International Students

Spring 2012 International Student Orientation
University Park, PA
January 3-7, 2012

The Spring 2012 International Student Orientation for all newly-admitted international students attending the University Park campus will be held from Tuesday, January 3 to Saturday, January 7, 2011. The Orientation is designed to help new students adjust to the campus culture, the local community, and life in the United States. The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) offers workshops, sessions, and social activities to make this experience as rewarding as possible.

Students will learn about:

  • Government regulations as they apply to international students;
  • Student health and mandatory insurance;
  • Academic resources;
  • Financial and registration information;
  • The higher education system in the United States;
  • Banking in the United States;
  • Discipline policies and procedures at Penn State;
  • Life in State College;
  • And much more.

All incoming international students attending the University Park campus, both new arrivals from abroad and students transferring from other U.S. institutions are expected to attend the International Student Orientation program.

During the Orientation Program, UOGP will offer special assistance to students, including:

  • A free pick-up service from the University Park Airport and State College bus stations;
  • Temporary Orientation housing at the Days Inn hotel on South Pugh Street;
  • Orientation Leaders who are available 24 hours a day to answer student questions.

Please note that students who arrive after the Orientation Program will still receive help with getting settled at the University. However, UOGP staff may not be able to concentrate solely on new students’ needs since all continuing students will have returned to campus and will also need assistance.

It is especially important for students to take part in the mandatory Document Check-In during which new international students will establish a student file with the University, verify financial agreements, and complete document registration.

Important Information for Specific Student Groups

First-Year Undergraduate Degree Students:

After their acceptance fees are paid, first-year undergraduates will receive information about the First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP), including instructions for taking the on-line FTCAP tests. All newly-admitted international first-year students are responsible for completing the FTCAP tests prior to arriving at Penn State. During the Orientation, first-year students will be able to proceed to the consulting and advising portion of FTCAP.

Change-of-Campus or Transfer Students:

Undergraduate students transferring to the Penn State University Park campus from another Penn State institution or from another university should contact an academic adviser from their college to discuss course scheduling and registration.

Exchange Students (Non-Degree Seeking):

Students taking part in a Penn State Exchange Program will communicate with to discuss their course schedules and are required to attend a special session for exchange students during International Student Orientation.

Graduate Students on Teaching Assistantships:

All international graduate students offered teaching assistantships must take and pass the Penn State American English Oral Proficiency Test (AEOCPT), which is administered on campus.

Government or Corporate Sponsored Students:

If tuition charges will be paid by an outside agency that Penn State routinely bills, a "Semester Bill Confirmation for Sponsored Students" form must be completed during Document Check-In or with in 402 Boucke Building.

International Students at Non-University Park Campuses:

For information about international student orientation programs at non-University Park campuses, view this convenient guide. For further questions, contact the international student representative from your campus.

Arrival and Temporary Orientation Housing

Free Pick-Up Service from Local Airport and Bus Stations:

Between 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3 until the last flight on the night of Friday, January 6, a free pick-up service will be available from the University Park Airport or the Greyhound, Megabus, or Chinatown Bus stations in State College to the temporary Orientation housing at the Days Inn hotel. This service is available 24 hours a day by calling 814-777-7597 upon arrival.

If you arrive before or after the free pick-up service is available or are not planning to stay at the Days Inn, you will need to arrange your own transportation. Here is a list of University Park Area taxi services. You may also call the Days Inn for a free airport shuttle at 814-238-8454.

Housing Reservations during Orientation:

The on-campus residence halls will not be open until the morning of Saturday, January 7. Therefore, newly-arriving students must stay in a local hotel. There are a number of hotels to choose from in the State College area. However, please note that a group of rooms has been set aside at the Days Inn hotel for a discounted rate. The Days Inn will serve as "Orientation Headquarters" and Orientation Leaders will reside there to help students with questions 24 hours a day.

To make a reservation at the Days Inn, please contact the hotel directly:

Days Inn
240 South Pugh Street
State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-238-8454

E-mail:
  • Make sure to give the salesperson the promotional code of CGISS2 in order to get a discount.
  • The discounted rate will be $50 per night (plus applicable taxes).
  • If you wish to share a room with a friend, you may each pay for half of the rate.
  • The deadline for reservations is December 16, 2011.

Move-out of Days Inn on Saturday, January 7:

Housing in on-campus residence halls for students with pre-arranged contracts will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7. On that morning, transportation will be provided for students from the Days Inn to their permanent on-campus housing assignments.

Students who have been assigned on-campus housing can view their room number, building, and roommate information by logging on to www.eliving.psu.edu

Students living off campus are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Here is a list of University Park Area taxi services.

Contact Information

Questions about the Spring 2012 International Student Orientation?

E-mail with your questions or concerns.

Questions about I-20 or DS-2019 visa documents?

E-mail a pre-arrival adviser within UOGP’s Directorate of International Student Advising at or call 814-865-6348.

Contact Address

University Office of Global Programs (UOGP)
410 Boucke Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-7681, Fax: 814-865-3336

The UOGP office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Law Enforcement / Emergencies

Penn State University Police
20 Eisenhower Parking Deck
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1111 (available 24 hours a day)

Additional Information

More useful information for prospective students can be found at the Global Programs Prospective Student page, including I-20/DS-2019 information, visa information, resources for international students, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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