SFSU's Office of International Programs is holding an extensive orientation through Aug. 23 to welcome new international students and help them adapt to life in the United States.

The orientation includes sessions on academic advising, health care, living on a student's budget (panelists pictured above right), adjusting to life and culture in the United States, and public safety tips as well as social activities including a barbecue in Golden Gate Park, a cable car ride and a visit to Ghirardelli Square.

About 300 new international students are expected to participate in the orientation.

The number of matriculated international students attending SFSU jumped 10 percent this spring to 2,212, an all-time high. Among the 106 countries represented in the international student body, the top countries of origin are Japan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Korea, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico and Sweden.

SFSU is a longtime national leader in attracting international students to campus. An Institute of International Education report ranks the University second in the number of international students studying at master's degree granting institutions in the United States for the 2000-01 academic year.

Fall semester classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 28.