Relocation & Integration

Moving to Pasadena as an international spouse, partner, or family member can bring many practical questions. Questions come up before arrival, others during the first few weeks, and many more during later life changes while living in the United States.

This page is provided as a simple starting point. It helps make the International Offices' relocation information more visible and easier to find, while also offering peer support through CISC Connect & Support.

Caltech's International Offices provide official relocation information for international students, scholars, employees, and accompanying family members.
Please start here https://international.caltech.edu/Relocation for Caltech's official guidance on topics such as: housing and essentials transportation and driving healthcare and safety family resources cost of living and budgeting arrival and settling-in information.
CISC does not replace the International Offices' relocation information. We simply help spouses and families find the right information more easily and think through practical next steps from a peer perspective.

If you are new or preparing to arrive, we suggest this order:

• Read the International Offices' relocation information
  See: https://international.caltech.edu/Relocation
• Make a short list of your most urgent questions
  For example: housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, schools, community, or spouse/partner life.
• Email CISC Connect & Support if you are unsure where to begin
  We can help direct you toward relevant resources and, where helpful, connect you with peer experience.

International life changes over time. Even after the first move is complete, new questions often come up during the first years in Pasadena.

For example:

• moving from a temporary to longer-term housing
• renewing (inter)national documents or preparing for travel
• understanding U.S. systems more deeply
• navigating childcare, school, or family changes
• looking for community, volunteering, or professional direction as a spouse
• adjusting to healthcare, taxes, transportation, or local routines
• preparing for transitions within Caltech/JPL or beyond

CISC Connect & Support is therefore not only for members who just arrived. You can also contact us at [email protected] if you have been here for a while and are facing a new practical or integration-related question.