What to expect
Calvin’s orientation programs have three objectives:
- To introduce you to Calvin's purpose, people, and programs
- To help ensure your smooth transition to college
- To prepare you academically for your years at Calvin
International Passport is designed along two tracks—one for you and one for your family members. You’ll attend a few of the sessions together. Here’s a sampling.
Participate in:
- Academic advising and placement tests so you can plan your fall schedule
- Campus worship and group activities
- Trips to places such as Lake Michigan, a nearby mall, and downtown Grand Rapids
Learn about:
- Calvin's core curriculum and your major
- The cultural transition to American academic and social life
- Setting up your banking and managing your finances
- Living in the residence hall or off-campus
Hear from:
- Calvin’s President
- A panel of faculty members
Before you arrive
- Register yourself and your family members for the program on e-Enroll
- Pay your enrollment deposit, if you haven’t already
- Be sure you have received three confirmation emails from the Student Development Office:
- the first, two weeks following your registration
- the second, one month prior to International Passport
- the third, one week prior to International Passport
- Fill out your travel arrival form if you need us to pick you up from the airport, bus station or train station.
Travel Plans
Please plan to arrive on Thursday, August 22. While students may also arrive on Friday, August 23, by 2:00 p.m., coming on Thursday will give you the opportunity to participate in a campus and city tour and allow for flight delays. If necessary, someone from Calvin will pick you up from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport or Grand Rapids bus station.
- Please note that you will need to find your own transportation from Chicago or Detroit to Grand Rapids. The most convenient way is by a connecting flight. It is not recommended to take a taxi, as it is very expensive.
- If you arrive before August 22, you will need to stay at the Prince Conference Center or other accommodations at an additional expense. Be sure to make reservations in advance. As soon as you know your travel plans, let us know by submitting the travel arrival form.
Checking-In
Upon arrival follow the road signs to the residence halls. You will check-in at Schultze Eldersveld. Make your way to the front lobby of the hall where you'll:
- check-in
- obtain a resource packet
- receive a room assignment if staying on campus
- receive a personalized schedule
Accommodations
For Students:
You will be placed in temporary housing in the Schultze-Eldersveld dorm from August 22-25. On August 25, you will move into your permanent dorm room.
For Parents:
See our Parents & Family International Passport page for information.
Meals:
All meals are served in Knollcrest Dining Hall and require your International Passport nametag for entrance. Meals begin at lunch on Thursday, August 22 and continue through Thursday, August 29th.
Dates
2013 Session: Friday, August 23 - Wednesday, August 28
International Passport officially begins with dinner at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 23. We strongly suggest students plan to arrive on campus on Thursday, August 22, as there are several important pre-orientation activities scheduled on Friday--a trip downtown, campus tours, and setting up your banking. Please DO NOT plan to arrive later than 2pm on August 23 or before August 22. Housing is NOT available before August 22.
Schedule
Download PDF schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend International PASSPORT?
Students with citizenship outside of the U.S. or Canada and here on student visas must attend International PASSPORT. It is optional for permanent residents or U.S. or Canadian citizens who have lived abroad for much of their lives.
If I am an American/Canadian who has lived abroad, how do I know whether I should attend PASSPORT IV or International PASSPORT?
If you identify strongly with a non-American culture, then International PASSPORT is probably the right choice as there are several workshops on cultural adaption and more help given with setting up for life here in the U.S. However, if you are quite comfortable with the American culture and would just like an opportunity to meet with others like you, then PASSPORT IV might be a good choice as there will be an evening where you can meet with other “third culture students” and then later, all the new international students.
How do I register?
Register online using e-Enroll.
How much does INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT cost?
It costs $400. Regular PASSPORT is $250 so there is an additonal $150 for students attending International PASSPORT.
When should I arrive?
We strongly suggest that you plan to arrive on campus on Thursday, August 22, as there are several important pre-orientation activities scheduled for Friday the next day-- a trip downtown, campus tours, and setting up your Banking. International Passport officially begins with dinner at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 23. Please do not plan to arrive later than 2pm on August 23 or before August 22. Housing is NOT available before August 22.
What if I want to arrive early?
International PASSPORT housing begins Thursday, August 22. If you arrive before Thursday, you must make your own arrangements for accommodations. Programs for International PASSPORT will begin on Thursday.
How do I get to Calvin?
If you are arriving at the Grand Rapids airport (Gerald R. Ford International), train station, or bus station, Calvin will make arrangements to pick you up. Any other city is too far for us to pick you up. You may want to look into connecting transportation. Please complete the travel arrival form. When you get to campus please come to Schultze-Eldersveld (SE) residence hall for registration. (Directions)
Where will I stay and eat?
Students will stay in Schultze-Eldersveld (SE) residence hall. However, this may not be your permanent residence for the school year. Meals will be provided in the Calvin Dining Hall or by outside vendors.
When do I find out who my roommate is?
If you submitted your housing form before May 1, you will find out your roommate in July. Those who applied after May 1 will receive notice in August. For questions, please contact the housing office—housing@calvin.edu or (616) 526-6120.
When will I be able to move into my permanent residence?
After lunch on Sunday, August 25.
Can my parents attend International PASSPORT?
Yes, they are certainly welcome to accompany you. Parents follow their own schedule, which includes special workshops and presentations designed just for them.
What about my younger siblings?
There are no events specifically designed for younger siblings. They may find parent sessions to be uninteresting and following around their older sibling may be awkward. This decision is left to the discretion of the parents. Please be aware only two family members are included in the orientation fee. There is an additional $50 fee for each additional family member.
Where will my parents stay?
Parents must find their own accommodations; the Schultze-Eldersveld residence hall is only for students. We recommend that parents stay in the Prince Conference Center – a hotel owned and operated by Calvin College. The parent rate is $79 a night. If you would like to make a reservation and receive this rate, you need to call the PCC which is open 24 hours a day. Specify that you are coming for “International Passport” and indicate that you are a family member of an incoming student.
There are also plenty of other lodging options available near the campus. However, if you find a place to stay outside of Calvin’s campus, please note that public transportation is very limited and you will need a car to get to and from campus.
When do events for parents officially end?
International PASSPORT ends on Wednesday, August 28 with a family cookout at 5pm.
What should I bring?
Please take some time to review the "What to Bring" checklist.
Can I send a package of my belongings prior to arriving on campus?
Yes you can. Even if you don’t know your residence halls you can send packages to Calvin with just your name and mail services will forward it to your dorm address.
(Your Name)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
United States of America
Will there be an opportunity to shop?
Yes, on Saturday August 24, students and parents will visit a local Meijer store where you can find supplies for your dorm and also the classroom.
What will I do during International PASSPORT?
A tentative schedule of planned events is available to you online.
When do I register for classes?
You will meet with an academic advisor who will assist you in reviewing a list of classes for the fall semester. After this meeting, the Registrar’s office will create your fall semester schedule.
What if I want to audition for a music group?
Complete the music auditions portion on the registration form, and we will schedule an audition for you.
When do classes begin?
Tuesday, September 3.
How can I pay my tuition fees?
You can make payments in the Financial Services Office (Spoelhof Center) when you arrive on campus.Online payments can also be submitted.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Orientation Staff and Linda Bosch (Associate Dean for International Students)
Registration
Register online using e-Enroll Go! »
Note: If you need to make changes to your orientation registration, fill out the Orientation Changes webform.
Orientation Costs
A $400 orientation fee will be charged to your student account in early September. This fee covers costs associated with orientation, with the majority covering meals.
