The program began in 2014 with visits to Beijing and will include a stop in Shanghai, according to a University press release.
The program offers international students the opportunity to be introduced to life at IU. Currently, 251 students and 200 parents have registered for the 2015 sessions.
This attendance is representative of more than 30 percent of undergraduate international students coming to IU this fall.
Students attend day-long workshops on student culture, set academic and personal goals and plan course selections.
Workshops are also available to parents.
University staff and students participate in and lead the sessions.
Dennis Groth, vice provost for undergraduate education, said the program allows international students to begin their path to success before arriving on campus.
“IU2U builds a global connection for the newest international students, current undergraduate students, faculty and staff that strengthens intercultural understanding and relationships,” Groth said in the release. “Through this program, we are engaging international students with the campus before they arrive, establishing a strong foundation for their success at IU.”
Workshops began June 13 in Beijing and will continue on June 16 in Shanghai, June 17 in Delhi, India, and June 20 in Seoul, South Korea.
Each session ends with an alumni reception, connecting alumni in China, India and South Korea with the incoming freshmen at the workshops.
IU2U is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of the Vice President for International Services and the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education.
Other sponsors include the Office of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the IU Alumni Association, the IU Foundation, the Kelley School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences.
For more information about the program and what it does, visit iu2u.indiana.edu.
Holly Hays
