Upcoming Events

Scholar Orientation

Attendance at orientation is required for all new J-1 scholars and interns. Scholars and interns will learn basic immigration regulations relevant to their status, and general information for adjustment to Pittsburgh and the surrounding community, and will also receive informational packets for future reference during their stay. Please bring passport, visa, I-94 and DS-2019 with you to the orientation.

Scholar Orientation

Attendance at orientation is required for all new J-1 scholars and interns. Scholars and interns will learn basic immigration regulations relevant to their status, and general information for adjustment to Pittsburgh and the surrounding community, and will also receive informational packets for future reference during their stay. Please bring passport, visa, I-94 and DS-2019 with you to the orientation.

Employment Authorization Options for F-1 Students

If you are an F-1 student interested in learning more about on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), the OIS will offer in-person presentations on select Fridays during the Spring 2024 term. This is a great way to learn more about the basic qualifications and requirements for CPT, OPT and more!

Primanti Bros' Sandwiches

One of the best known foods from Pittsburgh is the Primanti Bros sandwich.  In this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, you can read all about this delicious sandwich shop and get ready to try one when you arrive in Pittsburgh.

32 Realities International Students Experience

Check out this article from another international student studying in the U.S. about their experience.

Add Your Name to Namecoach

Login to My Pitt and search for NameCoach, then enter your name.  You can add the pronounciation, your pronouns, and your name history.  This will help everyone at Pitt hear how to say your name and learn more about you.  You can also hear how to pronounce others' names by viewing their NameCoach pages (as an example, view the OIS Staff page)

New Administrator Orientation

Department administrators who work on the appointment and onboarding of international faculty and staff are invited to attend OIS’ Monthly New Administrator Orientation. The session is designed for new department administrators or anyone who needs a refresher on the following information:

• How to access/navigate My OIS
• Basics about visa acquisition
• About different visa types, how to choose
• Resources available to admins
• Q&A time

Friday Forum: Visa Applications

Every Friday at 10am EDT, OIS will host a forum for incoming students to ask questions of the OIS staff.  This week's focus is Visa Applications, but you are free to ask any questions in the forum or just get to know us better.  The Friday Forum link is: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/91565051563.  If you want to register for this week or other weeks in the future, you can do so here: https://ois.as.me/fridayforums

Scholar Orientation

Attendance at orientation is required for all new J-1 scholars and interns. Scholars and interns will learn basic immigration regulations relevant to their status, and general information for adjustment to Pittsburgh and the surrounding community, and will also receive informational packets for future reference during their stay. Please bring passport, visa, I-94 and DS-2019 with you to the orientation.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Nationality Rooms

The Nationality Rooms are located on the first and third floors of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. The rooms were designed to represent the culture of various ethnic groups that settled in Allegheny County and are supported by these cultural groups and governments. The rooms are also in use as University classrooms.  The Nationality Rooms have recently begun virtual tours so you can enjoy these rooms at any time.  Enjoy visiting these incredible rooms online!