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International Student Orientation

Aug. 25-27, 2026

Important dates

International Student Orientation is a required program for all new international students and an essential part of your transition to Augustana College.

New international students arrive on campus before Welcome Week to participate in an extended orientation experience designed specifically for students with a global background. These early days provide time and space to adjust, ask questions, build friendships, and begin feeling at home before the full campus community arrives.

During orientation, students will have the opportunity to set up a U.S. bank account, visit local markets to purchase essential items, and engage in social and community-building activities with fellow new students. They will also learn how to navigate campus while receiving important information about academics, campus resources, and immigration requirements to ensure a strong and confident start at Augustana.

Arrival and questions

Transportation assistance for international student arrival from the Quad Cities Airport and Moline bus station is available through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS).

International students should share their travel details using the international student travel form. Students should direct questions to both the OISSS office and their Admissions Counselor. 

Learn more about instructions for international arrival.

International Student Orientation Schedule 

Please note that the following events are subject to change. You will receive the final schedule via email by early August.

Sunday, Aug. 23

  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Gerber Center: Arrival and orientation check-in
  • 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Lunch dining hours
  • 1-3 p.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Student Support and Welcome Event (optional)
  • 5-7 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Dinner dining hours
  • 7 p.m.: Free time

Monday, Aug. 24

  • 9-10 a.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Continental breakfast (optional)
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Gerber Center: Arrival and orientation check-in
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Student Support and Welcome Hub
  • 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Augustana Clinic, near Gerber Center parking lot: Immunizations available (optional)
  • 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Lunch dining hours
  • 1-3 p.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Campus tours available (optional)
  • 5-7 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Room: Dinner dining hours
  • 7-8:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Global Welcome Social (optional)

Tuesday, Aug. 25

  • 9-10 a.m., Gerber Center, Brew by the Slough: Continental breakfast (optional)
  • 11 a.m., Olin Center, Auditorium: College Welcome (required)
  • 11:30 a.m., Olin Center, Auditorium: Your Path Forward (required)
  • 12-1 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Lunch with ISO group (required)
  • 1:30 p.m., Olin Center, Auditorium: Your Global Community Starts Here (required)
  • 1:50 p.m., Olin Center, Auditorium: Immigration 101 (required)
  • 2:45 p.m.: Break
  • 3 p.m., Olin Center, Auditorium: Navigating U.S. Healthcare & Insurance (required)
  • 3:30 p.m.: Break
  • 5-7 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Dinner dining hours
  • 6-8:45 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall door entrance: Shopping Adventure (optional)
  • 7:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Ice Cream Social (optional)

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Wear your orientation shirt!

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m., Gerber Center, outside of Gävle room 3: Breakfast (optional)
  • 10 a.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Campus Safety Tips  (required)
  • 10:30 a.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Campus Culture of Care and Respect (required)
  • 11:15 a.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Lunch with your ISO group (required)
  • 1 p.m., Gerber Center, Brew patio: ISO group photo (required)
  • 1:45 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Guide to Working On-Campus and Beyond (required)
  • 2:15 p.m.: Break
  • 2:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Making Cents of Banking in the U.S. (required)
  • 3-4:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Bank account set-up (optional)
    • If you plan to open an account, please bring your passport and be prepared to provide your Augustana mailing address (including box number) and your email address.
  • 5-7 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Dinner dining hours
  • 7:30 p.m., Gerber Center, fourth floor: Chill & Play Social Night (required)

Thursday, Aug. 27

  • 9-9:45 a.m., Gerber Center, OISSS office (outside Gävle rooms): Continental breakfast (optional)
  • 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Tredway Library, second floor: Academic Prep & Advising Support
  • 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Augustana Clinic, near Gerber Center parking lot: Immunizations available (optional)
  • 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Lunch dining hours
  • 1:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Academic Success at Augustana (required) 
  • 2:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: From Abroad to Augustana (required)
  • 3:30 p.m.: Break
  • 3:45 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: ISO Wrap-Up and What's Next (required)
  • 4:15 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms: Living in America & Culture Shock (required)
  • 4:45 p.m.: Your ISO group check-in (required)
  • 5-7 p.m., Gerber Center, Dining Hall: Dinner dining hours (optional with ISO group)
  • 8 p.m., Viking Plaza, Lower Quad near the Slough: Bonfire (required)

Global Pathways to Success (GPS)

International Student Orientation is part of Global Pathways to Success (GPS), a year-long experience designed to help first-year and transfer students with a global background thrive at Augustana.

GPS supports students as they transition to life in the United States and on campus through early connections, intentional programming, and personalized support. Throughout the year, students participate in opportunities that:

  • Foster cultural understanding
  • Prepare students for academic success
  • Develop leadership and campus engagement
  • Build meaningful community and belonging

Program features

  • Pre-arrival connection: Communication and support before you leave home
  • International Student Orientation: Early arrival and transition programming
  • Cultural and community engagement: Events and programs throughout the year
  • Peer mentorship led by Global Mentors: Guidance from trained upper-class student leaders
  • Pathways to Success workshops: Skill-building sessions focused on academic and personal growth

GPS ensures that your transition doesn’t end after orientation — it continues throughout your first year.

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