Banking & Cell Phone Fair

Following an introduction to banking and cell phone plans in the U.S., students will have a chance to speak directly to bank and cell phone providers near campus.
Watch the recording from the introduction to this session.
 

Complete your I-9 Form

Stop by the Brown Business Center with the required documents to complete your I-9 form in order to receive your first-year supplemental fellowship payment and first stipend payment. Note: F-1/J-1 Students must submit their New Student Registration online before completing the I-9 process.
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm | Page-Robinson Hall, Room 213

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO): Brown Works Because We Do!

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) is the union of graduate student employees at Brown University. As researchers, teachers, and mentors at Brown, graduate workers are vital to the everyday working of the university. Through collective bargaining and collective action, we advocate for the needs of a diverse student body, organize for improved working conditions, fight against discrimination in all its forms, and nurture a caring community that supports the personal and professional lives of all student workers. This session will be focused on International graduate student employees.
Watch the recording from this session.

Graduate Student Council Ice Cream & Dessert Social

Enjoy ice cream novelties and meet members of the Graduate Student Council.
Time: 3:00-4:30 pm  | Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: Kasper Auditorium, Campus Center)

Campus Tours

A one-hour tour of main campus led by graduate student peers. This tour will highlight the College Hill campus and visit more than twenty places crucial to your smooth transition to Brown life. You will gain knowledge of the locations, services, and firsthand users' experiences about those places from your peers. In the event of heavy rain or storm, tours will be cancelled.
Time: Groups will leave every 5 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm | Location: Meet in front of Sayles Hall

Check-in & Breakfast

Drop in anytime between 9 and 10 am to pick up Brown swag, make a name tag, and enjoy a light breakfast.
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am | Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: Sayles Hall)

Welcome to Brown

Welcoming words from the Graduate School and the School of Professional Studies, Global Brown, the Graduate Student Council, and graduate Orientation assistants.
Watch the recording from this session (select "Welcome" in the table of contents on the lower left).

Peer Panel: Navigating Graduate Student Life at Brown and in the U.S.

Hear from fellow graduate students about their experiences at Brown and in Rhode Island.
Watch the recording from this session (select "Peer Panel" in the table of contents on the lower left).

Introduction to the English for International Teaching Assistants Program (PhD students only)

Learn about the English for International Teaching Assistants Program, which evaluates the spoken English proficiency of international teaching assistants before they assuming teaching duties at Brown.
Watch the recording from this session (select "Introduction to the English for International..." in the table of contents on the lower left).

Grab & Go Lunch with peer mentor groups

Meet with your graduate student peer mentors (including some Graduate School staff) and fellow graduate students in small groups to discuss academic and community life at Brown.
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm | Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: various rooms in Sayles Hall) 

Mandatory Session: Immigration Essentials

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) team members provide an overview of immigration information pertaining to the maintenance of F-1 and J-1 student status. 

Doctoral & MFA Students
Watch the recording from this session.

Master's Students
Watch the recording from this session.

Introduction to the International House of Rhode Island

As an international graduate student at Brown, you and your partner/spouse are entitled to a free membership at IHRI, a Providence non-profit organization located close to campus, where you can take language classes, attend special musical, theatrical, and other cultural events, and join us for regularly-scheduled potluck lunches and internationally-themed dinners. This session with Executive Director Heidi LaVine will explain how to access your membership benefits, join our mailing list, connect your spouses/partners to a supportive community, and even volunteer as a language tutor.
Watch the recording from this session.

International Student Reception

Enjoy hearty appetizers and conversation with Graduate School and School of Professional Studies deans, leadership and Center directors from across the University.
Time: 4 - 5:30 pm| Location: Engineering Research Center/Barus & Holley, 345 Brook Street (Storm location: Sayles Hall)

Spooky Tour

If you’re a fan of the supernatural, you can’t miss this ghost tour! we will explore Brown campus, admire the beautiful architecture, while a guide from Providence Ghost Tour will tell you about the fascinating and sometimes chilling history of the area. Their guides are excellent storytellers, and their tales are sure to give you goosebumps! Space for up to 40 students; cost is $10. Registration required.
Time: 8:00 pm | Location: Meet in front of University Hall

Breakfast

Drop in anytime between 9 and 10:15 to enjoy a light breakfast.
Time: 9:00-10:15 am |  Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: Sayles Hall) 

Your English Language Support: Overview and Conversation Partners Information

An information session by the Writing and English Language Support Hub from the Sheridan Center, featuring the suite of services and programs tailored to international graduate students. The session will introduce the popular Conversation Partners Program and the registration process for the upcoming Fall semester.
Watch the recording from this session (select "Your English Language Support" in the table of contents on the lower left).

Healthcare in the U.S.

Learn about the basics of U.S. healthcare, including common terms.
Watch the recording from this session (select "U.S. Healthcare" in the table of contents on the lower left).

Mental Wellness and Resilience during Your Time at Brown

Presented by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this session introduces common concepts and terms for wellness, self-care, and counseling. Learn what resources are available to you at Brown (for example, CAPS offers services in multiple languages besides English) and how to manage stress and maximize self-care during graduate school. 
Watch the recording from this session (select "Metal Wellness & Resilience" in the table of contents on the lower left).

Lunch & Global Brown Center Open House

Join us on the South Walk for a grab and go lunch and a visit to the Global Brown Center Meet professional staff, learn about our programs and resources, and check out international students' very own home away from home at Brown.
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Location: South Walk Lawn (Storm location: Sayles Hall) 

Explore the International House of RI

Founded in 1963, International House has been a resource for the Brown international community for over 60 years! They have six private residential rooms, reserved for international scholars, and host English classes, 1-1 tutoring, Film Club, musical concerts, book talks, and other programs. In this session you will get a tour of the house, enjoy international-themed treats*, learn more about International House, and get a chance to connect with incoming international graduate students. Agenda: 3pm: Arrival; 3:05-3:30: Ice-breaker (meeting each other); 3:30-4:00: Overview of International House and tour of the property; 4-4:30: Informal socializing and chance to ask questions. This session may be especially beneficial to international students with spouses, partners or families. Space is limited to 40 students. Registration required.
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm | Location: IHRI, 8 Stimson Ave, Providence

Hangout at the GCB

The legendary Graduate Center Bar also known as GCB has recently reopened after the pandemic time! They have a very strict ID policy, so bring your passport to get in and/or become a member. The experience of generations of Brown grad students tells us that you will be hanging out there often! Registration encouraged.
Time: 8:00 pm | Location: Meet near the corner of Charlesfield & Thayer Street to be directed to the entrance

Saturday, August 24

Day-trip to Newport

Join a ferry ride to Newport - a must-see town in Rhode Island. It is most famous for its beautiful beaches and the Gilded Age mansions, some of which are now museums. Among other things to do and see are Cliff Walk, Norman Bird Sanctuary and New England traditional food - clam chowder and lobster rolls. The ferry departs at 9 am from a terminal on India Street (arrive by 8:30 am) and returns to Providence at 5:30. You will have a whole day to enjoy it with your peers.

Space is limited to 100 students. Registration required.

If tickets run out, students are welcome to pay for a ferry ticket and/or take the RIPTA bus to Newport.

Sunday, August 25

International Partner & Spouse Meetup: Providence Flea Market

The Providence Flea Market hosts local vintage vendors and some of the area's most creative artists, artisans and makers, plus community non-profits, food trucks and carts, and live musicians. Meet up with your fellow peers who moved to Providence with partners and spouses. Registration requested.
Time: 11:00 am | Location: Meet in front of 225 Dyer St, Providence (north entrance); Market is across the street

Kayaking

Come explore Providence by water, kayaking throughout the Providence River! This experience with Providence River Boat Company will provide you with beautiful views from the river that separates the East side and Downtown Providence. Enjoy the city’s rich architecture paddling through the Waterplace Park and over picturesque bridges. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen for this outdoor activity. No previous experience is required. Space is limited to 52 students. Registration required.
Time: 3:00 or 4:00 pm time slot | Location: Providence River Boat Company, 101 Dyer St., Providence

Providence Bus Tour

A tour through the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital city. A guide will tell you the story of this special place and its most famous citizens. From America's first hero to the mafia to the mayor, this city is filled with intriguing tales. As we travel from College Hill to Federal Hill, and Brown University to the State House, you will admire the loveliest settings in the city, and discover places you will want to go back to and explore on your own. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. Cost is $10. Registration required.
Time: 6:00 pm | Location: Meet outside the Van Wickle Gates

Garden Tour

Brown has a unique campus, with beautiful architecture and gorgeous gardens. Most of these places are generally taken for granted or even not noticed. To help you find a secret place to call yours, either to rest or to get some work done, we put together a list with "secret gardens" you must know. Follow the map instructions to guide yourself through incredible hidden little spots around campus! Also consider taking the campus tree tour (provided by the Office of Sustainability).