Welcome to our #GlobalSpartan community!

In addition to the campus orientation program (Sparta Camp for first years, Spartan Experience for Transfers, or Welcome to Graduate School orientation series), all new international students must attend a special Global Spartan Welcome program with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Global Spartan Welcome is designed just for international students, and covers immigration and cultural topics to help prepare you for your transition to university life in the U.S. 

There is no fee to attend Global Spartan Welcome. 

What will you do at Global Spartan Welcome (GSW)?

• Learn important information about your visa status
• Meet your International Student Advisors and staff who are here to support you
• Discover ways to engage with our Global Spartan Community virtually

Who should attend GSW?

• All new international students are required to attend GSW.

Please contact isss-programs@sjsu.edu with any questions regarding Global Spartan Welcome.

 

Fall 2023 GSW Program Dates

Undergraduate: Frosh Program (Undergraduate First Year)

IN-PERSON

Friday, August 18, 2023 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (PST) | In-person, location TBD

Registration Required

All new undergraduate international first years are required to attend an in-person GSW session in addition to the required Sparta Camp orientation hosted by New Student & Family Programs.

The GSW Frosh program is an interactive, in-person program designed to help you connect with other international students and to introduce you to campus resources. Additionally, the GSW Frosh program will cover cultural transition and help you better understand academic culture in the U.S.

Undergraduate: Transfer Program (Transfer Students)

VIRTUAL

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 10:00-11:30 AM (PST) | Virtual

New undergraduate international transfer students are required to attend GSW in addition to your Spartan Experience for Transfers hosted by New Student & Family Programs.

This GSW session will be immediately followed by an optional small group question and answer session with an international student advisor. Global Leaders will also be on hand to answer questions about student life. Link will be provided at the end of your GSW program.

In addition to GSW, ISSS offers Beyond GSW program to ease the transition of new international students. Please visit our website to learn more about in-person and virtual Beyond GSW events.

Graduate Student Program (Masters level students)

VIRTUAL

Grad Session #1: Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 3:00-4:30 PM (PST) | Virtual

Grad Session #2: Monday, August 14, 2023 | 10:00-11:30 AM (PST) | Virtual

GSW is required for all new international graduate students. This is in addition to the online Graduate Student Orientation run by the College of Graduate Studies AND any departmental orientations. Please check with your department regarding department orientation.

Both GSW sessions will be immediately followed by an optional small group question and answer session with an international student advisor. Global Leaders will also be on hand to answer questions about student life. Link will be provided at the end of your GSW program.

Additionally, we will host optional in-person events such as Getting Ready for Grad School as part of our Beyond GSW program. Learn more.

J-1 Exchange Program

IN-PERSON

Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM (PST) | In-person, location TBD

J-1 Exchange students are pre-registered for this program; you do not need to register. More information will be sent to you via email. I-house residents, you will be released by 12:30 PM in order to attend I-House Orientation.

J-1 Exchange Program

Immigration Document Check-in

Please check your @sjsu.edu email and MySJSU regularly in January, when ISSS will be messaging you regarding the mandatory immigration document check-in process. If you have any questions or if you do not receive a message by the end of the first week in August, please email international-office@sjsu.edu.