ISSS Welcomes New International Dukes to JMU 

Starting university in a new country can be exciting, and it can also present challenges. To assist students during this transition, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) hosts International Student Orientation at the start of each semester.

The Spring 2026 International Student Orientation took place on Friday and Saturday, January 16^th and 17^th, with check-in, move-in, and shopping, making it a two-day event for undergraduate students. The second day began with welcoming newly arrived international students to campus. Orientation, and other ISSS programs, promote students’ adjustment to academic expectations, life in the United States, and daily life at JMU. By bringing students together at the beginning of the semester, ISSS aims to create a foundation that allows international students to get to know their new community and feel better informed as they navigate a new academic and cultural environment.

Throughout orientation, students participated in sessions covering key topics such as health insurance, immigration regulations, and navigating cultural adjustment. These sessions were designed to give students a clear understanding of available resources and where to seek support when needed.

In addition to learning about resources, students connected with their peers and the ISSS staff; they shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, creating informal opportunities to bond. The day concluded with games, allowing students to interact in a relaxed setting and build early friendships. At the end of the orientation, students expressed interest in reconnecting with each other through future events during their time at JMU. International Student Orientation served as the beginning of their journey in Harrisonburg, offering an early sense of belonging and community.

For Fadima Elsayed (‘27) from Egypt, the welcome stood out immediately. “All of it was amazing, but a specific moment was when they welcomed us when we got off the bus,” she said. Ouail Slama (‘27) from Algeria also described feeling welcomed. “During dinner, there was a lot of bonding, a lot of friendly conversation. I really appreciated that.”

Many said the orientation helped them feel comfortable asking questions and reaching out for support. They shared that receiving information in one place made the transition easier. “It’s going to be very difficult for us to get the information elsewhere, but it makes it hundred times easier for us to know that we have that resource, we have that center [CGE-ISSS],” Fadima said, “I can come to ISSS whenever I have a question. So, this is the best resource I have.” Ouail also added, “I think ISSS is definitely a place to come for support. For example, during today’s orientation when they talked about health and immigration resources, it was all very useful.”

International Student Orientation supports international students in many ways. Through this program, ISSS provides new international students with access to important resources and opportunities to build community. The program also highlights the role of ISSS staff as accessible and helpful points of contact for international students. By creating a welcoming environment and offering continued guidance, the ISSS team hopes students feel prepared to begin their academic experience at JMU knowing they have the support of their new community with them.