EIU New Student and Family Programs

International Student Orientation – Fall Admit

Welcome to EIU, Charleston, and the United States – we’re so excited that you’re here!

Your success at Eastern Illinois University is determined not only by the quality of your academic work, but also by how quickly you connect to the campus. To assist you in your transition, EIU requires you to participate in Orientation and Welcome Weekend - our three-part process to becoming an official EIU student.

Part 1: Online Modules

Once you’ve submitted your visa information, you’ll be given access to a series of online modules that will help start your EIU journey even before you in the United States. The modules will contain a series of short videos about planning your arrival to the United States, campus resources, and adjusting to life in another country. You’ll have access to these modules for throughout your entire time at EIU so you can go back and refer to the information as needed.

Part 2: International Orientation

EIU hosts an Orientation specifically for our newest international students. Continuing your education in another country is a major transition and we want to make sure we’re helping you be successful. You might be asking yourself, What is Orientation? We’re glad you asked. Orientation is the process of helping new students getting welcomed and acclimated to campus so that you can start your EIU journey off on the right foot. It is designed to address the most common questions and concerns that international students have, as well as cover important information such as immigration regulations about your visa, academic expectations, and cultural adjustment. Orientation is required for all new international students who are F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

Registering for a Program

Once you have submitted your visa information, you can sign up for an Orientation date through MyEIU. You will receive an email inviting you to register for Orientation. The invitation will contain a program reservation link to myEIU. Students will need to complete the reservation form online to secure a program date.

Students Entering Summer or Fall 2025

August 19-20 (Graduate Students)
August 19-21 (Undergraduate Students)

*Please plan on arriving to campus before Aug. 19. Orientation is required for all new international students who are F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

Part 3: Welcome Weekend

All new undergraduate students are required to participate in EIU's Welcome Weekend prior to the Fall semester. For students enrolling in the Fall 2025, you will participate in Welcome Weekend from Friday, August 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. You can learn more about Welcome Weekend by clicking here.