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International Students – Adjusting to NYC

I remember the first time I visited New York City – it was a little intimidating.  I grew up in a suburb of Portland, Oregon and even though I was an American, New York City seemed like a foreign country to me.  My first visit came in high school as part of an exchange program way back in 1989.  I found myself surrounded by sound, people, and tall buildings the likes I had never seen before.  We know that international students can be a bit overwhelmed by the transition to life in NYC and we are fortunate to have a caring group of professionals to help.

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Columbia University helps to make the transition to life in New York City a smooth one.  They have a diverse orientation schedule that lasts five weeks and allows international students to take advantage of shows, parks, pubs, neighborhood visits, music events, and professional sporting events.

If you are an incoming international student you are likely aware of the activities that are listed on the Essential Information for New International Students and Scholars page.  If you are a prospective student be sure to take a look to see what opportunities await those making the transition to NYC.

 

Welcome Page – Please Read Carefully

I want to pass on some important advice to applicants who are admitted to SIPA.  In the admission letter you are provided with instructions on how to visit our Welcome Page.  There is a hyperlink as well as a username and password listed in your admission letter that will give you entry to the Welcome Page.

Why is the Welcome Page so important?  Well, it provides answers to the most frequently asked questions newly admitted applicants typically have.  We want you to be able to get answers and instructions quickly, hopefully without a lot of runaround.

Lately many admitted applicants have been emailing us questions that are answered on the Welcome Page.  Questions such as the following have recently been sent to our email accounts and information and specific email addresses are provided on the Welcome Page to put you on the right track:

  • How do I register for the admitted student Open House?
  • How do I apply for housing?
  • When do I have to report to campus?
  • How can I start my Visa application process?
  • Is there any academic work you recommend I complete this summer?

So please reference your admission letter and for the Welcome Page information and read it carefully . . . there is lots of good stuff there.

"The most global public policy school, where an international community of students and faculty address world challenges."

—Merit E. Janow, Dean, SIPA, Professor of Practice, International and Economic Law and International Affairs

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