International Student Orientation

The College is excited for you to arrive on campus for the 2008-09 academic year! New international students must arrive on Tuesday, August 26th and check in with the Office of International Education, on the 1 st floor of Thomas Branch, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM that day. Students will receive their room key during this process.

The New International Student and Scholar Orientation is required for ALL new exchange and four-year matriculating international students. This will be followed by the New Student Orientation – for all Freshmen and Transfer students.

Please make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and plan your arrival to campus accordingly.

International Assistant Program

The Office of International Education is proud to announce The International Assistant Program, being tested as a pilot program during the 2006-2007 academic year. In this second year of the program, we will have sixstudents serving as International Assistants including the IA Coordinator, Seth Haley.

The purpose of the International Assistant Program is to facilitate the adjustment of new international students to Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and American life in general, especially during the crucial first month. The International Assistants (IAs) play a major role in the 2-day International Student Orientation which takes place just prior to the new student orientation.

The roles of an International Assistant are:

• A friend and support – International assistants are perhaps the very first friends of some international students when they first come to Randolph-Macon. They are good sources to provide help and support, since feeling homesick and overwhelmed by the change of environment may occur from time to time for some international students who live far away from their home country.
• A resource person – International assistants are also an excellent source to guide international students to useful resources and services available on campus, as well as the activities held off campus.
• A culture sharer – The International Assistant Program is designed to increase international awareness at Randolph-Macon College in which both International Assistants and international students share their cultural differences.  

For more information about the International Assistant Program, please contact the Office of International Education.