New Opening Hours

Bechtel is pleased to offer expanded open hours, starting Monday, March 30. Please see more details here.

Stanford
Bechtel International Center Bechtel International Center

Orientation for Graduate Students

The 2026 New International Graduate Student Orientation takes place Tuesday, September 8 to Saturday, September 19 at the Bechtel International Center. We look forward to seeing you there! 

View the 2026 Orientation Schedule

The Details

  • Orientation begins Tuesday, September 8.
  • All orientation events take place in person at Bechtel International Center.
  • If you can't make the first week, don't worry! Most sessions repeat during the second week.
  • All new international graduate students are required to attend a Maintaining Legal Status session in order to have your enrollment hold removed. The content for each session is identical, so you only need to attend one. Select whichever session best fits your schedule. No registration is required.

The Fun

  • Dinners featuring world foods from Palo Alto restaurants. Tickets are limited.
  • Bus tours of the San Francisco - Bay Area during the orientation weekends.
  • Welcome reception featuring food, music and prizes during the second week of orientation. This event is free.
  • International karaoke night.

Informative Sessions

  • Transplants Taking Root: Skills and Resources for Mental Health and Well-Being at Stanford
  • F-1 & J-1 Employment in the United States
  • ... and more!

Resources

Browse this list of resources from the 2025 new student orientation for graduate international students: