All incoming new students receive New Student Orientation upon arrival that will introduce you to campus and community, academics and life at Bates, and important information about higher education and the liberal arts that will help guide your time at Bates and beyond.

In addition to this general orientation, all international students are expected to attend the International Circle Pre-Orientation program (ICO). ICO focuses specifically on cultural adjustment and navigating daily life in the U.S. The program will be a great opportunity for you to meet members of the Bates community and connect with international peers; settle into your living space and take care of essentials such as setting up a bank account and a cell phone; become more familiar with U.S. culture, customs, and social norms; and learn the key requirements for studying in the U.S. as an internationally identifying student, including maintaining your visa compliance, understanding SEVIS regulations, and understanding academic and work authorization requirements. ICO is free for all incoming international students.

Fall 2026 ICO Schedule

• Saturday, August 22 – Arrival day for incoming undergraduate international students. Please plan to arrive at Bates between 12:00pm and 7:00pm, where our greeting team and your Orientation Leaders (OLs) will meet you at the welcoming station to guide you to your dorm.
• Sunday, August 23 – Settle-in day, including a shopping trip and various activities to get to know other international students and the campus.
• Monday, August 24 – Wednesday, August 26 – International Circle Orientation (3 days).
• New this year: International parents and family members are invited to attend a dedicated program on Monday, August 24 – plan for a full day of activities and information.

ICO Sessions Include:

• Campus and local tours
• Information on immigration policies and rules; healthcare in the U.S. and Bates services; U.S. campus life and Bates social life; jobs and employment on campus; U.S. culture and politics
• Practical question sessions
• Preparing for academic life
• Opportunities to connect with upper-class international students

More Information

More information about ICO and ICO registration will be sent directly to students over the summer. Please stay tuned for updates.

Travel Assistance

Information and guidance on easy travel from the Portland, Maine Jetport, the Portland or Lewiston bus stations, and Boston Logan Airport (commonly used by Bates students) will be provided to all incoming students. However, transportation assistance or airport pickup from the Portland airport or nearby bus stations will be available only to students traveling without family members. Please be advised that we cannot assist anyone arriving in the U.S. before August 22; you will need to make your own hotel and travel arrangements. Also note that most U.S. hotels require unaccompanied guests to be at least 21 years old.

If you have any questions about ICO, travel planning, or anything related to life as an international student at Bates, please contact globaleducation@bates.edu.