Shauna Torrington, ISFS Graduate Assistant and Ph.D. candidate in Teacher Education-Curriculum and Instruction, supported a series of virtual international student orientation events this year.
Amidst a year filled with uncertainties and need for innovation, Ohio University found new ways to offer robust and connecting orientation events for incoming international students.
During spring semester 2021, 83 international students, including current students with a new degree program, started their academic journey at OHIO. These students represent 21 countries and 33 programs across the University. Following impacts of COVID-19, many international students had deferred their fall 2020 enrollment to spring 2021.
International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) held a robust and engaging virtual International Student Orientation (ISO) from Jan. 11-13, 2021. The orientation featured events welcoming and acclimating incoming international students prior to the beginning of classes.
ISO offers, as standard programming prior to the start of each semester, sessions covering academic success, Title IX, health insurance, tips and tricks for getting acquainted in Athens, an Alden Library tour, and several social activities. Virtual activities such as trivia night, a dance party, and a cooking demonstration allowed students to engage and get to know one another safely.
“ISO is always an exciting period…
