Mandatory Orientation and Pre-Arrival Newsletters

Mandatory Orientation

All newly admitted international students are required to attend several orientation sessions. Please see below for the specific requirements of your program.

During orientation sessions, the Office of Global & Experiential Education provides important information that will help international students adjust to campus life and access the many resources available to members of the GW community.

International students enrolled in GWSB graduate degree program must also attend the International Student Orientation hosted by the International Services Office (ISO) and any orientation session organized by their individual program.

Orientation Schedules

Fall 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Global MBA Students

Fall 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Global MBA (GMBA) Students

Global MBA (GMBA) International Runway and GMBA Runway are both mandatory parts of the GMBA program for F-1 and J-1 international students. International GMBA students are also required to attend the ISO's F-1 International Student Orientation; details can be found below.

Fall 2026 GMBA International Runway

GMBA International Runway is an orientation program designed specifically for new GMBA international students to 1) help you understand the many resources that are available to you as a new international student at GWSB, and 2) create a foundation for the key skills you'll need to excel both inside and outside of the classroom as a GMBA student.

This year, the GWSB Global & Experiential Education team (G&EE) will host six virtual GMBA International Runway sessions in late July and early August, and one in-person session in mid/late August, during GMBA Runway - the dates, times, and topics for each session can be found below and in the attached flyer. Please note that attendance at these sessions is mandatory. More information about GMBA International Runway will be shared in early/mid-July.

Monday, July 20 - Introductions and GWSB Academic Culture
Thursday, July 23 - Academic Integrity and Research Skills
Monday, July 27 - Understanding the U.S. Health System
Thursday, July 30 - CPT and Career Resources
Monday, August 3 - Getting Involved On-Campus and in D.C.
Thursday, August 6 - American Culture Basics
During GMBA Runway - Second-Year Presentation and Discussion

For questions about GMBA International Student Runway, please contact Global & Experiential Education at sbglobalgwu [dot] edu (sbglobal[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Fall 2026 GMBA Runway

Fall 2026 GMBA Runway will begin on Monday, August 10. All Global MBA students are required to attend GMBA Runway; students will receive additional information in the weeks leading up to the launch of GMBA Runway on August 10.

For questions about the GMBA Runway, please contact the GMBA Program Team.

ISO F-1 International Student Orientation

The ISO F-1 International Student Orientation will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 18 from 10:00-11:30am EDT. This session is required for all GMBA international students studying on an F-1 visa. Registration for this session can be found here: ISO F-1 International Student Orientation Registration.

For questions about the ISO F-1 International Orientation, please contact the ISO at isogwu [dot] edu.

Fall 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Flex MBA and Specialized Master’s Students

Fall 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Flex MBA and Specialized Master’s Students

Please contact your individual program for orientation dates:

In addition to your program orientation, the following two orientations are required of all international students in the Specialized Master’s programs:

F-1 International Student Orientation, hosted by the GW International Services Office (ISO) - Tuesday, August 18 from 10:00-11:30am EDT (Virtual) | Register for the ISO Orientation Here | For questions, email the ISO at isogwu [dot] edu (iso[at]gwu[dot]edu).
GWSB International Student Orientation, hosted by GWSB Global and Experiential Education (G&EE) - Tuesday, August 18 from 1:30-4:00pm EDT (Virtual) | Register for the GWSB International Student Orientation Here | For questions, email G&EE at sbglobalgwu [dot] edu (sbglobal[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Other Important Information

Early Arrival

New international students are allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. It is recommended that you enter the U.S. at least two weeks prior to your orientation to give yourself time to acclimate to the city of Washington, D.C.

Health Insurance

Please note, as an F-1 or J-1 student, you are automatically enrolled in GW’s health insurance plan. For students beginning their studies in the Fall 2026 semester, insurance coverage begins August 12, 2026. Visit the GW Student Health Insurance Plan (GW SHIP) website for additional details.

Pre-Arrival Newsletters

In the weeks leading up to the start of the semester, G&EE distributes a weekly newsletter containing valuable information that may help facilitate your transition to our campus in Washington, D.C.

The Fall 2026 Global MBA and Flex MBA, Specialized Master's, and Doctoral Program Newsletters are linked below. The Spring 2027 Flex MBA and Specialized Master's Program Newsletters will be available beginning in November 2026.

For copies of Newsletters from previous semesters, please contact Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) at sbglobalgwu [dot] edu.

Mandatory Orientation and Pre-Arrival Newsletters