Orientation

CDC Requirements for Travel to the US

Welcome New Global Falcons!

Spring 2023 Orientation: Mandatory International Student Orientation will be offered in-person for the Spring 2023 semester.  Please note, our plans for mandatory International Student Orientation may be subject to change as needed, based on unforeseen circumstances.

• Orientation is mandatory for all students who have not previously attended BGSU.
• The International Programs and Partnerships staff will continue to send you information about the Spring Semester, it is important that you continue to watch your BGSU email account for information.  
• There is a $100 Orientation Fee for all students even if you fail to complete the mandatory orientation

1. Register Now for Orientation

    Once you have paid your I-901 SEVIS Fee, take a moment to reserve your post for International Student Orientation!   NOW OPEN!  (Undergraduate Exchange students should complete the Graduate & Exchange Student Orientation Registration form)

Undergraduate Student Orientation Registration

Graduate & Exchange Student Orientation Registration

2. Sign-up for the Airport Shuttle Services

    Shuttles will be provided Monday, January 2, 2023- Wednesday, January 4, 2023.  Registration for the free airport shuttle services is NOW OPEN.  (Undergraduate Exchange students should complete the Graduate & Exchange Student Orientation Registration form)  The deadline to register for this FREE airport shuttle service is 5:00p.m. (EST) Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Undergraduate International Student Airport Shuttle Registration

Graduate & Exchange Intenational Student Airport Registration

3. Complete your Falcon Health Documents

    As a new international student you are required to enroll in student health insurance and complete an initial health screening.  Take the time now to complete these forms.  We ask you to please complete these forms prior to your arrival to the BGSU campus.  The deadline to complete these forms is Monday, January 2, 2023.

4.  Complete ESOL Placement Requirements:

•     Undergraduate students are required to complete a writing placement assessment by December 15, 2022.  Detailed instructions and the link to start this online assessment can be found on the University Writing Program's website.  
• Undergraduate students are also required to complete a speaking/listening placement assessment by December 15, 2022.  Detailed instructions are available on Canvas in your mybgsu account.
  
  
• Graduate college minimum requirements are available on the graduate tab of the placement testing website.      
• Additional classes and/or screening might be required for international graduate students with instructional duties.  Please visit this website for more details.  

5.  Complete the Immigration Basics online course

    Prior to your arrival to campus you will need to complete an online course covering Immigration Basics.  This course will take you about 1 hour to complete and can be accessed here!  This course will be available begining December 3, 2022.  The deadline to complete will is Friday, January 6, 2023.

6. Submit Your Immigration Documents Electronically

    Upon arrival to campus you will need to upload copies of your signed I-20, visa, passport, and I-94.  All forms can be uploaded here!  The deadline to complete this form is Friday, January 6, 2023.  

7. Complete the F-1 or J-1 Responsibility Form

    In order for International Programs & Partnerships to register your SEVIS record, students need to complete either the F-1 Responsibility Form or the J-1 Responsibility Form (for guest/exchange students only)  

Undergraduate F-1 Responsibility Form

Graduate F-1 Responsibility Form

Guest & Exchange Student J-1 Responsibility Form
 

8. Sign-up for for GA Contract Onboarding Appointment (Graduate Students with an Assistantship contract ONLY)

    All new international students who have a contract to work as a Graduate Assistant (GA) are required to meet with BGSU’s Student Employment Services for an onboarding appointment to complete new hire paperwork. 

You can register for an onboarding appointment on this website.

Students with assistantships that started on January 3rd, should NOT register for one of these appointments.  You will be contacted to complete this process during the first week of classes.