholar Services holds a mandatory orientation program for new international students. During orientation, you will attend workshops that will provide you with valuable information and facilitate your transition to Colorado College. ISO is designed to:
- Present material, information, and resources which will help you better understand and navigate classroom expectations, transportation options, employment restrictions, and student health services
- Cover cultural adjustment and coping skills
- Present immigration policies and rules that affect your visa status
- Offer campus tours, fun evening activities, personal connections and opportunities to make new friends, and learn what it means to be a CC student before the rest of the new students arrive on campus
2019 ISO SCHEDULE
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
|
Check-in & Registration Move-in Immigration Check-in Dinner Games & Fun Night |
Breakfast & Registration Welcome to CC Life in the U.S. & Colorado Springs Culture Shock Lunch with your ISO Leader CC Quiz & Campus Tour Immigration Check-in Welcome Barbecue |
Breakfast & Registration Speed Finding Immigration 101 U.S. Healthcare System Lunch Healthy Relationships Paper Bag Skits Shopping trip to Wal-Mart
|
Breakfast & Registration U.S. Classroom culture Taxes in the U.S. Ways to stay involved Student Panel with ISO Leaders Lunch Metro bus trip to Manitou Springs Dinner Ice Cream Social/Karaoke Party |
| For the complete schedule (with time and location details) and any questions, please contact isss@coloradocollege.edu |