International Students

International students who plan on attending Stanford should review this section carefully. It contains important information and instructions on visas, financing, international student committees, health care and language requirements.

If you have any questions that are not covered in this section, visit the Bechtel International Center at Stanford web site.

Bechtel International Center (I-Center)

The Bechtel International Center (I-Center) provides services and programs for international students at Stanford. It serves as a focal point for interaction among students and visiting scholars at the University. It houses offices for advisers to international students and scholars, international visitors, students preparing to study abroad, and the Community Committee for International Students. Among the services offered to the Stanford international community are:

• Interpretation of immigration laws and procedures for non-immigrant visa holders
• New student arrival and orientation programs, and a web based guide called, “Arriving at Stanford: An Orientation Guide for New International Students and Scholars”
• Academic, personal, and crosscultural counseling and referral
• Community information regarding social security numbers, public transportation, schools, banking, etc.
• Email distribution of International Student Update containing student visa information and related information
• A resource center for international spouses/partners and families that offers information on education for children and adults, job search assistance or volunteer work, recreation and travel opportunities, and more
• Services for spouses/partners and student families, including counseling, social programs for spouses and children, English language classes, and a loan closet

Arrival and Orientation

Many new international students arrive in the Stanford area some days before orientation and registration. An important information packet, including a full schedule of our orientation week, will be available by mid-August. Orientation week begins on Monday, September 19, with a welcoming reception on Friday, September 23 at 5:15 p.m. at the I-Center. The week will feature talks, films, and informal discussions with experienced graduate students. It will also include excursions, social activities, and programs of special interest for families. Our Welcome Committee for Families will be available to answer questions in many languages during the week. Further information about orientation will be sent to you in early summer. Orientation information and updates are also available at the I-Center web site.

Additional Information

Visit the I-Center web site to find general information on immigration, as well as programs and services offered by the center. Please check it before your arrival for further information and updates on the topics reviewed on this site, as well as the Orientation Week Schedule and “Arriving at Stanford: An Orientation Guide for New International Students and Scholars” also found on the I-Center web site.

Bechtel International Center
584 Capistrano Way
Stanford, California 94305-8245
(650) 723-1831
https://icenter.stanford.edu