Office of International Programs

Support International Orientation!

This August, the University of Maine is launching Black Bear Bridge, a new week-long orientation designed to help all incoming students start strong, build community, and feel at home from day one. For international students, this experience is especially meaningful. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system can be overwhelming, and Black Bear Bridge provides the time, support, and connections they need to thrive. Through sessions on U.S. and Maine culture, college success, financial literacy, and U.S. academic expectations, along with shared activities, residence hall connections, and campus exploration, students will form friendships, gain confidence, and begin their UMaine journey fully prepared.

Your support makes this experience possible. The cost for an international student to participate in Black Bear Bridge is $450. A gift of $225 covers half of a student’s participation, and $450 fully funds their experience.

By giving, you are doing more than supporting a program, you are opening the door for an international student to feel welcomed, prepared, and connected from their very first days at UMaine. You are helping them build friendships across cultures, gain the tools for academic success, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your generosity ensures that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to start strong and succeed.

"Attending international student orientation at University of Maine helped me adjust both academically and socially by showing me important campus resources, like the writing center, which became essential when I needed help in one of my classes. It also reassured me that I wasn’t alone, giving me the chance to connect with other new students and share similar concerns and experiences." -Ruba Al Nahari, junior in Microbiology, Saudi Arabia

"The International Student Orientation gave me an opportunity to familiarize myself with the new environment and helped prepare me for my future years at UMaine. The activities really helped me bond with many students from different countries, and I had a great time during orientation." -Atima Kunajutikul, senior in Biochemistry, Thailand

"The international student orientation supported me by helping me secure housing and become familiar with essential campus resources, such as buildings, departments, and key services. The OIP staff and the student orientation leaders also helped me with adjusting with the new life, making me in contact with different organizations such as ISA and many more so that I feel at home and find friends. This made my transition much smoother and more comfortable from the very beginning." -Sharifullah Abed, senior in Computer Science, Afghanistan

"The most memorable and important day when starting a new chapter as a student is the first day of school. The OIP orientation event makes the transition into this new and challenging academic journey as joyful as possible. Starting with meeting like-minded students from different parts of the world, to enjoying meals, taking first canoe trips, and, most importantly, forming lifelong friendships." -Guzalya Zakhirova ‘25, Global Policy, Uzbekistan

This Maine Day of Giving, whether you're on campus or from afar—ENGAGE. Give where your heart leads and inspire programs and causes at the University of Maine with your generosity.

Donors who give $25 or more will receive a complimentary UMaine-branded Zipper Pull!