Programs
The International Student Programs Office leads efforts to help incoming, current and graduating international students grow, connect and celebrate one another — including many events open to the whole Newcomb-Tulane College community. Explore our programming below.
Incoming Student Programming
The International Student Programs Office's pre-departure program consists of Tulane Hello Wave events and virtual orientation. The program is dedicated to helping international students prepare for their upcoming journey to Tulane and connecting them with current students and alumni in the region — ensuring a seamless transition to life in the U.S. through a series of global pre-departure events held in various countries.
During the pre-departure events, students will receive guidance on crucial topics such as packing and preparation tips, arrival and campus life, regulations and cultural norms and connecting with the Tulane community.
Stay informed about dates and cities by checking the Hello Wave website.
Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation 2026
Session 1: Jul. 6, 7:-8:30 p.m. CT
Session 2: Jul. 9, 4-5:30 a.m. CT
Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation 2027
Session 1: Jun. 28, 7-8:30 p.m. CT
Session 2: Jun. 30, 7-8:30 a.m. CT
The International Student Programs Office hosts an international student orientation session to welcome Tulanians from all over the world upon their arrival on campus. With programming including an introduction to Newcomb-Tulane College, academic support, personalized support and non-academic programs, the session provides critical information international students need to know from day one.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon
Location: The Lake Theater
The international student welcome lunch is an opportunity for new international students to connect, share experiences and build community over a meal hosted by the Newcomb-Tulane College dean and associate dean. Join fellow students, International Student Programs Office staff and campus partners as we celebrate the start of your journey at Tulane.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Kendall Cram Lecture Hall, LBC
During orientation, we organize a group trip to Target to help international students get the essentials they'll need for the academic year, including dorm supplies, groceries and other items to feel at home in New Orleans. Transportation is provided by the International Student Programs Office.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
Meeting Time: 1:50 p.m.
Meeting Point: The Commons at Newcomb Place Bus Stop
TU & You is an ongoing orientation series introducing international students to important ideas and concepts to prepare them for success at Tulane. The program will also connect students to various departments on campus that can help them succeed in their academic and personal lives. Throughout the program, students will become familiar with best practices for navigating New Orleans, managing their mental health and more.
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Taxmaxxing: International Tax Basics for International Students and Scholars
Aug. 21, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
Weinmann Hall, Multipurpose Room
Taxes can be confusing, especially considering immigration status and residency rules. The International Tax Office will introduce U.S. tax basics that international students and scholars on visas should know about. We'll cover topics such as tax residency, common filing requirements, tax treaties, income reporting and resources to help you navigate the tax season with greater confidence. This session is for informational purposes only and does not provide individual tax or legal advice.
Navigating Tutoring Center and Library Resources for Academics
Aug. 28, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
Weinmann Hall, Multipurpose Room
Join us for a session featuring Tulane University Libraries and the Academic Learning and Tutoring Center (ALTC). In this session, we'll cover key resources to help you succeed in your studies, including databases, tutoring, the writing center and research guides. By the end of this session, you'll feel comfortable navigating and accessing the many resources at both TU Libraries and the ALTC.
Campus Health Resources and Health Insurance
Sept. 4, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
Weinmann Hall, Multipurpose Room
Tulane Campus Health's high-quality medical, counseling and health promotion services are designed to help you get better (or stay well) so you can minimize disruptions and discomfort from injury and illness. As students, it is essential that you take care of your health in order to succeed in your studies. In this presentation, we will cover campus health resources and offerings, as well as discuss navigating U.S. health insurance and how to use your T-SHIP.
Mindfulness and Managing Stress with the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Sept. 11, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
Weinmann Hall, Multipurpose Room
During your studies, you may find yourself navigating difficulties with your mental health and overall well-being. We encourage you to reach out to Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) if you find yourself facing these situations. Representatives from CAPS can provide 1:1 or group support with navigating difficult situations. In this session, CAPS will provide mindfulness tips for dealing with situations that may feel overwhelming and discuss how to access CAPS resources.
The International Student Programs Office offers free airport pickup for new international students on the Beignet Group move-in day. We will send students a request form in June for registration. While we cannot guarantee transportation for every request, we will do our best to accommodate as many students as possible.
Free pickup date in 2026: Aug. 9
Free pickup date in 2027: Aug. 8
Current Student Programming
This alternative spring break is designed for Tulane degree-seeking first- and second-year international students from any major.
Spring 2027 details coming soon
Every two years, the International Student Programs Office hosts a special fall break trip to Washington, D.C. This program gives students the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the United States.
NOLA Quest was created to help international students better connect with the history, culture and community of New Orleans. We host several excursions throughout the year, and domestic students are invited to join as well. Each trip is designed to deepen students' understanding of the country and vibrant local culture of the Big Easy. Past NOLA Quest events have included a New Orleans Pelicans basketball game and a local history and culture tour.
September: New Orleans history walking tour
(Details coming soon)
October: Pelicans game night
(Details coming soon)
November: Thanksgiving volunteering and dinner
(Details coming soon)
Global Café is a gathering place for global-minded Tulanians to build friendships and global understanding by actively engaging and learning from one another. Our strong belief is that engagement across differences enriches Tulane and is an essential component of understanding our role within the global community. Global Cafés occur every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters.
Date and Time: Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Rosenberg Mezzanine in the LBC
Event details can be found in WaveSync.
The Global Friendship Fund is designed to support undergraduate student initiatives that enhance intercultural learning and build a welcoming campus. Any undergraduate student or NTC student club/organization is eligible to apply. This is a year-long program that accepts applications throughout the year with no deadline. Each program will receive $200-$800 in funds for implementing the program/event.
