Getting Settled

International students carry a banner in the Homecoming Parade

Orientation
New international students attend a campus-wide Orientation and also special sessions for international students only. These special sessions include vital information about American college life, U.S. culture, and important rules of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that international students are required to follow.

ECC Retreat
In late September or early October, the East Central Colleges (ECC) Consortium, of which Otterbein is a member, holds an International Student Retreat and Workshop at a beautiful camp in the hills of northern Ohio for new international students, their roommates, any other interested students, and college staff. An annual event since 1991, the retreat features sessions on understanding U.S. culture and dealing with culture shock and fatigue. Also featured are social and recreational activities in a natural setting. Participants always make great friendships with students from the other ECC colleges.

Host Family
Upon arrival at Otterbein, each international student is assigned a host family from the Westerville or north Columbus area. A host family invites its students for dinner, takes him/her on outings and excursions, and participates in a variety of activities of mutual interest. The Host Family Program enables international students to see how Americans live and local families to learn about another culture firsthand.

USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) establishes regulations that govern international students during their stay in the United States. The Otterbein Office of International Student Programs helps the students understand these rules and guides them through certain USCIS procedures, such as applying for Optional Practical Training. Our door is open to students who need assistance with immigration questions and many other miscellaneous problems that may come up.