International Student Orientation
Fall 2025 International Student Orientation (ISO) Program
Arrival/residence hall move-in for students participating in International Student Orientation (ISO): Thursday, August 14, 2025
International Student Orientation (ISO) will be a 3-day Orientation that will be held Friday 8/15, Saturday 8/16 and Sunday 8/17 in Gaylord Hall in the Worner Campus Center. ISO is mandatory for all students on an F-1 or J-1 visa and is designed to provide you with valuable information and facilitate your transition to Colorado College. By participating you will gain essential information about:
- immigration rules and regulations that affect your visa status
- academic and student life at CC
- campus and community resources
- living in Colorado Springs
- opportunities to meet other new international students at CC
- Cover cultural adjustment and coping skills
Fall 2025 ISO Mentors
International Student Orientation (ISO) Mentors are upperclass international students who serve as orientation leaders and role models to help with your transition to CC and help prepare you for what's ahead. ISO Mentors will welcome our new international students when they arrive on campus, support you during ISO, and continue through the fall semester by organizing events and serving as a resource for questions about U.S. culture and life at CC.
Meet your ISO Mentors here:
Esther Ineza - Class of 2027
Hello! My name is Esther Ineza. I’m a rising junior at Colorado College majoring in Organismal Biology & Ecology (OBE) with a minor in French and in Chemistry on the pre-health track. I’m from Rwanda, and I also spent parts of my childhood in Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On campus, I’m involved in CASU (Caribbean and African Student Union), BSU (Black Student Union), CRU, CC Circle K International, and serve on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB). I’m also a community engaged scholar (CES Program) and Bridge scholar. I'm passionate about community engagement, global health, and uplifting underrepresented voices—and I’m excited to welcome and support you as you begin your CC journey!
3 Pieces of Advice:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s no shame in reaching out, and people genuinely want to support you.
- Explore the many resources available to you, academic, emotional, social, and cultural. You belong here, and those tools are here for you.
- Be open to trying new things—college is a unique time for growth, exploration, and connection, so lean into it and make it your own.
Temsalet Abraham - Class of 2028
Hi all! My name is Temsalet Abraham, and I’m so excited to be one of your ISO mentors this year. I am from Ethiopia, and I have not declared my major yet. I know transitioning to college can be overwhelming at times, but I’m here to support you every step of the way. Looking forward to getting to know you and having a great time together this year!
3 Pieces of Advice:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek support.
- Get involved in different clubs and events.
- Take care of your mental and physical health.
Tori Zhu - Class of 2026
Hi everyone! My name is Tori Zhu, and I’m an international student from China majoring in Computer Science and Physics. I’m passionate about outdoor education beyond the classroom, field trips, and exploring how people grow through everyday experiences. In my free time, I enjoy walking around campus, gaming to unwind, and chatting over bubble tea. I know adjusting to a new place can be both exciting and overwhelming, and I’m here to support you through it all. Can’t wait to meet you and hear your story!
3 Pieces of Advice:
- Don’t pressure yourself to “figure it all out” right away—give yourself space to adjust.
- Say yes to small social invites—you never know which one will turn into a real friendship.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to other international students—we’ve been through it and we care.
Karolis Margis - Class of 2026
Hey there! My name is Karolis, and I'm a senior economics major from Lithuania. I have a passion for board games and trivia, as well as interest in geography and history. I can hold a conversation in English, Lithuanian and Russian. In addition, I can understand some Mandarin. Feel free to hit me up in whichever language you prefer!
3 Pieces of Advice:
- Don't worry! I know coming here is a big change, but trust me - it's all gonna be fine :)
- Be prepared to drink a lot of water - high altitude and Summer heat are both fun and challenging.
- Bring something that reminds you of your family and friends - this will help make your dorm feel more like home!