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International Student Welcome (ISW)

During International Student Welcome, you will meet Global Engagement's International Students and Scholars team, as well as other new and continuing international students. You will complete required immigration check-in and learn about immigration rules and campus resources.

Participation is required for all international students who have been issued an F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019.

Participation is recommended for Global Nomad students (U.S. citizens and green card holders who grew up or attended high school abroad).

Prior to classes, all F-1 and J-1 students will be invited to an International Student Welcome module on Camino. We ask that students complete the module prior to attending their Live ISW Event.

 


Live ISW Events

In addition to your completion of the ISW module prior to arrival, you are required to attend a live ISW event. You can see your event information below:

  • Date: August 10, 2026
  • Location: TBD

Note that International Student Orientation activities begin August 24, 2026.

  • Date: August 26, 2026
  • Location: JST Campus
  • Date: TBD
  • Location: TBD
    • Optional campus tour to follow

Undergraduate International Student Welcome activities take place September 14-18.

Immigration and Life in the U.S. Orientation Required for F-1 and J-1 Students:

  • Date: September 17, 2026
  • 9:00AM
  • Location: TBD
  • Date: TBD
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: TBD
    • An optional campus tour will follow
  • Date: TBD
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: TBD
    • Optional campus tour to follow.

 


Global Bronco Summer Series

The 2026 Global Bronco Summer Series is for incoming international undergraduate students of all programs.

Monthly Webinars

Join us for our monthly webinars focused on topics to help you prepare for your arrival to SCU!

All Webinars will be recorded and videos will be available following the Webinar.

International Course Advising and Registration (iCAR)

SCU may be near you this summer! International students who are attending Orientation Session 9 on September 15, 2026 are invited to attend an iCAR Session.

Whether you attend an in person or online iCAR session, you will learn about the undergraduate curriculum and the requirements for your major, enroll in courses in advance, finalize your Fall schedule, and meet other Global Broncos. Please note that you must attend the entire session to participate

Space is limited. Register by May 22, 2026 to guarantee your spot.

Students who are unable to attend an iCAR session will meet with advisors and complete their course registration at the on-campus Orientation during International Student Welcome in September.

 


Information and Tips For Global Students and Families

If you have been issued an F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 you are required to attend ISW.

If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder that went to high school abroad ("Global Nomad"), you are not required to attend ISW, but your participation is requested and highly recommended.

Everyone should bring:

  • A pen or pencil and notepad
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Seasonal accessories such as sunscreen or a hat (May to September) or umbrella or raincoat (October to April)

You should wear casual clothing that you would find comfortable while walking and spending time outside. We will primarily be indoors, but there may be parts of ISW, including optional campus tours, that take place outside, weather permitting.

You can check out the weather forecast for Santa Clara to help you prepare.

Enter the main campus entrance (500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara California) and stop at the gate. Let the Campus Safety Officer know that you are visiting campus for International Student Welcome (ISW). You will be directed to where to park and pay.

If you arrive at SCU before your ISW, you can:

You are not required to visit our office upon your arrival on campus. We look forward to seeing you at ISW!

Please be aware of campus closures for holidays.

Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being is responsible for all Health and Insurance related advising.

Health Forms/Vaccines

All students are required to submit vaccination and health forms. Additional information, including deadlines, is available on the university website.

Insurance

  • F-1 Students: Are required to purchase and are automatically enrolled in the university's student health insurance plan. More information can be found online.
  • J-1 Exchange Students: Are required to purchase and are automatically enrolled in the university's student health insurance plan. This insurance cannot be waived. More information can be found online.
  • Global Nomad (U.S. citizens and green card holders coming from abroad): Are not required to enroll in the university health insurance, but if you will not be covered by a comprehensive U.S.-based health insurance plan, you should plan to use the university's student health insurance plan. More information can be found online

The Bursar's Office is responsible for tuition and bill payment. Tuition, fees, and insurance charges will be posted to each Student's Workday account. 

If you still have questions about International Student Welcome, please email SCU Global Engagement's International Students and Scholars team at iss@scu.edu