Hi colleagues,

I hope you are enjoying the wonderful springtime!

My name is Chainey, and I work at Northwestern University. As we are rethinking and rebranding the international student orientation experience, I want to reach out to you all to learn some best practices and logistics.

1. Which unit in your institution oversees this international student transition experience? How many staff do you have to carry out this large project? I have seen various formats ( ISSS taking the lead, ISSS collaborating with student affairs, and global engagement taking the lead along with a few representatives from ISSS) and would love to learn about your structures.

2. If your institution asks international students to arrive early for this experience, will you cover the expense? Or will students be billed by housing and dining directly? Could you please share the costs/charges in this regard?

I appreciate all the possible insights, suggestions, and feedback being shared here, and would love to connect with you via a Zoom meeting if you are open to a longer conversation 😊

Stay awesome!

Thanks，

Chainey

Qianying (Chainey) Gao 

She/Her/Hers  

Coordinator of International Student Experience

Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISS)

Buffett Institute for Global Affairs

Northwestern University

E: qgao@northwestern.edu | Office: 630 Dartmouth Pl, Evanston IL 60208