Welcome Letter from the International Student Advisors

Greetings from the Office of International Students at Oberlin College! We are pleased that you will be joining us next fall and look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you in person. The Office of International Students is part of the Office of the Dean of Studies. We are located in Peters Hall, Room 205. We specialize in advising international students, planning your orientation, helping you understand and maintain your visa status and processing the necessary official documents. We look forward to working with you as you adjust to life in Oberlin and in the United States.

We recently mailed you a packet with very important information - the following materials were enclosed:

•  Form I-20: This is the required document if you are applying for an F-1 student visa. US citizens, US permanent residents or students on other US visa types do not need this document.

•  Form I-901: This is the form you should use if you intend to pay the required SEVIS fee by mail.  

• Visa & Travel Information Booklet: Contains information designed to help you as you apply for an F-1 visa and plan your travel to Oberlin.

•  Travel & Arrival Information Form: Please complete this form and mail or fax it back to us by July 31, 2008.

•  The Big Book of Forms: Compilation of forms from various campus offices that all new students are required to complete and return to campus by the designated deadlines.   

•  First-Year Seminar Program (FYSP) Catalog: Contains a description of the FYS Program and the course offerings for academic year 2009-2010.

•  Host Program Application Materials: Information about our Host Program and how you can apply to participate.

• Financial Aid Award Letter: This is a copy of your financial aid award letter in case you haven't received the first one.

The international student orientation begins Saturday evening, August 22, and continues through Sunday and Monday, August 23 and 24.   Regular orientation for all new students begins on Tuesday, August 25.   As an international student, you may move into your dorm room on Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22. During the summer, we will be posting orientation updates online at our office website. The international student orientation program will provide you with important information and advice about your US visa status, employment regulations, cultural adjustment, academic policies and expectations, housing and dining on campus, financial aid policies, and numerous logistical issues related to living in Oberlin and the United States. We also organize social activities for new and continuing international students. Housing information and other important forms are included in the Big Book of Forms. Please complete all necessary forms and return them as quickly as possible to the appropriate office on campus. We strongly suggest that you fax forms first and then immediately mail them.

If you have any questions, we are happy to help you and welcome communication from you at any time.   Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. We encourage you to visit our website for more information you may find useful as you prepare to come to Oberlin.  

We look forward to meeting you very soon!

Sincerely,

Katerina Grim and Ellen Sayles