International Undergraduate Orientation

Welcome, Class of 2027 International, Visiting International, and International Transfer Students!

The Duke International Student Center (DISC) staff is excited to welcome you to Duke University and to the International Undergraduate Student Orientation.

We hope that Duke and the Duke International Student Center will be a place for you to connect, learn, and grow.

The International Undergraduate Student Orientation is an opportunity for you to:

• Be welcomed and supported by the DISC staff and the student team
• Befriend other first-year, transfer, and visiting international students
• Build a sense of community among all the new international students
• Become familiar with the Duke campus and the resources available here

For many international students, the International Undergraduate Student Orientation serves a key role in acclimating themselves to the U.S. and Duke culture as well as a way of developing deep friendships with their peers.

The Fall 2023 International Undergraduate Student Orientation and the optional Early Move in dates have not been confirmed. Please revisit our website in early March 2023 and or email us for more information.  

• Optional Early Move-in Dates: August 16, 17
• In-person Activities:  August 16-17 (evening)
• Passport to Duke and Durham (resource fair, transportation to local stores): August 18
• Family Welcome Brunch: August 19

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact intlstudents@duke.edu.

Congratulations on your child's acceptance to the Duke University Class of 2027!

The International Family Orientation is for family members of incoming international undergraduate students and takes place on the same date and time as the International Undergraduate Orientation.

We will be organizing and hosting various events that international families can participate in during the international early move-in and orientation process. Details will be posted in the upcoming weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact intlstudents@duke.edu.

International Guide (I-Guide) Program 

International Guides (I-Guides) are undergraduate and graduate leaders who will assist the Duke International Student Center (DISC) staff with the organization and facilitation of the “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions (Graduate and Undergraduate students), the early-move in process (Undergraduate), and plan the week of events and socials (undergraduate and graduate). The I-Guides welcome new students as they transition to Duke, Durham, and the broader community and help serve as mentors to students throughout the academic year.  

Through cross-cultural training sessions in the Spring semester, I-Guides will be prepared to lead a group of approximately 20 new international students and facilitate meaningful discussions, build friendships, communicate effectively, and offer guidance to incoming graduate and undergraduate international students.  

Mission  

The I-Guide Program builds community for incoming international undergraduate and graduate Duke students through programming, “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions, and mentorship opportunities to strengthen a sense of belonging.  

Purpose

1. Build a community of domestic and international students in a multicultural setting  
2. Welcome new first year international students for the early move-in and “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions 
3. Support and mentor students during their transition to Duke and Durham    
4. Organize and facilitate events to support first year international student needs (i.e. living essentials trips, campus and downtown tours and informational sessions) 
5. Develop leadership and cross-cultural cultural communication skills by volunteering and connecting with peer leaders

I-Guide Expectations

Spring 2023 Semester Expectations 

• Attend in person cross cultural training sessions and socials.  
  • Dates to be confirmed. 

Summer 2023 Responsibilities and Expectations 

• Meet with I-Guide subcommittees (frequency to be determined) to discuss and organize a communication plan (social media, email outreach, etc.), “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions, and to organize activities (socials and events) during early move-in.  
• Undergraduate: Monthly or biweekly meeting with Elizabeth, Assistant Director in the Duke International Student Center (DISC), to check in and discuss and concerns and or questions 
• Graduate: Monthly or biweekly meeting with the new Assistant Director in the Duke International Student Center (DISC), to check in and discuss and concerns and or questions 
• Connect with new incoming international students, answering questions about Duke, Durham, and the transition to the U.S. (time commitment varies) 
• Time commitment (~1 hour a week) 

Fall 2023 Responsibilities and Expectations 

• Assist DISC staff with early move-in/ check-in (approximately 3 days in early August, dates to be confirmed) 
• Welcome students and their families during the check-in process  
• Assist students with moving into their dorms (helping them and their families move items) 
• Connect with parents and family members to better answer their questions about campus, available resources, and Durham.  
• Facilitate in-person “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions 
• Assist with setup & take down 
• Facilitate sessions 
• Guide new incoming students  
• Serve as mentors and guides for students to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all.  
• Attend debriefing meeting with DISC staff in late August 

International Guide (I-Guide) Co-Chairs  

The I-Guide Co-Chairs will chair one of three respective committees: Communications, “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and information sessions, and Social/ Event Planning committee. The three students will work together with DISC staff members to organize, facilitate, and plan a cohesive early move-in process for new incoming international students.  

Communications Co-Chair

• Will oversee approximately 7 to 10 I-Guides in the Communications Subcommittee 
• Schedule meetings with subcommittee (Frequency to be determined) 
• Responsible for the creation and organization of all communication (social media, emails, and surveys) leading up to and during the international student early move- in process (Summer May 2023 to August 2023) 
• Organize Instagram takeovers, social media posts, and informative email communication to engage with new incoming students 

Social/ Event Planning Co-Chair 

• Will oversee approximately 7 to 10 I-Guides in the Communications Subcommittee 
• Schedule meetings with subcommittee (Frequency to be determined) 
• Plan social events for new incoming international students 
• I.e., Living essentials trips to Target or Walmart, Ice Cream Socials, Game nights, etc.  
• Organize campus and downtown Durham tours for students and parent

“Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Session Planning Co-Chair 

• Will oversee approximately 7 to 10 I-Guides in the Communications Subcommittee 
• Schedule meetings with subcommittee (Frequency to be determined) 
• Organize “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions (reach out to campus partners, banks, and cell phone providers for sessions) 
• Research and organize icebreaker activities 
• Organize student panels

Preferred Qualifications 

• Returning undergraduate and graduate students (upper-class students) 
• In case there are no returning I-Guides that would like to take on the co-chair responsibility, a new student applicant can be appointed based on their interest and interview process.   
• Open to all majors 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects. A team player with enthusiasm and curiosity, patience, and sensitivity when working with diverse populations 
• Prior experience with planning and organizing events. 

General Co-Chair Expectation 

Spring 2023 Semester Expectations 

• Attend in person cross cultural training sessions and socials.  
  • Dates to be confirmed. 
  • Time commitment (1 to 3 hours a week) 

Summer 2023 Responsibilities and Expectations 

• Meet with I-Guide subcommittees (Frequency to be Determined) to discuss international “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions schedule, communication plan (social media, email outreach, etc.), and to organize activities during early move-in.  
• Undergraduate: Monthly or biweekly meeting with Elizabeth, Assistant Director in the Duke International Student Center, to check in and discuss and concerns and or questions 
• Graduate: Monthly or biweekly meeting with new Assistant Director in the Duke International Student Center, to check in and discuss and concerns and or questions.

Fall 2023 Responsibilities and Expectations 

• Assist DISC staff with early move-in/ check-in (approximately 3 days in early August, dates to be confirmed) 
• Welcome students and their families during the check-in process  
• Assist students with moving into their dorms (helping them and their families move items) 
•  Connect with parents and family members to better answer their questions about campus, available resources, and Durham.  
• Facilitate in-person international student orientation  
• Assist with setup & take down 
• Facilitate sessions 
• Guide new incoming students  

I-Guide Co-Chairs Responsibilities 

• Serve as liaison between DISC staff and I-Guides team.  
• Assist DISC with the recruitment and training of new I-Guides 
• Assist with the I-Guides training (facilitate discussions)/orientation preparation in the spring and the summer, if necessary.  
• Provide leadership, direction, and motivation to the I-Guides team during and after “Passport to Duke and Durham” Resource Fair and Information Sessions

The International Undergraduate Student Blue Book was written to support the incoming class of international students, to make sure all feel comfortable, welcome, and prepared as they transition to a new life at Duke.