Welcome to the Claremont Colleges and International Place!

When the world comes to Claremont it comes to International Place!  As a multi-functional-inter-college space, I-Place is an exciting hub of international activity throughout the year.  It is a “home away from home” for students from abroad and from the United States; a lounge for relaxing with a cup of coffee and a newspaper or just to hang out!  It is also a center for cultural exchange and educational programming on key global issues; as well as a resource for international students.  Over 700 students from nearly 70 countries attend The Claremont Colleges.  So, whether you are a visa student, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and have lived abroad, or simply want to meet people from around the world, we invite you to I-Place and hope you will become a part of our international community!

I-Place is your home away from home.  For international and overseas students, I-Place offers airport pickup service (Ontario Airport is the closest to Claremont, but we can also make arrangements to meet you at Los Angeles International Airport).  For those requiring lodging while searching for permanent housing or are awaiting residence hall move-in, we can also arrange for a temporary home-stay with a local family (sorry, but we are only able to offer the home-stay program to students and scholars arriving just prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters;  also, we are not able to arrange a temporary home-stay for students who will be arriving with other family members).  Our home-stay families are volunteers in the local community, comprised of: college faculty, administrators, local business and professional people and some retirees – who all share a deep interest in getting to know you.  This is a great opportunity to experience a little bit of family life in Claremont before you begin your studies.  To take advantage of the airport pickup and/or temporary home stay opportunities, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 2 weeks before your arrival.  To do this, please fill out our new student/scholar form.  I-Place and home-stay families will also be available to assist you with shopping, setting up bank accounts and other early arrival necessities.  There is no charge for the airport pick-up or temporary home-stay. 

New International Student Orientation

Our New International Student Orientation is tailored to an international perspective.  Whether you are a visa student, or hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and have lived abroad, we strongly encourage you to participate!  During this orientation you will meet students from throughout The Claremont Colleges amidst trips, meals, and organized sessions.  Sessions with faculty and returning students will help familiarize you with academic and social life in Claremont; sessions with I-Place staff will help address issues pertaining to international students.

Please take a look at our International Student Handbook (in PDF format). This Handbook has lots of information about how to get ready for your stay in Claremont.. See our information on how to apply for your student visa and our tips for the visa interview. You might also check our Housing info (including the Housing Referral Service) as well as our Questions and Answers (including information about banking, social security, driving in the U.S., a dorm room supply list, and more!). Also, click here for other important legal information that will be helpful for when you arrive and for to contact your International Student Advisor for additional information.