Interconnect

Building connections from the start.

Interconnect, the International Connection Program, helps international and third culture students navigate the transition from life overseas to life at Houghton. This amazing week-long program takes place the week before the start of each fall semester for all international and third culture students. Interconnect is a great opportunity to begin building friendships with other international/TCK students even before the arrival of other students to campus.

Register for Interconnect

Navigating Cultural Transition

Interconnect offers many invaluable, interactive sessions on topics that will aid the transition to life in the United States and at Houghton.

Meeting New People

Making new friendships with those who share similar life experiences, is a highlight of the interconnect program. Start your college experience having some friendships already in place. In addition, you'll be able to meet many current students, faculty and staff who share a cross-cultural background and interest.

Learning Practical Houghton Skills

Settling into a new culture requires learning new skills. During the interconnect week you will participate in activities that highlight important experiences such as obtaining a campus job, finding your way around Houghton, learning to set up a bank account, etc.

Houghton interconnect international students sitting on rock wall near waterfall.

A Week to Remember

Let’s face it, fun is a key element of the college experience. That’s why interconnect has lots of it – including a bonfire, ropes course activities, a scavenger hunt, and a visit to a nearby fun park, just to name a few.

Register for Interconnect

Arrival Information

While cost and distance often prohibit international parents from joining their children on their arrival to college, parents are welcome to arrive and assist their student and join the welcome reception dinner at 5 p.m. It is important to note that after the reception, the students will be fully occupied with the interconnect program and will be unable to spend time with their parents.  While it can be a difficult transition for parents, due to the nature of the program, it works better for students to transition away from family and into college at the beginning of the week. Parents who come are suggested to arrange their departure for Saturday evening or Sunday morning.  Parents will also need to arrange their own accommodations.

Arriving by Car

Students who have arranged private transportation to campus should arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. on Saturday the 24th of August in order to get your room assignment and put your stuff away.

Any early or late arrivals need to request special permission by contacting kim.cockle@houghton.edu & jeshurun.periannan@houghton.edu

Arriving by Air

All students arriving by air should arrange their flights to arrive at Buffalo International Airport (BUF) no later than 12 noon (1200 hours) on Saturday, August 24th. Please email your flight itinerary including airline, flight number, and arrival time to kim.cockle@houghton.edu.

NOTE: You may be required to wait at the airport, depending on what times other students will be arriving. You will be notified by email what time to expect and meet up with the driver.

Arrival Costs

Although the Interconnect program is free, there are additional costs for airport pickups other than at the scheduled shuttle time, and for any meals prior to dinner on Saturday.

Please contact Kim Cockle & Jeshurun Periannan with questions.