BU First Class ISSO is an online, noncredit, pre-arrival orientation course developed by the ISSO in 2016 to prepare incoming international students for their transition to the Boston University (BU) classroom and community. This course delivers important information for international students about maintaining their immigration status while at BU. Students can learn where to find key information on the ISSO website, the types of employment they are eligible for while a full-time F-1 or J-1 student, and the steps they need to take if they plan on traveling outside the U.S.

This course will open up on August 7th, 2026 and will remain open and available to you for the entire duration of your stay at BU. This course is self-paced and can be completed from anywhere. We recommend you complete Modules 1-6 before arriving to the United States as it contains critical information about the process of entering the country. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Sheila Hernandez, Assistant Director of International Student Initiatives, at sheilahz@bu.edu.