The Office of Global Programs and the Division of Undergraduate Studies Advising Office are preparing for a series of meaningful and robust orientation programs for new and transfer Penn State international students. There are two programs you need to participate in during summer: Penn State Global Gateway and Penn State New Student Orientation (NSO).
Penn State Global Gateway
Both virtual and in-country sessions will offer the same content. You only need to attend one of them. If you are able, you are strongly encouraged to attend the in-person sessions. All international students will receive email invitations to the virtual sessions from the central Global Engagement Office at University Park. International students who listed China, India, and South Korea as home countries on their Penn State application will receive email invitations from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Virtual Sessions (All dates and times listed below are U.S. Eastern Time):
- Thursday, May 22, from 8:00–11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, June 18, from 8:00–11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, July 17, from 8:00–11:00 a.m.
In-Country Sessions (All dates and times listed below are local time):
- Saturday, May 17, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.: Mumbai, India
- Sunday, May 18, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.: New Delhi, India
- Saturday, May 31, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.: Seoul, South Korea
- Saturday, June 7, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.: Beijing, China
- Sunday, June 8, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.: Shanghai, China
Check emails from the Undergraduate Admissions Office for registration information.
New Student Orientation (NSO)
There are three steps you need to complete for NSO: a virtual Zoom session and Canvas course, a virtual Zoom academic advising appointment, and an in-person, on-campus session. Please visit the University’s Orientation site for registration and the mandatory NSO Tasklist.
Step 1: Attend Zoom Session and Complete Canvas Course Module
During the Zoom session, you will meet with representatives from various campus resources and learn about arriving on campus at Penn State Altoona. The components of the Canvas course are designed to introduce you to campus resources and provide you with information about being a successful student.
Zoom Session: Friday, June 20, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
Step 2: Zoom meeting with academic adviser
Your academic advising appointment will occur approximately one week after your attendance at the virtual orientation event. This is your opportunity to meet with an academic adviser who will discuss your intended major and help you choose courses that will help you progress toward achieving a degree in that field. Plan to allow an hour for this meeting.
Step 3: In-Person, On-Campus Orientation on Thursday, August 21
You will learn about campus resources, complete your mandatory immigration check-in, and have an opportunity to explore campus. More information will be shared via email from Global Programs.
- Arrival Days: Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20
- Orientation Day: Thursday, August 21