Getting ready for the Aloha Journey: Pre-departure orientation for International Student of Kapiolani Community College

This presentation outlines the development of an online, web-based instructional orientation for international students who are traveling from overseas to pursue their tertiary studies in Hawaii at Kapiolani Community College. For most of them, it will be the first time to be living away from their families in a different country. As an international student, they will have to learn to navigate through the educational system, abide by the laws and regulations by USCIS, while getting used to living on their own. This presentation outlines the development of the instructional orientation that aims to assist international students gain deeper understanding of important knowledge and skills to survive some of the new challenges they will be facing studying in a new country, especially for those who are unable to attend in person orientation, or those who requires a refresher course. The presentation will discuss the strategies implemented, the advantages and disadvantages of migrating advising content online, and reflection on designing the online course.