International Student Welcome Days (IWD)
August 2024 IWD Dates
International Student Move - In: August 22, 2024
International Student Welcome Day Program: August 23 - 24, 2024
Students will join the New Student Orientation on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
A detailed schedule is available on the Brandeis Campus Groups website in August 2024.
The mission of International Student Welcome Days (IWD) is to partner with current students, staff and faculty to provide new undergraduate international students with a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive experience as they transition to life at Brandeis. Hosted annually in August, we invite international first year and transfer students, exchange students, and domestic students whose home address is outside of the U.S. to participate.
Held every August prior to New Student Orientation, IWD hosts sessions on immigration and academic success, offers the chance for new students to engage with their peers and campus partners, and provides the time, space, and resources needed to adjust to living in a new country. Participation is required for all F-1 and J-1 students and highly encouraged for all others.
Each year, current undergraduate students serve as IREPs on the International Student Welcome Committee. IREPs play an integral role in IWD by communicating and connecting with new students prior to arrival, developing social programming during IWD, and supporting students as they navigate resources on and off campus.
Meet your Fall 2024 International Welcome Committee Representatives (IREPs)!
What to Expect
During IWD, students will have the opportunity to connect with current and new students at Brandeis. Although we have a full schedule planned, you will be given time, space, and resources needed to help you adjust to living in a new country.
Some of the activities will include:
Thursday: August 22, 2024
- Check in with the ISSO Team 9 am - 5 pm in Skyline Residence Hall Lobby
- Phone and Bank vendor fair: Opportunity to open a bank account and/or get a U.S. phone number
- Trips to purchase essentials at a local store
Friday: August 23, 2024
- Welcome from the ISSO team and lecture with a selected Brandeis Faculty member
- Workshop on Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Student Status
- Resource Fair with various departments on campus
- Connection time with your IREPs and fellow new international students
- Trips to purchase essentials at a local store
- After dinner activities with the IREPs
Saturday: August 24, 2024
- Coffee and donuts with the IREP leaders
- Riverboat Cruise on the Charles River
- And more!
A detailed schedule will be posted on the Campus Groups app in August.
Before You Arrive
On the New Student Website you will find a month-by-month calendar which lists the tasks you need to complete between May and August. Please make sure you have taken care of these items before your arrival on campus.
Housing
IWD participants are invited to move into their Brandeis housing on August 22, 2024. The ISSO staff will be available for check-in between 9:00am to 5:00pm in the Skyline Lobby on this day.