Connect@Wake – New Undergraduate International Student Orientation
Connect@Wake is the mandatory orientation for new undergraduate international students in the F-1 or J-1 visa status who are attending Wake Forest University for the first time. Connect@Wake is a required part of the visa status maintenance process for international students. During Connect@Wake international students will have the opportunity to build community within the international student population, learn about campus resources, engage in academic coursework, and meet other continuing students. Participants will meet with various faculty and staff on campus to develop relationships and build a sense of comfort at Wake Forest.
International students will be placed into groups and led by current Wake Forest students through activities such as academic workshops, exploring campus recreation, learning more about dormitory residential life, and fun evening activities on campus and in the local Winston-Salem community. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for each day of the program. ISS will also complete the required SEVIS registration and immigration status orientation that allows international students to maintain their visa status.
Registration Deadline: All new undergraduate international students are required to attend Connect@Wake and will receive information about this program with their I-20s.
Connect@Wake is an immersive and practical way for new undergraduate students to jumpstart their Wake Forest career and engage themselves in a collective, inclusive, and international experience that is unique and diverse.
Connect@Wake is a crucial and necessary opportunity for our new International Deacs to settle in and enjoy their newfound home without the hustle and bustle of a busy campus. Imagine being a part of a new community, forging a new path, having new beginnings, and fostering greatness at your start at Wake Forest University.
We look forward to meeting new students, welcoming you on campus, and helping you to get settled.
True engagement with the Connect@Wake program including all participating faculty and staff.
Students and their families SHOULD NOT schedule any extra activities during the program. Keep in mind that many Wake Forest departments have put aside time and resources to engage with new international students.
Attendance at all events on the Connect@Wake schedule is mandatory.
Incoming, first-year international undergraduate students accepted to Wake Forest University.
Connect@Wake is free to all incoming, first-year international undergraduate students accepted to Wake Forest University. You will be provided with housing and meals during the orientation.
We hope this will be an opportunity for you to meet other international students, build community, complete your orientation check-in, and meet Wake Forest faculty and staff who will be a part of your support system while you work to meet your academic goals. We will have a lot of activities for you and you will be able to complete your immigration status check-in during this time. We will also help you with setting up cell phone service, and bank accounts, and provide transportation to shopping locations to purchase items that you may need. You will also be allowed to move into your campus housing a few days earlier than other students so that you can get settled.
Students will interact with Wake Forest faculty, staff, and continuing students. Students will also have opportunities to interact with Wake Forest campus leadership including Deans, the Vice President, and the Provost. The ISS team will also be available during the entire program to answer student’s questions about their visa status and life in the U.S.
At a Glance
Required: Rising, first-year international undergraduate students accepted to Wake Forest University
- When: August 2024
- Program Length: TBD
- Cost: TBD
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Sponsored by: The Center for Immigration Services & Support (ISS)
Questions? Contact us at iss@wfu.edu