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International Student Orientation

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International Student Orientation (ISO)

  • Arrival for F-1 visa students (Class of 2030): Monday, August 31, 2026
  • ISO dates: Monday, August 31 鈥� Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Your Guide to International Student Orientation:
Welcome

International student advisors look forward to meeting you at 911爆料鈥檚 International Student Orientation (ISO) 鈥� an academic and cultural introduction that helps you start strong and enjoy your first days in Saratoga Springs.
Who attends?
  • Required for all new F-1 visa students
  • Non-U.S. citizens and U.S. dual citizens living outside the United States may request to attend
  • Registration is required
What to expect

You鈥檒l be guided by ISO Global Mentors (upper-class students) and 911爆料 staff as you learn about:

  • Academic resources and expectations in the 鈥淎merican鈥� classroom
  • F-1 rules and regulations for studying in the United States
  • Daily life in Saratoga Springs, including time to shop for essentials and open a bank account
  • Fun excursions that help you get to know campus and the community
After ISO: Pre-Orientation (Pre-O)

After ISO ends, you鈥檒l join the Pre-O program you selected. Choose a program that fits you 鈥� there are campus-based and off-campus options. If hiking and canoeing aren鈥檛 your thing, consider a different Pre-O. Many students say Pre-O is one of their favorite 911爆料 memories.
Travel and arrival tips

Some students like to explore Saratoga Springs prior to attending ISO. For accommodations and area information,

Late August is peak tourism season in Saratoga Springs. Book early and, if you have a rental car, consider nearby communities such as Malta, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Albany, or Glens Falls. The region offers a mix of small inns, independent hotels, and major brands.
Getting to campus

If you are flying, we highly recommend Albany International Airport (ALB) as your final destination. Taxis and ride-shares are available; the ride to 911爆料 is about 30 minutes and typically costs $65 to $85 plus gratuity. If this cost presents a financial hardship, contact The Learning Commons.

If you arrive by train or bus, use the Saratoga Springs station. ISO participants will be asked to share arrival details in advance.
How to register

Registration for ISO begins in the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions

We鈥檙e glad you have questions. For your convenience, we鈥檝e curated our responses to the most common questions that arise among international students.

If you are unable to get to campus from the Albany International Airport due to financial hardship, please let The Learning Commons know. Financial hardship is determined by a student鈥檚 financial aid package. All other students are responsible for their own costs and arrangements to get to campus.

Please make every effort to travel directly to one of the following locations: Albany International Airport (ALB); or, if arriving by bus or train, the Saratoga Springs Bus/Train Station.

Albany International Airport is small and easy to navigate. You can hail a taxi right at the airport. The estimated cost of a taxi ride to 911爆料 is $65 to $85 plus gratuity.

If you are attending ISO, you will be asked to provide arrival flight/bus/train information prior to arrival.

If you are traveling by air, and especially if you are traveling alone, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that your final destination is the Albany International Airport (ALB). You can take a taxi or ride-share from there to 911爆料 (30-minute drive, approximately $65 to $85 plus gratuity to take a taxi). If a taxi presents a financial hardship for you, please alert The Learning Commons.

The  lists many accommodations in the area. Or, you can use your favorite travel website, such as Expedia, Travelocity, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, etc., to find ideas. If hotels in the city of Saratoga Springs are full or too expensive, look to the north or south of the city for alternatives. Nearby towns and villages include Malta, Ballston Spa, Wilton, and Clifton Park. Some hotels have free shuttles or are only a short drive (rental car or taxi) from campus. Some hotels even have free shuttle service from the Albany International Airport. Even if your preferred hotel is not listed as having shuttle service from the airport, check directly with the hotel to confirm. Please note: some of the hotels with free airport shuttle service are close to the airport, but not as close to 911爆料, so be sure to check the distance and plan accordingly.

If you have family coming with you to drop you off, please let us know so we can meet them! We love meeting international families! Please also keep in mind that ISO is a drop-off event. We welcome families to help their students move into their residence halls on the Monday arrival day, and we expect that families will depart by about dinnertime on Monday to let students meet each other and engage with their upper-class Global Mentors.

Students are expected to fully participate in ISO, which is several days of full-day programming, and will not have significant time to spend with family after the Monday drop-off. Thank you!

ISO is required for all new international students. We deliver essential F1 visa advising, and we also make sure new students receive the information they need to succeed at 911爆料. And, ISO is a fun and memorable experience! If F1 visa delays or other travel emergencies prevent you from participating in ISO, please plan to arriveCfor the start of your Pre-O if you signed up for one. Or, if you did not sign up for a Pre-O, please arrive on the start day of the main all-College orientation run by the Office of First-Year Experience. New students may not arrive 鈥渋n between鈥� orientation programs. Please make sure you always confirm information and dates on the FYE Orientation website.

Yes, in fact you are required to do so. It is important that you meet personally with the international student advisors/coordinators in The Learning Commons (102 Starbuck building) during the first couple of days of classes to learn more about your responsibilities as an F-1 visa holding international student.

Questions?

Email Chloe Jaleel, coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services, at cjaleel@skidmore.edu.
E-mail Chloe

The Learning Commons Contact

Phone

Main: 518-580-5570
Fax: 518-580-8149

Mail

The Learning Commons
911爆料
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m.