Global Spartan Welcome
What is Global Spartan Welcome?
In addition to the campus orientation program (Sparta Camp for first years, Spartan Experience for Transfers, or Graduate Student orientation), all new international students must attend a special Global Spartan Welcome program with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Please contact isss-programs@sjsu.edu with any questions regarding Global Spartan Welcome.
Global Spartan Welcome (GSW) is a free orientation program for F-1 and J-1 international students studying at SJSU. There are 3 phases to GSW, each designed to help you at different stages of your transition to SJSU and life in the U.S. Through GSW, you will:
- Learn important information critical to maintaining your visa status
- Connect with International Student Advisors, staff, and Global Leaders, who are here to support you
- Discover campus resources
- Gain insight to navigating cultural transitions
- Phase 1: Preparing for GSW (Required for F-1)
F-1 students, complete this self-paced online course BEFORE you arrive in the U.S. to learn important information such as visa interview tips and deciding which airport you should fly into as well as how you’ll get from the airport to SJSU. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with your peers in our online community.Click here to create an account.
REQUIRED before you arrive
- Phase 2: Attend GSW (Required for F-1 & J-1)
F-1 and J-1 Students: 1-2 weeks prior to the start of classes, you’ll attend a Global Spartan Welcome. This is where you will learn critical information regarding your visa status. In most cases, GSW will take place via Zoom webinar. See below to register for GSW.
REQUIRED prior to start of classes
- Phase 3: Beyond GSW (Optional)
Beyond GSW sessions are optional and include activities such as in-person campus tours, networking events, cultural conversations, student-led Global Leader chats, and workshops. Learn more.
OPTIONAL after you arrive
Register for Spring 2026 Global Spartan Welcome (REQUIRED)
- F-1 Undergraduate Frosh (1st year) Students
This session is for F-1 undergraduate students in your first year (Frosh or Freshman status). In spring, international frosh and transfer students attend the same virtual GSW session.
- GSW Undergraduate Session
- Monday, January 12, 2026
- 2:00-3:30 PM (Pacific)
- Online via Zoom
- Register for Zoom webinar
Additional in-person welcome events will be offered and are great ways to meet your peers and connect with SJSU resources. These events will be posted on our Beyond Global Spartan Welcome page.
- F-1 Undergraduate Transfer Students
This session is for F-1 undergraduate students who are transferring in from a community college or another university. In spring, international frosh and transfer students attend the same virtual GSW session.
- GSW Undergraduate Session
- Monday, January 12, 2026
- 2:00-3:30 AM (Pacific)
- Register for Zoom webinar
Additional in-person welcome events will be offered and are great ways to meet your peers and connect with SJSU resources. These events will be posted on our Beyond Global Spartan Welcome page.
- F-1 Graduate Students
This session is for F-1 graduate students who are new to SJSU.
- GSW Grad Session
- Friday, January 9, 2026
- 10:00-11:30 AM (Pacific)
- Register for Zoom webinar
Additional in-person welcome events, including our Grad Student Panel & Networking event, are great ways to meet your peers and connect with SJSU resources. These events will be posted on our Beyond Global Spartan Welcome page.
- GSW Grad Session
- J-1 Exchange Students
This session is for all new J-1 Exchange students.
- GSW J-1 Exchange Program
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (Pacific)
- In-person Event, Student Union Meeting Room 1A/B
- No registration required; invitations will be sent via email
- GSW J-1 Exchange Program
Contact Us
San José State University
One Washington Square
Student Union - CPGE
San Jose, CA 95192-0135
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9am – 4:30pm
