SMC is committed to your success as an F-1 international student. Our innovative two-part orientation introduces students to the academic program and support services to help ensure success at SMC. All new F-1 international students complete this process before beginning their first session or semester at Santa Monica College.
The first part is an on-line orientation that you will complete prior to your arrival at SMC. This orientation takes approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours to complete. The second part of the orientation is called the “Information Seminar”. The Information Seminar takes place at SMC a few weeks prior to the start of the session or semester. You will need to sign up for a specific date for the Information Seminar before you will receive your SMC I-20 and Admission Packet. Please follow the below instruction to complete the steps to the Information Seminar for International Students at SMC.
1. On-line Application Portal Information
Students will receive instruction on how to sign-up for the Information Seminar through their on-line application portal.
You must complete the on-line orientation prior to your “Check-in Date” at SMC. Please be sure to use your SMC ID# (not your application ID#) to login to the on-line orientation. Your SMC ID# will be available in your application portal once you are admitted. If you do not complete the on-line orientation using your SMC ID#, you cannot attend the Information Seminar and register for SMC classes.
3. Check-In at Santa Monica College.
Upon arrival at SMC, new students need to report to the International Education Center for Check-In. Students must bring their current I-20s and passports (with I-94 Admission Card and F-1 Student Visa Stamp). They also must provide the International Education Center with their current contact information and emergency contacts. You can complete the 
Check-In Form and bring it with you.
4. Information Seminar (SMC Campus)
A confirmation of the date and time of your Information Seminar is included in your Admission Packet. Your report date on your SMC I-20 will be the same date as your Check-In date. We recommend that you arrive at least one week prior to the Check-In and Information Seminar date to secure housing. Prior to the Information Seminar, you may also take the SMC Assessment Test. At the seminar you will receive more in-depth information about campus resources and the academic program. You will also meet the staff members who will assist you in becoming a successful student at SMC.
Read the Welcome Guide for International Students for valuable information about Santa Monica College and how to best prepare for your arrival.