Mandatory Orientation and Pre-Arrival Newsletters

Mandatory Orientation and Arrival Dates 

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 a Specialized Master’s 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.

Information about the 2026 GMBA International Student Runway and GMBA Runway will be available in late Spring 2026. For questions about the GMBA International Student Runway, please contact Global & Experiential Education at sbglobalgwu [dot] edu, and for questions about the GMBA Runway, please contact the GMBA Program Team.

Spring 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Specialized Master’s Students

Spring 2026 Orientation Schedule | Incoming Specialized Master’s Students

Please contact your individual program for orientation dates:

Accelerated MBA | Master of Accountancy | Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics |  Master of Human Resource Management | Master of Science in Applied Finance | Master of Science in Business Analytics | Master of Science in Finance |  Master of Science in Information Systems Technology | Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Business Studies | Master of Science in International Business | Master of Science in Management | Master of Science in Marketing | Master of Science in Project Management | Master of Science in Sport Management | Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management | Doctoral Programs

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

1. F-1 International Student Orientation, hosted by the GW International Services Office (ISO) - Tuesday, January 6 from 10:00-11:30am EST (Virtual) | Register Here | For questions, email the ISO at isogwu [dot] edu (iso[at]gwu[dot]edu).
2. GWSB International Student Orientation, hosted by GWSB Global and Experiential Education (G&EE) - Tuesday, January 6 from 1:30-4:00pm EST (Virtual) | Register Here | For questions, email G&EE at sbglobalgwu [dot] edu (sbglobal[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Other Important Information

Pre-Arrival Q&A Session

Join the GWSB Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) team and GWSB International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) on Friday, December 5 for the Spring 2026 GWSB Pre-Arrival Q&A Session!

During this optional session you'll have the chance to ask questions, get advice on GW's processes and procedures, and connect with current GWSB international students to get their perspectives about life at GW. The Spring 2026 Pre-Arrival Q&A will start with a brief presentation, but the majority of the session will be dedicated to an open Q&A with Elisa and members of the GWSB International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)!

• When: Friday, December 5, 2025, 9:00-10:00am EST
• Where: Zoom
• Registration: Register Here!

Early Arrival

You 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 Spring 2026 semester, insurance coverage begins January 1, 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. 

Links to the Spring 2026 Specialized Master's Program Newsletters will be available below beginning in November 2025, and Fall 2026 Global MBA and Accelerated MBA, Specialized Master's, and Doctoral Program Newsletters will be added in Summer 2026. 

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

Spring 2026 Specialized Master’s Program Newsletters

• Week 1: Housing, International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), and Orientations
• Week 2: Arrival in Washington, D.C.
• Week 3: Health Insurance and Healthcare (Coming December 8!)
• Week 4: Finances (Coming December 15!)
• Week 5: Campus Life and Resources (Coming December 22!)

Fall 2026 Global MBA Program Newsletters

• Week 1: Housing, International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), and Orientations (Coming in Summer 2026!)
• Week 2: Arrival in Washington, D.C. (Coming in Summer 2026!)
• Week 3: Health Insurance and Healthcare (Coming in Summer 2026!)
• Week 4: Finances (Coming in Summer 2026!)
• Week 5: Campus Life and Resources (Coming in Summer 2026!)