Early Arrival Program
The Early Arrival program is a unique program designed to introduce the American Education System to new international students. This program allows a student to engage in US educational practices, such as lectures, discussions, and group work, during a two-week intensive three-credit course called LANG 130: Introduction to American Culture. This course is taught by Marietta College faculty members and gives students an opportunity to enhance their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. During the two week course, students participate in a two-day field trip to Washington D.C. where they visit historical monuments, the Smithsonian museums, the White House and Capitol building and see U.S. history rather than read about it in a book. Students create a virtual scrapbook for their final presentation that highlights key components from their experience in Washington. For information, please contact the Office of Education Abroad.
International Student Orientation
The international student orientation is planned by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Education Abroad. Marietta College has a comprehensive orientation program for international students. During the six-day program, students adapt to living in Marietta, Ohio as well as prepare for college life in the US. The Office of Education Abroad staff present workshops on the Immigration Regulation, and assist with academic preparation such as ESL and Math placement testing as well as transcript review and course registration.
Lectures on US Education System, American Culture, Health and Safety, Insurance and Cultural Adjustment are managed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion staff. Additionally, representatives from various campus offices introduce their services to international students. These offices include the Academic Resource Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life, and Dining Services.
All international students are required to take placement tests in Mathematics and English as a Second Language. Students schooled in English are required to meet with the Director of ESL for a 15-minute private interview. One of the final activities during the orientation involves students meeting with faculty members to select courses and declare a major.
The international student orientation is designed to give students an opportunity to adjust to a new culture, language, and environment.