International Welcome

International Welcome is a Fall Welcome program designed especially for students who are not U.S. citizens, or are Americans who are living abroad, plus your adult family members. We offer this right before the school year begins so your transition to Calvin is as smooth as possible. We will deal with the cultural and logistical challenges of a new setting while helping you establish a strong community.

• 

  International Student Welcome

  • PAST EVENT
  • August 26, 2024–August 29, 2024

More Information

• Packing information

  What to pack

  
  Clothing

  • A lot of casual clothing, especially jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, jackets, and/or sweaters
  • A limited amount of formal clothing which might be worn at a special banquet or church
  • A traditional outfit that could be worn at a cultural event (optional)
  • Comfortable shoes

  
  Money

  • Cash (not more than a few hundred dollars) to spend on supplies when you first arrive
  • Check from your bank, made out to yourself, in U.S. dollars for larger amounts

  
  

  Note – in the US the voltage is 120 with Type B and A plugs

  available at your dorm

  • Beds, mattresses, mattress pads, dressers, desks, desk lamps, and chairs
  • Bathroom with shower, toilet, sink for every two bedrooms
  • Toilet paper and cleaning supplies
  • Closets with shelves and built-in bookcases
  • Campus cable system, computer access including wi-fi access
  • Washing machines, dryers, ironing boards, and irons in each resident hall
  • Computers and printers in each residence hall and also in the library and labs

  TO PURCHASE AFTER ARRIVING

  • School supplies
  Notebooks, binders, Pens, etc.
  • Laptop computer
  Optional but are generally cheaper in the U.S.
  • Bedding
  Sheets, blankets, pillow, bedspread or comforter
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Winter attire
  Jackets, gloves, hats, and boots (if you are coming from a cold climate, you may want to bring some of this)
  • Personal care Items
  Shampoo, soap, deodorant, laundry, soap, etc
  • Any necessary appliances
  Hair dryer, fan, alarm clock, etc.
• Arrival and moving in

  International Welcome officially begins on Monday, August 26, and ends on Thursday, August 29.

  Welcome Week, which is required for all incoming students, begins on Thursday, August 29, and continues through the weekend until the first day of class on Tuesday, September 3.

  To start on time, we ask that all students travel and arrive at Calvin on Monday, August 26, 2024. Registration and move-in to your dorm room will be open all day on Monday, August 26.

  Here's a brief schedule for what's planned so far:
  

  August 26
  Arrival and move-in (all day)
  
  August 27
  8 a.m. Student programing
  10 a.m. Family programing
  12 p.m. International welcome lunch
   2 p.m. Banking and other programing
  
  August 28
  8 a.m. Student programing
  10 a.m. Family programing; (concludes after lunch)
  
  August 29–September 2
  Student programing

• What to expect

  Our programming has three objectives:

  • To introduce you to Calvin's purpose, people, and programs
  • To help ensure your smooth transition to the university
  • To prepare you academically for your years at Calvin

  You and your family members will each have customized sessions, and you’ll attend a few sessions together. You'll hear from Calvin's president and faculty!

  You'll also learn about:

  • Calvin’s core curriculum and your major
  • The cultural transition to American academic and social life
  • Setting up banking and managing finances
  • Living in the residence hall or off campus
• Cost

  A $200 fee will be charged to your student account for International Welcome, in addition to the $250 Summer Orientation fee. The fees cover the cost of food, transportation, and programming.

  Adult family members may attend the one-day program designed for families at no additional cost.

  We don't provide housing for family members, but please read the FAQ below for more information about on-campus lodging available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to attend International Welcome?

  Students with citizenship outside of the U.S. or Canada who are here on student visas must attend International Welcome. It is optional for permanent residents or U.S. or Canadian citizens who have lived abroad for much of their lives.

  If you are American/Canadian and identify strongly with another country's culture, then International Welcome is suggested for you. There are several workshops on culture adaptation and more help given for setting up for life here in the U.S.

  However, if you are American/Canadian and are quite comfortable with American culture and would like the opportunity to meet other students like you, then attending an on-campus or online Summer Orientation might be good choice.

  Check your New Student Portal for more information about which Fall Welcome group you have been assigned to. We are available to answer questions!

• When should I arrive? How do I get to Calvin?

  International Welcome officially begins on Monday, August 26, and ends on Thursday, August 29.

  Welcome Week, which is required for all incoming students, begins on Thursday, August 29, and leads you into the first day of class on Tuesday, September 3.

  To start on time, we ask that all students travel and arrive at Calvin on Monday, August 26, 2024. Registration and move-in to your dorm room will be open all day on Monday, August 26.

  If you are arriving at the airport (Gerald R. Ford International), train station, or bus station in Grand Rapids, we will make arrangements to pick you up. Please fill out this form as soon as your flights are confirmed so we know when to expect you: Travel/Arrival Form »

• When do I find out who my roommate is?

  If you submitted your housing form before May 1, you will find out your roommate assignment in late June.

  If you applied after May 1, you will receive notice during the summer.

  For questions, please contact the Housing Office at housing@calvin.edu or (616) 526-6120.

• Can my family attend? Where will they stay?

  Yes, your family is warmly welcomed to accompany you! Parents/guardians follow their own schedule, which includes special workshops and presentations designed just for them. None of the parent programs are mandatory; many parents come and go as their schedule allows. There are no specific events designed for siblings.

  Parents are invited to stay in the Prince Conference Center; however we do not arrange accommodations for them. There is a special lodging rate for parents; please contact the Prince Conference Center and let them know you are coming for International Welcome as a family member of an incoming student.

  There are other lodging options available near campus with limited public transportation options, too. See our information about Grand Rapids to assist you as you make travel and lodging plans.

• Can I send package(s)? Will there be time to shop?

  Yes! Even if you don’t know your residence hall assignment, send packages to Calvin and we will forward it to your dorm address. Please address your packages like this:

  (Your Name)
  3201 Burton Street SE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  United States of America

  If you would like to shop, there will be an opportunity on Monday, August 26, for students and parents to visit a local grocery and home essentials store where you can find supplies for your dorm and classes.

• How do I pay my tuition fees?

  Please look for an email during the summer from the financial services office with more information about paying tuition.

  Note: International payments go through Flywire. You can get more information about this process on the financial services website and the billing and payment page.

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