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  1. Home
  2. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
  3. Global Programs

University Orientation and Welcome

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.

Virtual Session Registration

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

Global Programs

  • New International Student Checklist
  • University Orientation and Welcome
  • Housing Information
    • Questions to Ask Your Landlord
    • Residence Hall, Room, and Roommate Assignment
    • What to Bring
    • What to Buy After You Arrive
  • Transportation and Arrival Information
    • Private Taxi Service
  • SAFE and AWARE
  • Information Technology Information for International Students
  • English Composition Courses for International Students and English Language Learners
  • Employment in the U.S. for International Students: Advice for Penn State Altoona International Students
  • University Events
  • Global Programs Staff Directory

Global Programs

Contact us at [email protected].

Penn State Global Links

Penn State Global
Pre-arrival Information

Penn State Altoona Links

Division of Student Affairs
Housing and Food Services (on-campus housing, meal plans, and Lion Cash)
New Student Orientation (NSO)
Academic Advising
Welcome Week
Student Leadership and Involvement
Health and Wellness Center
Information Technology
Student Success Center
Tutoring
Bursar's Office (tuition payments)

Other Resources

Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association (off-campus housing information)
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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