International Student Orientation

Grossmont College requires all new international students to attend an International Orientation Program. Orientations for new students are held four weeks prior to the fall semester and three to six weeks prior to the spring semester.  Specific dates will be mailed upon acceptance to Grossmont College. Please note that students who fail to attend orientation will not be permitted to enroll in classes at Grossmont College and will have their admission to Grossmont College cancelled. It is your responsibility to make flight arrangements which will enable you to attend orientation.

The orientation is a total of two days: one day for the ESL/English Assessment and one day for the orientation and registration process. Please see a brief description of the program listed below. You may also check our website to view the current catalog and class schedule (if available) for the next semester. Bring a copy of your foreign or U.S. university transcript with you to the orientation.

Remember, classes at Grossmont College fill up quickly. Your attendance at an early orientation will increase your ability to register in the classes of your choice. Students who attend the last orientation may find many classes full.

Orientation Program

Day 1: ESL Assessment, Campus Tour, U.S. Educational System

The English as Second Language (ESL) Assessment is used to place students in the appropriate English class. Make sure to bring your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94 number print-out for check-in.  Students without their photo ID’s will not be permitted to take the ESL assessment. 

NOTE: Students will not need to take a Math Assessment during the orientation program. Counselors will advise students whether and when they should schedule a Math Assessment.

In addition to the ESL Assessment and campus tour, there will be staff presentations on Tips for Choosing Classes, Staff presentations on the U.S. Educational System, Public Safety, Tips for College Success, WebAdvisor Log-In & Class Search, and the International Club.

Day 2: Meeting with Counselor, F-1 Requirements, ESL Program, and Registration

F-1 Immigration Regulations, the Registration Process, and the ESL Program will be presented by faculty / staff and the student will have an opportunity to meet with a counselor one-on-one to go over course recommendations.

At most orientation programs, students will be registering and paying for classes (or signing up for the payment plan) on Day 2 of orientation. Be sure to bring your immigration documents with you to orientation.  Morning coffee and lunch will be provided on both days.

Students MUST attend ALL TWO days of orientation in order to register for classes.  Students who fail to attend the orientation program IN FULL will have their admission to Grossmont College cancelled.

Initial Costs Reminder

New students will register for classes on the final day of the International Student Orientation program.  Full payment for classes or enrollment in the Payment Plan option is due immediately upon registering.  Full payment may be made using Visa/MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit cards, a personal check (from a U.S. bank), a money order, or traveler’s checks (in U.S. dollars). The Payment Plan option costs $20, and allows students to pay an immediate 25% down payment followed by up to three monthly payments. The Payment Plan must be linked to a U.S. bank account.

In addition to class fees, students need to bring enough U.S. Dollars to pay for airport shuttle, hotel, books, medical insurance, and the first few months of living expenses (rent, meals, etc.).  You may wish to bring $5,000 or more to cover these initial expenses.  For your own safety and protection, please remember to safeguard your money, passport, and personal belongings.