New international students arrived on campus last week, just a few days before throngs of cars packed Whitnall Field for first-year move-in day Saturday.
The pre-Orientation program for international students is designed to help ease the transition for those traveling to Hamilton, N.Y., from outside the United States.
Assistant Dean and Office of International Student Services Director Christina Khan said students in the program not only learn how to navigate the complexities of college in an unfamiliar country, but also receive assistance with banking and visa questions, and they make some new friends along the way.
“We have also had a lot of faculty participation. Students have learned how office hours work, and are learning some best practices when it comes to communicating with professors, and class participation,” Khan said. “It’s been very successful. Apart from some lost luggage and a bit of jet lag, everyone has arrived safely.”
International students in the Class of 2017 come from 24 countries, and dual citizens add another 17 countries to the mix. For many of the 82 students enrolled from outside the U.S., 11 percent of the incoming class, this week marks their first time stepping foot on Colgate’s campus.
“I never visited,” said Allen Kan ’17, of Taiwan. “It’s such a beautiful campus, and the people here have been super friendly.”
Before a Colgate-themed Jeopardy competition started in the O’Connor Campus Center to close out the orientation session, Charlie Xu ’17, of China, said he couldn’t wait for his first classes to begin.
“We’re just really looking forward to school here,” Xu said.
Current students at Colgate University. Click here for a larger version.