The Dashew Center Orientation Program is a comprehensive orientation program designed specifically for new international students and scholars at UCLA. The purpose of the program is to help incoming international students adjust better to their new lives in the United States, Los Angeles, and UCLA.

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other international students and scholars from over 120 countries around the world. You will also have the opportunity to interact with U.S. students and create friendships that will last throughout your stay at UCLA and perhaps beyond!

Here is what the New International Student & Scholar Orientation (NISSO) includes:

• Informative Workshops on understanding and living in Los Angeles, Housing and Transportation, Money Matters, Resources at UCLA, Health and Wellness, Undergraduate/Graduate Studies, Culture Shock, Legal Issues, Visa Workshops, and more.
  
• Tour of the UCLA campus
  
• Bruin Card (the official UCLA identification card) processing and cell phone set-up assistance
  
• Social Events* such as Dinner in Westwood, visit to the Santa Monica Promenade, or a visit to Universal City Walk
  
• Welcome Picnic

When does the orientation take place?

How much does the orientation cost?
$59.00 for UCLA students (Undergraduate & Graduate), scholars, and faculty.

Can spouses, partners, or family participate?
Yes! The registration fee is also $59.00 for dependents of UCLA students, scholars, or faculty. They are encouraged to participate with you to get to know UCLA and Los Angeles. We highly recommend you take advantage of the events planned for you this summer.

How can I pay?
If you are a registered UCLA student, the registration fee will be automatically charged to your UCLA Billing and Accounts Receivable (BAR) account. If you are a visiting scholar or faculty, or a dependent, you can pay with a credit card when you register.

UCLA offers other orientation programs (Freshman orientation, Transfer Student orientation, and departmental orientations). Which orientation is best for me to attend?
Each orientation program focuses on different aspects to guide your experience while studying at UCLA. This is why we encourage students to attend all orientations that apply to them. Our orientation focuses on topics that are essential for international students and scholars, to help them adjust to their new lives in the country, city, and campus. Many of the topics covered are not addressed in other orientation programs. You will also get to meet other international students and scholars and build a social network. While one of your main goals may be to meet American students at UCLA, it is also very beneficial to create a support group of friends who are going through the same study abroad experience as you. **We highly recommend that graduate students attend the Graduate Student Orientation on September 18th. And for those that will be a Teaching Assistant, it is recommended that you attend the Teaching Assistant Conference on September 21st.

Will I have the chance to enroll in my academic classes during the Dashew Center orientation?
The Dashew Center orientation does not include enrollment of classes. Graduate students typically consult their advisor to help organize their class schedule. Undergraduate students are recommended to attend the UCLA Orientation Program, which offers sessions specifically for freshmen and transfer students. Because of U.S. regulations some international students who are freshman may not be able to attend the UCLA Orientation Program due to their permitted arrival date to the U.S. If you are a freshman and cannot attend the UCLA Orientation Program, you should still contact the UCLA Orientation Program for information about requirements and how to enroll in classes on your own:

E-mail: orientation@college.ucla.edu
Phone: +1-310-206-6685

How can I participate?
Participation in Orientation is subject to registration. Please read the Terms & Conditions for more information.

Travel Bug Trips: Yosemite National Park
The Dashew Center will begin sponsoring quarterly trips around the West Coast. Join us for our first trip of the year to Yosemite National Park. We will go BEFORE NISSO to visit the national park. The trip will run from Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13th. For more information please see the flyer Yosemite.pdf. Registration is limited. Build friendships before you even attend orientation.

Are there other programs at the Dashew Center that are helpful for new international students and scholars?
Yes! The Dashew Center offers other programs geared to assist international students, scholars, and their dependents with their transition to UCLA and the U.S., and to build bridges with the community of Los Angeles. Please explore our website for more information.

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