Thursday, April 30, 2015

4/30 Digest


Click HERE to view digest online
April 30, 2015
Office of International Students and Scholars
Weekly Digest



Important Announcements

http://www.mbsacuboulder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Career_Ladder.jpgOptional Practical Training (OPT) Applications
OPT is a benefit available to all students who have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year. OPT allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months (27 months for certain STEM fields). First, review the PowerPoint of our OPT Workshop information:CLICK HERE. Then, read and complete the OPT application: CLICK HERE.
  OISS will hold weekly sessions at the following times to take OPT applications. These sessions will repeat weekly for the coming months; always check the OISS DIGEST for the latest information. You MUST arrive on time with your application and all the required supporting materials:

      Mondays, 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm: OPT Intake 
     Tuesdays, 8:30 am: OPT Intake


International Student Survey Prize Drawing Update:
Selected winners have been e-mailed. Thank you to all those who participated in our survey!
-The OISS Staff
Photo Spotlight

Thank you to everyone who came to final coffee hour of the year! Please check out our photos on Facebook or Instagram!

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Outreach for Nepal
               
    
 Dear Tulane Community,

I am Bibek Adhikari, a graduate student in Economics Department at Tulane University since 2011. Undoubtedly, you are aware of the tragedy unfolding in Nepal as the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25, 2015.  In spite of going through many harrowing moments, my family and friends are the fortunate ones as they are safe and uninjured. However, the village I was born in has suffered major casualties. More than 60% of the homes in my village are completely destroyed; few of my relatives lost their lives and many lost their homes. What is more unfortunate is that the media coverage and the assistance has been largely limited to Kathmandu and other big cities.

To assist in rescue and recovery, I have partnered with my high school's non-profit organization, SEBS - North America, a Section 501(c)(3) charity organization since 2000 with strong grass roots present in every remote corner of Nepal. They have agreed to earmark the fund I raise and donate it directly to the credible and trustworthy NGO or INGO working locally. So far, they have already raised over $29,000 as of Tuesday morning and have delivered on the ground.

I encourage you to read about what's going on in Nepal. I am sure you will be moved by the suffering of so many. Then, if you decide to donate, please consider donating through the link below. In the memo please type: {Earthquake Relief to Nuwakot, Tulane}

My village is in Nuwakot district, which is located between the epicenter and Kathmandu. Please see UN's report on the earthquake.

Here are the reasons why I decided to donate through this organization:

1. I personally know many of the people who are lending hands on the ground as well as making sure the funds get disbursed in the most responsible manner. They are already working on the ground.

2. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to those in need. There is no administrative cost

3. Members on the ground constitutes both doctors and logistics managers who have prior experiences dealing with disasters.

4. It is a legitimate Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the donations are tax-deductible.


Finally, I would urge you to request your friends and colleagues to do the same.

Thank you so much.

Best Regards,
Bibek Adhikari



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For more information on the Nepal Earthquake, other organizations to donate to, and guidelines to follow when choosing an organization, CLICK HERE




STAFF 


Ainsley Fagan
Student Affairs Associate

Evan Kirk
Operations Assistant

Nancy Lauland
H-1B Employees
J-1 Scholars
     
Kristy Magner
OISS Director

Beth Nazar
J-1 Students

Belinda Schneider
F-1 Students

Classified Spotlight


Looking for a new place to live? New car?  Check the listings!





Please refer to the linked flyers for more details. Check out the classifieds link at the bottom of the digest for more!
                              
Looking to advertise? Please send a detailed description to oiss@tulane.edu with the subject line “Classifieds”.

On Going Weekly Events

  

Downtown hours
Location:  Tidewater Building, Room 2460
Time:  1:00- 4:00pm

If you need documents or mail brought from OISS, please email or call us before 10:00 am that day.


Coffee Hours
There will be no more Coffee Hours this semester. Join us in the fall for more fun filled Coffee Hours at the OISS. 



Prayer Space (Downtown)
Tidewater Building 15th floor Room 1506, has been dedicated as a quiet prayer space for students of all religious denominations.
Hours: Open when building is open.


Check the digest weekly for more updates about times and locations.


EVENTS
               
 OISS EVENTS  

There will NOT be a Coffee Hour this Friday. 
Coffee Hours will be resumed next semester, so hope to see you then!


Audubon Zoo Ticket Sale  

Tickets are available for $5 plus fees via Brown Paper Tickets -(CLICK HERE)
  
   Please print out your ticket and bring it to the OISS Office. Your print-at-home ticket will be exchanged for a physical zoo ticket the front desk.


CGE EVENTS

There are no upcoming CGE events this week.



TULANE AND LOCAL EVENTS

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 30 – May 3, 2015. Fairgrounds Race Course.
Whether you like jazz, rock, hip-hop, pop, funk, indie, or any other kind music, Jazz Fest has live entertainment for everyone. Artists performing include Elton John, Lady Gaga, Trombone Shorty and so much more.  Musicians aren’t the only form of live entertainment at Jazz Fest this year. There will be professional craft showcases, cultural marketplaces, and of course, the Mardi Gras Indians As in previous years, the Festival Crafts will showcase the works of hundreds of local and nationally known artists. Festivalgoers can visit multiple marketplaces throughout the event space to get a taste of art inspired from cultures across the globe. There will also be a delectable variety of local and worldly food options as at Jazz Fest. There will be an abundance of Cajun and Creole and other New Orleans traditional staples, as well as appetizers, desserts, and drinks with international inspiration. Find out more information on their website HERE.
 

Shorty Fest 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015. 7 pm – 12:00 am. Generations Hall.
Shorty Fest is loaded with remarkable talent and offers a truly inspirational night-time Jazz Fest experience. A highlight is sure to be the “Hail to the Chief” set, featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and four generations of Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians. Backing up Big Chief Monk will be a stellar ensemble comprised of many renowned musicians. Grab your tickets HERE.

Disney on Ice presents Frozen
Thursday, April 30 through Monday, May 4, 2015. Various times. UNO Lakefront Arena.
Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney on Ice presents Frozen. The heartwarming Academy Award-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating in your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Buy your tickets HERE or click HERE for more information.

The New Orleans Voodoo
Various Dates. 7 pm. Smoothie King Center.
The New Orleans Voodoo,  NOLA's very own arena football team has multiple games coming up as their season begins. They are the most electrifying team in the Arena Football League. The team's exciting style of football and fun gameday atmosphere with Bones, Mojo, and VooDoo Dolls make every kickoff an event. Find dates and tickets HERE.

Jr. Philharmonic Concert
Sunday, May 3, 2015. 2 pm - 3 pm. Dixon Hall Auditorium.
The Jr. Philharmonic Concert is a musical and dance concert featuring youth from across the region. There will be a showcase of ballet, modern dance, piano solos, piano duets, violin, and voice. Admission is free and there will be a reception following the concert. For more information, check out their website HERE.


Massage and Mindfulness Study Break with theWELL
Monday, May 4, 2015. 12 pm - 4 pm. Reily Center Suite 115.
Need a relaxing study break for finals? Look no further than Massage & Mindfulness with theWELL! Swing by anytime between 12-4pm and get free chair massages, brain food, stress management tips, and a giveaways all in a calm, relaxing environment to help you excel during this stressful period

Louisiana International Film Festival
and Mentorship Program
Thursday, May 7 – Sunday, May 10, 2015. Various Times. Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge.
The Louisiana International Film Festival celebrates the film industry and fosters connections between Louisiana talent and veteran filmmakers. LIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Louisiana’s film, digital media, innovative talent and the representation of that talent to the world. Not only will there be a showing of films, but through the Mentorship Program, there will be special guests teaching workshops, holding panels discussions, and presenting interactive presentations. For more information on LIFF, click HERE.

Crawfish Mambo
Saturday, May 9, 2015. 11 am - 7 pm. UNO Lakefront Campus.
The University of New Orleans is holding its annual Crawfish Mambo which will include all you can eat crawfish, a cook-off, and live music featuring The Honey Island Swamp Band, Stooges Brass Band, The 610 Stompers, and more! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information click HERE.

The Bayou Boogaloo
Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2015. All day. Along Bayou St. John at Orleans Ave and N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy
The 3rd weekend in May of each year, the Mothership Foundation produces the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo as a free celebration of New Orleans culture. We invite you to join our mission to improve the quality of life for New Orleans residents through the promotion of the arts, music, health, and recreation. This event will be a good time for all ages, with great music, food, art, and fun.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
Monday, May 20 - Thursday, May 23, 2015. 12 pm - 4 pm. French Quarter.
Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate in the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Menus feature local flavor and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around the city create culinary experiences like no other. Over 2 dozen restaurants feature special dining evenings throughout the New Orleans festival. The weekend also features over 1000 wines from around the world,  with special tasting events from wineries. You can enjoy grand tasting events, promenade evenings in the French Quarter, and seminar series to hone your palate. For the grand finale, attend the gala at the end! For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

Greek Fest 
Wednesday, May 22 - Friday, May 24, 2015. Various Times. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Bayou St. John.
Join us on Bayou St. John a the 2015 Annual Greek Festival! Featuring plenty of homemade traditional Greek food and wine, and lots of desserts. Live traditional Greek dancing will be performed by the Hellenic Dancers and a live Greek band will be playing on Bayou. Click HERE for specific event information and times.

New Orleans Oyster Fest
Saturday, May 30, 2015 & Sunday, May 31, 2015. 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. 
Woldenberg Park.
The New Orleans Oyster Festival will educate the country about the benefits of the Louisiana Gulf Oyster, honor and celebrate the restauranteurs and oyster farmers who have solidified the New Orleans French Quarter's position as the "Oyster Capital of America," and help raise funds for "Coastal Restoration." There will be live music, contests, and a ton of different dishes featuring oysters.


News and Other Announcements 

News Articles and Interesting Reads


Links for Nepal

Mission Statement

Links

Follow us


The mission of the Office of International Students and Scholars is to provide leadership in the internationalization of Tulane University by supporting the Tulane international community and facilitating cross-cultural interaction. By way of support, OISS offers quality programs and services and ensures compliance with federal immigration regulations.

Our strong belief is that a vibrant international community enriches Tulane University and the New Orleans community and is an essential component to understanding our role within the global community.




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Weekly Fact: Louisiana's state nicknames are Sugar State, Bayou State, Pelican State, and Creole State