SUNY New Paltz staff and students welcome international students

The Center for International Programs (CIP) celebrated International Student Move-In Day on Jan. 14, when more than 60 students from 25 different countries were introduced to SUNY New Paltz by CIP staff and students at the College.

The event is part of a larger effort by CIP and International Student Services (ISS) to reach out to international students and make the campus feel like a home away from home. CIP staff met with students at John F. Kennedy airport, and buses were commissioned to conduct the students directly from the terminal to campus. Upon arrival, orientation began with residence hall check-in and a pizza party.

Many of the international students were visiting the United States for the first time, and some had traveled for days to get here. International Student Move-In Day is designed to assist with the practical difficulties associated with that kind of travel, such as navigating unfamiliar areas, transporting luggage and finding food.

ISS also aims to help with the more intangible challenges that come with adjusting to life in a new culture, a new climate and a new community of peers. The office arranged for about 80 members of the New Paltz men’s and women’s swimming and basketball teams to come out and spend time with the incoming students, helping them with their luggage, talking about life on campus and answering questions they had about their new home.

“The participation of the student-athletes and Orientation Leaders in welcoming our new international students serves as a wonderful example of the supportive community at SUNY New Paltz,” said Catherine Raleigh of International Student Services.

For more information about International Student Move-In Day and how ISS helps travelling students acclimate to life at SUNY New Paltz, visit their webpage.