International Student Orientation (ISO)
Class of 2028 F1-Visa International Student Arrival: AUGUST 26, 2024
International student advisors in the Office of Student Academic Services (SAS) look forward to meeting you at Skidmore’s International Student Orientation 2024 (ISO). ISO is an academic and cultural introduction and will give you the information you need to have a successful and fun four years of college!
Non-U.S. citizens and U.S. dual citizens living outside of the United States can also request to attend this program. Registration is required.
All F-1 visa students are expected to attend ISO 2024.
During ISO, you will be accompanied by ISO Global Mentors (upper class students) and Skidmore staff who share information about academic resources, the “American” classroom, academic expectations, and the rules and regulations regarding study in the U.S. as an F-1 visa holder. ISO also includes fun excursions that introduce you to Saratoga Springs. ISO also includes time to shop for basic necessities or open a bank account.
ISO 2024 activities will take place from Monday, August 26-Wednesday, August 28.
After ISO concludes, ISO participants join the Pre-Orientation program they selected. We strongly recommend that you choose your Pre-O program carefully. For example, if outdoor activities have never interested you before, the hiking and canoeing Pre-O programs might not be a good match for you. Skidmore students find that their Pre-O programs provide some of their best experiences and memories...know yourself and choose accordingly!
Some new students like to come to Saratoga Springs to explore before arriving to campus on August 26. If you need information about accommodations or Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area, please visit the website of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
NOTE: Late August is the peak of the tourism season in Saratoga Springs, New York. You will enjoy your visit to our beautiful city but you may find that some hotels have no vacancies or charge higher rates. Please make reservations early and if you have a rental car then consider searching for hotels in the nearby but surrounding communities (i.e. Malta, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Albany or Glens Falls). There is a good mix of small inns and independent hotels as well as franchise (Marriott, Hilton, etc.) hotels in the greater Saratoga Springs/Albany/Glens Falls area.
HOW TO REGISTER
Please do not hesitate to email questions to Chloe Jaleel, Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services (cjaleel@8n99.com).
ISO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
Q: If I cannot attend ISO, when should I arrive?
ISO is required for all new international students. We deliver essential F1 visa advising, and we also make sure new students receive the information they need to succeed at Skidmore. And, ISO is a fun and memorable experience! If F1 visa delays or other travel emergencies prevent you from participating in ISO, please plan to arrive for the start of your Pre-O if you signed up for one OR if you did not sign up for a Pre-O then please arrive on the start day of the main all-college orientation run by the Office of First Year Experience. New students may not arrive “in between” orientation programs. Please make sure you always confirm information and dates on the FYE Orientation website.
Q: If I miss ISO, can I still get information from international student advisors?
Yes, in fact you are required to do so. It is important that you meet personally with the international student advisors/coordinators in Student Academic Services (102 Starbuck building) during the first couple of days of classes to learn more about your responsibilities as an F-1 visa holding international student.
Q: I am traveling to ISO alone, can someone meet me at an airport or other station?
If you are unable to get to campus due to financial hardship, please let SAS know. Note: financial hardship is usually determined according to each student’s financial aid package. All students: please make every effort to travel directly at one of the following locations only: Albany International Airport (ALB); or, Saratoga Springs Bus/Train Station.
If you are attending ISO, you will be asked to provide arrival flight/bus/train information prior to arrival.
Q: Where should I fly into?
If you are traveling by air, and especially if you are traveling alone, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that your final destination is the Albany International Airport (ALB). You can take a taxi or ride-share from there to Skidmore (30 minutes drive, approximately $65-$85 plus gratuity). If a taxi presents a financial hardship for you, please alert SAS.
Q: I want to arrive early and need hotel recommendations for the Saratoga Springs area. Where can I search for hotel recommendations?
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce lists many accommodations in the area. Or, you can use your favorite travel website-such as Expedia, Travelocity, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, etc.- to find ideas. If hotels/motels in the city Saratoga Springs are full or too expensive, look to the North or South of the city for alternatives. Nearby cities include Malta, Ballston Spa, Wilton, or Clifton Park. Some hotels have free shuttles or are only a short drive (rental car or taxi) from campus. Some hotels even have free shuttle service from the Albany International Airport. Even if your preferred hotel is not listed as having shuttle service from the airport, check directly with the hotel to confirm. Please note: some of the hotels with free airport shuttle service are close to the airport, but not as close to Skidmore, so be sure to check the distance and plan accordingly.
Q: My family is coming with me, can they participate in ISO?
If you have family coming with you to drop you off, please let us know so that we can meet them! We love meeting international families! Please also keep in mind that ISO is a drop-off event. We welcome families to help their students move into their residence halls on the Monday arrival day, and we expect that families will depart by about dinner time to let students meet each other and engage with their upper-class Global Mentors.
Students are expected to fully participate in ISO, which is several days of full-day programming, and will not have significant time to spend with family after the Monday drop-off. Thank you!