In addition to the campus orientation program (Sparta Camp for first years, Spartan Experience for Transfers, or Graduate Student orientation series), all new international students must attend a special Global Spartan Welcome program with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Please contact isss-programs@sjsu.edu with any questions regarding Global Spartan Welcome.

What is Global Spartan Welcome?

Global Spartan Welcome (GSW) is an orientation program for F-1 and J-1 international students studying at SJSU. There are 3 phases to GSW, each designed to help you at different stages of your transition to the U.S. and SJSU:

Phase 1: Preparing for Global Spartan Welcome (REQUIRED before you arrive)

F-1 students, complete this self-paced online course BEFORE you arrive in the U.S. to learn important information such as visa interview tips and deciding which airport you should fly into as well as how youʻll get from the airport to SJSU. Plus, youʻll be able to connect with your peers in our online community. Click here to join.

Phase 2: Global Spartan Welcome (REQUIRED prior to start of classes)

1-2 weeks prior to the start of classes, youʻll attend a Global Spartan Welcome. This is where you will learn critical information regarding your F-1 or J-1 visa status. In most cases, GSW will take place via Zoom webinar. Read below to learn how to attend GSW. 

Phase 3: Beyond Global Spartan Welcome (OPTIONAL after you arrive)

Beyond GSW sessions are optional and include activities such as in-person campus tours, networking events, cultural conversations, student-led Global Leader chats, and workshops. Learn more. 

What will you do at Global Spartan Welcome (GSW)?

• Learn important information about your visa status
• Meet your International Student Advisors, staff, and Global Leaders who are here to support you
• Discover ways to engage with our Global Spartan Community both in-person & online

Who should attend GSW?

• All new international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are required to attend GSW.

Spring 2025 Global Spartan Welcome Programs

Undergraduate Students 

This session is for:

• F-1 first-year undergraduate students
• F-1 transfer students who are new to SJSU 

Additional in-person welcome events will be offered and are great ways to meet your peers and connect with SJSU resources. These events will be posted on our Beyond Global Spartan Welcome page. 

• GSW Undergraduate Session
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2025
  • 10:00-11:30 AM (Pacific)
  • Register for Zoom webinar

Graduate Students

This session is for F-1 graduate students who are new to SJSU

Additional in-person welcome events, including our Getting Ready for Grad School event, are great ways to meet your peers and connect with SJSU resources. These events will be posted on our Beyond Global Spartan Welcome page. 

• GSW Grad Session
  • Friday, January 10, 2025
  • 10:00-11:30 AM (Pacific)
  • Register for Zoom webinar

J-1 Exchange Students

This session is for all new J-1 Exchange students.

• GSW J-1 Exchange Program
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025
  • 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (Pacific)
  • In-person Event, Location to be confirmed
  • No registration required; invitations will be sent via email