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Reed College
Orientation

Orientation office
503/777-7530
orientation@reed.edu

Reed College Orientation 2012

Orientation Odysseys

International Orientation Odyssey

Please complete the International Orientation form.

More information for new international students can be found on the international student services website.

For information pertaining to all odysseys and conflicting programs, please see this page.

• International Orientation Odyssey Schedule
• International Orientation Odyssey Description
• International Orientation Odyssey Cost & Registration
• Packing for Your International Orientation Odyssey
• Arriving for Your International Orientation Odyssey
• The Host Family Program

Contact:
Dana Bays, assistant dean of students for international student services
503/517-5538 or email
skype: iss.reed

International Orientation Odyssey Schedule

International Orientation Odyssey Description

The international orientation odyssey is an important and fun part of the international student experience at Reed. During this four-day orientation, international students have an opportunity to learn about Reed and the U.S., and to get to know other international students as well as campus staff and faculty. In addition, you will have an opportunity to rest, settle in, and start exploring Reed and Portland.

Following are some of the highlights of the international orientation odyssey:

InterConnect Mentor Program

An integral part of the international orientation odyssey is the InterConnect mentoring program. Each new student participating in the international orientation odyssey will be placed in an InterConnect group and paired with a returning student who will be in touch with you over the summer and will serve as a mentor and guide you throughout orientation and your first semester at Reed. Throughout the first semester, students are supported through individual meetings and a series of fun InterConnect events.

A Tour of Portland

We will spend an afternoon and evening exploring some of Portland's neighborhoods and famous sights while learning to use the city's public transportation.

Faculty and Staff Lunch

You will have lunch with staff and faculty and begin making connections with members of the Reed community.

Shopping Trips

Transportation will be provided so you can visit local stores to obtain items you will need to begin the school year.

Presentations by Campus Offices

Representatives from various campus offices will speak directly to issues that are specific to international students (e.g., international health insurance, visa regulations, working on campus).

The Host Family Program

Most international students are matched with an American host family prior to their arrival in the U.S. This (nonresidential) host family program allows for international students and language scholars to connect with a family living near the college. These families volunteer to be a friend to an international student or language scholar at Reed and help to introduce students to American life beyond the campus grounds. Host families correspond with their student during the summer and often arrange to meet the student at the airport. They are also a resource during the year in a number of ways: by showing you interesting sites in Portland as well as in Oregon; by inviting you to their homes for an American meal or celebration; or simply by being an off-campus friend with whom you can talk. You will receive more information about the host family program over the summer.

International Orientation Odyssey Cost & Registration

There is no cost for the international orientation odyssey. All meals, workshops, and trips associated with the international orientation odyssey are covered by Reed. It is a good idea, however, to arrive with some U.S. currency in order to purchase supplies and personal items.

If you are an international student, we ask that you register for the international orientation odyssey online by June 15, whether or not you plan to attend. Registration is important since it also includes information requests for the host family program. The online registration is through IRIS. If you have not received your IRIS login information, please contact Dana Bays, assistant dean of students for international student services, by email or phone (503/517-5538). We understand that your travel plans may not be finalized by the application deadline. Please simply provide as much information as possible by the June 15 application deadline. The ISS office will be in touch to request flight arrival times and other information later in the summer.

Though we encourage you to attend the international orientation odyssey, you are free to attend any of the odysseys. The international orientation odyssey is concurrent with all other odyssey programs; therefore, if you choose to participate in any other odyssey offering, you will not be able to attend the international orientation odyssey program.

Packing for Your International Orientation Odyssey

You will not need any items for the odyssey that you would not already be bringing to campus. We understand that due to travel and financial restrictions, you may be traveling light. During the first couple of days of international orientation, you will have an opportunity to visit some local stores to purchase items needed to outfit your rooms and prepare for the beginning of classes. More shopping trips will also be offered during new Reedie orientation. For guidance on what to pack, please email international student services.

Arriving for Your International Student Odyssey

Most international students fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). International orientation staff members are available to provide rides from the airport, train station, or bus terminal for arriving international students. In past years, many students have coordinated transportation to campus with their host family.

As an international student, you will be able to check in and move into your residence hall beginning Friday, August 17, at 9 a.m. Though the official start of the international orientation odyssey is Sunday, August 19, some events will be planned for Friday evening and Saturday. We strongly encourage you to arrive on Friday, August 17, if possible, or Saturday, August 18, at the latest. Because international flights are long and airport delays are unpredictable, international orientation staff members have arranged for 24-hour check-in and registration. You are encouraged to be in touch with staff members if your itinerary changes, so that staff can be prepared for your arrival.

When you arrive on campus, checkin and pick up your room key at the 28 West building (located near the intersection of SE Steele Street and SE 28th Avenue). Please see the map.