International Student Orientation

Congratulations and welcome to Haverford College! The Office of International Student Support (ISSO) is excited to get to know you and support you as you prepare to travel to the United States for your undergraduate studies. We’re thrilled to welcome students from around the world and across many backgrounds to the Haverford community.

ISSO will be emailing you regularly with policy updates and logistical information, reminders, and instructions over the next few months in preparation for your arrival at Haverford College.

International Student Orientation (ISO)

The Office of International Student Support (ISSO) hosts International Student Orientation (ISO) in the five days leading up to the start of the Customs program. ISO is a welcoming, practical, and community-building orientation for incoming students with international or cross-cultural experiences. In addition to helping students settle in socially and academically, the program supports essential college processes, including health compliance and access to systems students need to live and work on campus. While open to all incoming first-year students, ISO is designed to support those who have lived or studied outside the U.S. or who would benefit from additional preparation for transitioning into Haverford’s academic and residential life.

Participation in ISO is mandatory for students entering on an F-1 visa due to critical institutional and legal onboarding needs. These include completing health testing and vaccination steps required for compliance with Haverford’s immunization policy, setting up U.S.-based financial and communication systems necessary for Workday and other college processes, and understanding visa-related responsibilities such as maintaining status and work authorization.

Students who typically participate in ISO include:

• Students who have lived or attended high school outside the U.S.
• Students adjusting to the cultural or educational expectations of the U.S. college system
• Students entering Haverford on an F-1 visa

During ISO, students will:

• Build connections with other incoming students who share international or cross-cultural experiences
• Get to know returning student mentors (Student Resource People, or SRPs) who offer support and friendship
• Participate in workshops that introduce academic expectations, campus resources, and life at Haverford
• Set up essential services like U.S. bank accounts and phone plans, and shop for dorm essentials
• Receive vaccinations at an on-campus clinic if needed to meet Haverford’s immunization requirements, with friendly support along the way
• Learn about key campus policies related to health, housing, academics, and daily life
• Get an overview of F-1 visa regulations, including how to maintain status, travel, and work in the U.S.

Many students form close friendships during ISO, and the connections made during the program often carry through the year and beyond.

ISO 2025 Dates & Arrival Information

ISO will take place August 22–27, 2025. Students will move into campus housing on Friday, August 22, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We strongly encourage arriving between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to take full advantage of move-in day activities and available services. ISO will wrap up at noon on August 27, just in time for the start of the Customs program that afternoon.

Participation in ISO is mandatory for students entering on an F-1 visa and optional for all other incoming students.

To confirm your attendance at ISO, please complete the ISO Registration Form by July 1, 2025. The form is available now, but you will need your Haverford College email address and student ID number to complete it. This information will be issued to you in June, and once you have them, you can finalize your registration.

Questions? We’re here to help—email us at hc-isso@haverford.edu.