The International Center conducts an orientation program for all international students prior to the beginning of each term. All undergraduate, graduate and transfer students are REQUIRED to attend international student orientation as part of your check-in procedure. For most graduate and doctoral students, your respective department will offer an orientation for you, but you will still need to attend the orientation offered by the International Center.

International orientation is mandatory for all international students.  The orientation includes:

• An briefing on immigration rules and regulations that is required by the US government
• An overview of the American university system, how to register for classes, where to locate your advisor
• An opportunity to take the ESL Writing Placement Exam (required by all undergraduates seeking a degree at the University of Utah)
• Information sessions on daily living in the USA (housing, banking, safety and healthcare)
• Activities to introduce students to the University and to Salt Lake City
• You will be assigned "an Ambassador" once you sign up for orientation who will email you and help you get settled into the campus

Our orientation will familiarize you with the many services and opportunities available on our campus and in the community and provide you a chance to have fun and make new friends.

Sign Up Now!

Spring 2007 International Student Orientation
This orientation is mandatory for all international students.
Place: Panorama East Room, Union Building
Friday, Jan 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Register for International Student Orientation online!

If you miss our Orientation for new International Students, then will get a HOLD on your record. You will not be allowed to register for classes.

ORIENTATION SPECIAL EVENT: Join us on Friday, January 5th in the evening to meet new friends and explore the city. You can sign up at orientation.

Welcome Letter

Academic Advising and ESL Writing Placement Exam

As part of orientation, new undergraduate and transfer students will get a chance to ask an advisor questions and register for classes. You should register for classes once you speak with your departmental advisor. You can also take the ESL Writing Placement Exam at orientation. It will be offered at the end of the day. All undergraduate ESL international students must take this Writing Placement Exam. ESL students have the option of taking the ESL 1050 & 1060 combination as an alternative to Writing 2010.  The ESL Placement Exam Essay is used to see if a student is ready to take these two courses, or if they need to take ESL 1040 first.   The test is 45 minutes in length and students will be asked to write an answer to a proposed question. It is advisable to get the exam completed as soon as you arrive so that you can take the required writing course in your first semester.

The essay evaluators take into consideration such things as cohesion, expression, organization, and grammar.  Anything that prepares a candidate in these areas would prove helpful. Students will have an opportunity to take the exam at orientation or sign up for another testing date.

Graduate students should contact their academic department for advising.