International student orientation
Welcome to SCAD! We're so happy you chose to study with us. SCAD is home to more than 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries. Our International Student Services Office (ISSO) is committed to making your transition to the U.S. seamless. To help you navigate your journey, we've organized the following step-by-step guide. You can also email us anytime if you have questions at issoatl@scad.edu (Atlanta) or isso@scad.edu (Savannah).
1Before you arrive
To prepare for your arrival to the U.S., we encourage you to review important information regarding documents and visas.
Important international topics
We gathered information on visa requirements, English language placement testing, health insurance, and the most important things you'll need to know.
SCADbound summer webinars
Save the dates for online pre-arrival sessions, July 8–10! Topics will include university safety and transportation, wellness and self-care, residential life and housing, dining, student success, educational services and technology, and cultural preparation for international students.
2Online orientation for all students
Every new student, domestic and international, is required to complete the online orientation before arriving for the first day of class. You can access the orientation experience using your MySCAD login, which will help track your progress.
A note for F-1 visa holders: This orientation contains immigration policy required by your student visa. Completion of this orientation is one of the necessary steps to successfully activate your SEVIS I-20. Students who do not complete the online orientation risk losing their visa status.
Choose your SCAD location to complete your online orientation and view your Welcome Week schedule.
3Move-in
You should arrive at your residence hall for housing check-in on your assigned day. Be sure to read your SCAD email for complete housing instructions and details on airport shuttles, arrival information, and opportunities to shop for supplies.
International students who have not met proof of English proficiency will be required to attend the SCAD Language Student orientation to prepare for their English language test.
Fall move-in
Thursday, Aug. 28
4International orientation
International orientation consists of several days of events, including English as a Second Language (ESL) testing.
Fall quarter orientation schedules
Log in to our ISSO department page on MySCAD to find an updated SCADbound international orientation schedule for both Atlanta and Savannah locations. The following represents a condensed, more generalized version of the orientation schedule.
Pay special attention to these crucial activities.
Friday, Aug. 1–Thursday, Aug. 28
Complete SCAD visa activation online
Required for all new F-1 visa holders
After your arrival to the U.S., be sure to access the International Student Portal. Log in using your MySCAD credentials and complete SCAD visa activation under "My Requests."
Thursday, Aug. 28
New international student move-in and commuter check-in
Students with assignments in the residence halls must move into their rooms on this day. Students who live off-campus must check in with ISSO staff in-person and validate their visa status.
SCAD will offer complimentary airport shuttles on Thursday, Aug. 28. Students enrolled at the Savannah location should arrive at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (code "SAV"). Students enrolled at the Atlanta location should be arrive at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (code "ATL").
SCAD Card and technology support
Meet with SCAD Card and technology staff to ensure access to Mobile SCAD Card and SCAD networks.
Shopping support
SCAD will offer looping shuttle bus transportation in the afternoon for students to purchase needed supplies and to access banks and cellphone providers.
Friday, Aug. 29–Monday, Sept. 1
Required international student orientation activities
New international students are required to attend various activities throughout these four days. Activities include interactive SCAD tours, resource fairs, and off-campus excursions.
Friday, Aug. 29
Interactive SCAD tour and student resources fair
On your interactive tour, SCAD staff (including ISSO) and peers will provide your first introduction to campus life. You will also receive valuable information related to health insurance, SCAD resources, course registration, and more.
The international student resource fair provides an opportunity for students to meet with a variety of local banks, cellphone companies, health care liaisons, and much more.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Academic preparation workshop, local shopping, silent disco
Sunday, Aug. 31
On- and off-campus events
Mon., Sept. 1 (Labor Day)
Pool party
Tuesday, Sept. 2
English language placement test
English as a Second Language (ESL) non-exempt students will take their placement test at 9 a.m. Students will receive more detailed information closer to the test date.
Welcome Week
Students should watch their SCAD email for their specific SCAD-wide orientation schedule.
Wednesday, Sept. 3–Thursday, Sept. 4
Attend optional ISSO visa compliance session
ISSO will offer visa compliance sessions on Wednesday and Thursday of this week for students who have not submitted their mandatory visa validation report.
Friday, Sept. 5
International student kick-off celebration
Attendance is required for all new international students. Find your detailed schedule on the ISSO department page on MySCAD.
Monday, Sept. 8
First day of SCAD classes.
5Welcome Week
This is the last stop on your SCADbound journey! From the moment you move in to your first day of class, you will discover a suite of events designed to help welcome you to your new home away from home, to connect you to fellow students, and set you up for maximum success.
Be sure to check your SCAD student email regularly for important updates.
Stay tuned for Welcome Week schedules.
Your personalized checklist
Welcome Week is full of excitement and an important step in your SCADbound journey, but there are a few other milestones to keep in mind. We've created a new student checklist just for you. To view the checklist, log into MySCAD.
Remember to:
- Submit your photo for a SCAD ID
- Pay any outstanding balances
- Review your housing info
- Explore the SCAD app
- Request a parking permit
- Check your SCAD email
Disability resources
SCAD is committed to the success of all its students. Students who qualify for accommodations can attend Jump Start, a program designed to increase awareness of services and resources available to students with disabilities before the first day of class. If you're interested in Jump Start or need to contact someone about accommodations during your SCADbound journey, email the office of disability in Atlanta at atldisability@scad.edu or in Savannah at disability@scad.edu.
Guides
Atlanta
Savannah
Tech guide
Contact
Atlanta
877.722.3285
404.253.2700
scadatl@scad.edu
Savannah, SCADnow online
800.869.7223
912.525.5100
admission@scad.edu