<p>My understanding is that ISO is just a mini NSO: you’ll get a booklet with planned events (presumably with other internationals), etc. The staff will be there in your dorm, as well, and they’ll probably have stuff planned for you.</p>
<p>Even if there isn’t a lot planned, there’s so much for a (very fresh) freshman to do–explore the campus, meet with staff/profs if you can, check out Stanford’s resources, plan courses, meet with your adviser, etc. Believe me, a week-long NSO wasn’t enough for me freshman year to do all that (there’s just so much), so you won’t be bored.</p>