What is International Freshman Orientation?
International Freshman Orientation is your essential introduction to life as a Gaucho. Our program is designed to help you navigate unique aspects of UCSB setting you up for long-term success.
Understand Academic Expectations
Our online module and live Orientation Interns guide you through the American university system by reviewing all of the academic requirements needed to graduate from UCSB.
Begin Your Personal & Social Transition
You will build your social network and gain the confidence to navigate college life by connecting with peers and exploring common campus scenarios together.
Learn Campus Resources
We will connect you with the wide variety of campus support services from immigration information to academic success centers, ensuring you have the tools and guidance needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Important note: Course registration will not take place at the online International Freshman Orientation. You will be registered into appropriate courses by a college advisor. The registration process is ongoing and will be completed prior to the online International Freshman Orientation session. By attending the online International Freshman Orientation session, you will have the opportunity to make adjustments to your Fall quarter schedule.
International Freshman Program Overview
International Freshman Orientation is a comprehensive, three-part program consisting of an initial online module followed by a live online session ending with information about laws and immigration within the United States.
1. International Freshman Orientation Online Module
This foundational online module provides an in-depth overview of the UCSB academic expectations. It offers essential guidance on general education and degree requirements to ensure you understand your path to graduation. Beyond academics, this module also serves as a digital directory for specialized campus resources, such as the Office of International Students and Scholars and many more, so that you have all the knowledge and support you need to navigate the university with confidence from day one.
2. Live Online International Freshman Program
The following is an unofficial program overview for International Freshman Orientation. Your official Orientation schedule will be provided prior to your session. 2026 session dates will be updated in May.
The live online International Freshman Orientation Program will take place on August 12 and August 15 from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM PST.
Program Schedule
- 4:00 - 4:30pm Welcome
- 4:45 - 6:30pm Academic Overview
- Learn about the academic requirements needed to graduate from UCSB
- Gain insight into courses specifically required for your major
- 6:30 - 7:30pm College of Letters & Science Schedule Adjustments (optional)
- Meet with a college advisor to discuss any changes you want to make to your Fall quarter schedule
- 7:30 - 8:30pm Making the Most of Your First Year Presentation & Student Panel
- Hear from current UCSB students about the academic, social, and personal transitions to college and understand the many resources available at UCSB
Students who attend a live online session must complete the International Freshman Module prior to their session (see link above).
If you are an international freshman who will be in the U.S. in late June or July and would like to attend an in-person two day Freshman Orientation session, please email us at orientation.sa.ucsb.edu.
3. CALI Cultural Awareness, Laws, and Immigration) Training (REQUIRED)
All incoming international students are required to complete CALI (Cultural Awareness, Laws, and Immigration) Training. This is separate from the online International Freshman module provided by Orientation Programs.
This training is provided by the Office of International Students & Scholars; please review their website for more information about CALI Training. This training is not officially associated with Orientation Programs & Parent Services. For questions email oiss@sa.ucsb.edu.
Fees & Billing
Summer 2026 Program Fees will be updated in May 2026
Note; No payment is due when you reserve your Orientation session
2025 International Freshman Orientation Program Fee
The program fee for the live online International Freshman Orientation program is $156.
Orientation Programs is a self-supported department funded 100% by program fees; no state or campus funding is provided to offset the costs of the program. In addition to covering staff salaries and programmatic expenses, the orientation fee covers the cost of all new student education requirements and courses designed to introduce new students to the University.
Billing Information
Program fees for all participants will be billed in the Fall on your UCSB BARC billing statement. Students are required to pay the full amount of fees for all participants, including parents and family, who attended UCSB's Orientation Program. Fee payment deadlines will be noted on the BARC statement. Fees are assessed per person.
Orientation fees are ONLY billed through a student's UCSB BARC statement for Fall quarter. We do not accept check, credit or debit card payments directly to our department.