Welcome Week
Presented by the International Student Services (ISS) Office, the Welcome Week for new international students is the ISS version of orientation. It occurs the week before the start of the semester, and consists of information sessions and social opportunities, leading up to a "The Welcome Orientation and Reception." All events are optional, but you are highly encouraged to participate and get the chance to gain important information and meet other international students and the ISS staff before school starts.
Coffee Socials allow new students to meet each other informally during the week. Come in for some coffee, tea and other refreshments (food!), and stay for the conversation. There is no specific program, just a relaxing time for introducing, sharing, and de-stressing.
Topical presentations or workshops provide information that may be useful for adjusting to the campus and the local community. Starting after the Coffee Socials, these sessions will continue to offer coffee, tea and refreshments.
The Welcome Orientation ("The Welcome") is a full morning or afternoon that brings all new international students together. During this time, they will be introduced to International Student Services staff, student resources, cultural and safety issues, clubs and activities, and most of all, other students. You must sign-up (deadline: August 19) to attend The Welcome.
The Welcome Reception follows the orientation. The day ends with a reception of food and other refreshments. Here you may meet new students like yourself and make new friends from all over the world. The reception will follow the orientation. You must sign up and attend the Welcome Orientation in order to join the reception. Seating is limited!
Spring 2025 (January 6-10)
NOTE: Not all sessions may be available. Check the Welcome Week Schedule for up-to-date information.
| SESSION | CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Social | Social | Start your morning right! Grab some coffee and meet other new international students in a relaxed atmosphere. Coffee, tea and other refreshments provided by ISS. |
| Living Local: A Newcomer's Guide to Hawai'i | Presentation | This session will provide some insight on Local culture and language unique to Hawai'i. |
| Taxes and Residency | Presentation | The most important things to know that you never thought you would need to know. It will go your responsibilities as a taxpayer in the U.S., and the various definitions of "residency" that may impact your status. |
| Social Security Number, Driver License and State ID | Do you need a Social Security Number, driver's license or a state ID? This session will go over eligibility, the application processes, and reasons why you may or may not need any of them. | |
| Employment | Presentation | Learn about common employment types related to F-1 students and how to strategize your academic path toward career goals. |
| Health Insurance | Presentation | This session will go over how health insurance works in the U.S. as well as provide an alternate health insurance for students still looking for a plan or who are considering switching plans. |
| The Welcome Orientation | Presentation | This session brings together all new international students, and provides them important information on campus resources as well as opportunities to meet each other in structured activities. RSVP required (see schedule) |
| The Welcome Reception | Social | This is the finale to the Welcome Week. End the week at this special reception for new international students. Food will be served! Limited seating. |
| The ABCs of ISS | Presentation | This session will provide an overview of the services that ISS provides as well as review tips for maintaining F-1/J-1 status. |
| Lei Making | Presentation | Make a lei for yourself or a new friend! Learn how to make simple leis using ribbons, candy, etc. Supplies provided. |
| Welina Mānoa | Workshop/Presentation | Presented by the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning (NHPoL) Advancement Office, this session invites you to engage, activate, and explore our relationships with ʻāina, each other, and self through an hour-long workshop where we will learn the oli (chant), Welina Mānoa, composed by UH Mānoa’s very own Dr. R. Keawe Lopes Jr. from Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language in Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. |
| Campus Tour | Presentation | This tour will help you explore various places on campus and find out some interesting facts. A scavenger hunt included. |
| Monday (1/06) | Tuesday (1/07) | Wednesday (1/08) | Thursday (1/09) | Friday (1/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No activities | Coffee Social 9:00 - 9:30 am QLC Room 412 | Coffee Social 9:00 - 9:30 am QLC Room 412 | Coffee Social 9:00 - 9:30 am QLC Room 412 | |
| Living Local: A newcomer's guide to Hawai'i 9:30 - 10:30 am QLC Room 412 | The ABCs of ISS 9:30 - 10:30 am QLC Room 412 | Getting Settled 9:30 - 10:30 am QCL Room 412 | The Welcome Orientation 9:30 am - 12:30 pm QLC 412 RSVP Sign up here (required) Deadline: January 6 |
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| Employment 10:30 - 11:30 am QLC Room 412 | Taxes and Residency 10:30 - 11:30 am QLC Room 412 | Social Security Number, Driver License, and State ID 10:30 - 11:30 pm QLC 412 |
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| MIX Program Check-in 12:00 - 1:00 PM QLC 412 For Mānoa International Exchange Program students only |
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| Lei Making 1:00 - 2:00 PM QLC Room 412 To ensure enough supplies, please RSVP your attendance | Welcome Reception 1:00 - 2:30 pm >>Attendance at morning orientation required to attend<< |