Arriving in the fall
All CALS exchange students arriving in the fall are required to attend the PREPARE Orientation Program for Incoming International Undergraduate Students from August 13-17, 2012. As such, the best day to arrive to Ithaca is Monday, August 13, 2012, as PREPARE participants cannot move into their residence halls prior to this date.
The cost to participate in the program is approximately $200 and includes all scheduled events, meals, transportation to a shopping center, a trip to a beautiful park, and many fun evening activities. The charge for PREPARE will be put onto your Cornell “Bursar” bill. The Office of the Bursar functions as the central billing service center for Cornell by providing monthly billing statements of housing, dining, fees and other charges incurred by students.
PREPARE will teach you about Cornell's student life, international community, traditions, and practical matters. PREPARE provides the unique opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with officials from throughout the University, including staff from the health services, campus police and students' academic departments. We will be integrating CALS Exchange events into the PREPARE schedule, so you will also learn about being an exchange student in CALS during this time.
At the beginning of orientation you will also be assigned an Orientation Leader or "OL." This upper-level Cornell student will organize fun group meetings and activities to help you learn about Cornell and meet other new students. This is a great opportunity to meet American students and get out and about!
Arriving in the spring
All CALS exchange students arriving in the spring are required to attend the special CALS Exchange Orientation Program beginning on January 17, 2012 (January 2013 dates to be confirmed). Further details and a schedule of events will be emailed to incoming students.
At the beginning of orientation you will also be assigned a January Orientation Leader or "JOL." This upper-level Cornell student will organize fun group meetings and activities to help you learn about Cornell and meet other new students. This is a great opportunity to meet American students and get out and about!