Each of these verbs means to "familiarize with conditions," "to adjust to surroundings": "This training program will orient (or orientate) you in your new position." "These lectures are designed to orient (or orientate) all recruits." Orient is preferable to orientate and is much more commonly used. An orientation program is one that supposedly orients (or orientates) individuals.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.