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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. International Student Services

International Student Orientation

New Student Orientation for International Students (Also known as International Student Orientation) is made up of three steps. You are required to attend all steps to complete your onboarding process with Penn State. Please see below for details.

Visit Penn State's Orientation site to make your reservation and complete your New Student Orientation (NSO) Tasklist.

It is highly recommended that you pick June 9 or July 13 as course selection will be better than August 8.


Step 1: Virtual Orientation—June 9, July 13, and August 8

Agenda for June 9 and July 13

International Student Orientation Agenda | June 9 and July 13
Time Activity

8:15–8:45 a.m.

University Welcome
A link will be provided via email from [email protected].
8:45–9:00 a.m. Global Engagement Coordinator Introductions
9:00–9:45 a.m. Orientation Leader Session
9:45–10:45 a.m. Immigration Information Session by International Student and Scholar Advising
10:45–11:15 a.m. Penn State Altoona Meeting
The Zoom meeting information will be provided as an Outlook calendar invitation.

Agenda for August 8

International Student Orientation Agenda | August 8
Time Activity
2:00–2:30 p.m. University Welcome
A link will be provided via email from [email protected].
2:30–2:45 p.m. Global Engagement Coordinator Introductions
2:45–3:30 p.m. Orientation Leader Session
3:30–4:30 p.m. Immigration Information Session by International Student and Scholar Advising
4:30–5:00 p.m. Penn State Altoona Meeting
The Zoom meeting information will be provided as an Outlook calendar invitation.

Questions?

Email [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance.


Step 2: Virtual Academic Advising

After attending Step 1, you will schedule your Virtual Academic Advising appointment. Please follow the instructions on the page to schedule a time that works for you.

Please be sure to complete the ALEKS math test, course planning guide, and transfer credit worksheet (if applicable) before your advising appointment.

Virtual Academic Advising Scheduling Information
If your orientation date is, appointments are visible in Starfish on and virtual appointments are available on
June 9 June 9 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) June 14, 15, 16
July 13 July 14 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) July 19, 20, 21
August 8 August 11 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) August 16, 17, 18

Questions?

Email Suzanne McCusker at [email protected] for assistance.


Step 3: On-campus Orientation

Please complete the On-campus Orientation Registration Form before Friday, August 11.

Arrival Days: August 15 and 16

Agenda for Tuesday, August 15

Agenda: August 15
Time Activity
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Check-in with Office of Student Affairs
Slep Student Center
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Get student ID and on-campus housing room key
Port-Sky Café
3:00–5:00 p.m. Wal-Mart Shopping Trip

Agenda for Wednesday, August 16

Agenda: August 16
Time Activity
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Check-in with the Office of Student Affairs
Slep Student Center
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Get student ID and on-campus housing room key
Port-Sky Café
1:00–1:30 p.m. Amtran Bus Presentation
1:30–3:00 p.m. Downtown Campus Tour
3:00–5:00 p.m. Wal-Mart Shopping Trip

Orientation Day: August 17

Agenda for Thursday, August 17

Agenda: August 17
Time Activity
9:00–9:45 a.m. Breakfast
Slep Student Center
10:00 a.m.–noon Chancellor’s Welcome, Campus Presentation, and Resource Fair
Slep Student Center
Noon–1:00 p.m. Lunch
Slep Student Center
1:00–3:00 p.m. Mandatory Immigration Check-in
154-155 Eiche Library

Questions?

Email Jeffrey Zhao at [email protected].

International Student Services

  • New International Student Checklist
  • International Student Orientation
  • 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
  • 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
  • Staff Directory

International Student Services

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
Center for Student and Civic Engagement
Health and Wellness Center
Information Technology
Learning Resources Center
Bursar's Office (tuition payments)

Other Resources

Central Pennsylvania Landlord Association (off-campus housing information)

See Also

  • Student Affairs
  • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
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.
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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
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • 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 Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • 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
  • Stay Connected
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