International Orientation: Stones of Remembrance

August 22-24, 2023

We are so excited that you are joining us for International Orientation and we look forward to meeting and serving you in August! International Orientation (IO) is designed for our incoming International Students (F-1 Visa), Missionary Kids (MK), and Third Culture Kids (TCK), to help with the entry and transition into a different country and culture as you prepare for your time at Taylor University.

You will have the opportunity to not only meet your classmates, but also upperclassmen that have volunteered their energy and time to welcome you into this space. It is our hope and prayer that during this time, you will begin to develop friendships with your peers and remember the goodness and faithfulness of He who has called you to Taylor.

For the Parents/Families

Lodging

We welcome parents and family members to join your student for International Orientation, however accommodations need to be arranged for parents and family. We recommend the following nearby hotels (please indicate you are here for a Taylor event for potential discount):

• Best Western Plus
  4936 South Kay Bee Drive, Gas City, IN 46933
  765-998-2331
• Holiday Inn Express
  4914 North Beaner Blvd, Gas City, IN 46933
  765-674-6664
• Super 8 By Wyndham
  5172 South Kay Bee Drive, Gas City, IN 46933
  765-997-8096

Transportation

We will provide a shuttle from the hotels listed for parents and families at 8 am for the day’s activities. Shuttle will also be provided at the end of each day back to the hotel.

FAQs

When should I arrive to Taylor?

Student and parents should plan to arrive to Taylor on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 between 12–4 pm. Please check in at registration at the Boren Campus Center upon arrival.

Where will I stay during International Orientation?

Students will be able to move into their room in their residence hall after arrival and registration. Parents and family members would need to make separate arrangements.

Who will pick me up from the airport?

If you are traveling by yourself and need transportation from the Indianapolis airport, we will provide shuttle buses on Tuesday, August 22rd at 10 am and 2 pm. Please indicate travel information when you register for IO.

What are COVID-19 vaccination protocols?

Per the CDC, as of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

Get to Know Us!

International Orientation Co-Directors

Rebekah Ong

Biology, Class of 2024
Home: Qatar and Malaysia
Email: rebekah_ong@taylor.edu

Darin Jordan

Music, Class of 2024
Home: Russia
Email: darin_jordan@taylor.edu

International Orientation Cabinet Members

Sofia Liberti

Global Studies and Orphans & Vulnerable Children, Class of 2024
Home: Germany
Email: sofia_liberti@taylor.edu

Dawn ‘Muxi’ Zhang

Biology, Class of 2024
Home: China
Email: dawn_zhang@taylor.edu

Dave Rugari

Computer Science, Class of 2026
Home: Rwanda
Email: dave_rugari@taylor.edu

Sydney Dolson

Christian Ministries, Class of 2025
Home: Elkhart, IN
Email: sydney_dolson@taylor.edu

Questions?

Please contact Nate Chu, Director of International Student Programs, at nathan_chu@taylor.edu

(NOTE: International Orientation is not the same as Welcome Weekend, which begins on Friday, August 25th, 2023 for all incoming students. If you are looking to register for Welcome Weekend, please click the button below.)