Global Ties invites all incoming international students to our Summer 2020 Pre-Arrival Sessions series, held virtually on Zoom. We are offering 22 unique sessions, all hosted by Global Ties Mentors. You can attend a special topic session (foodies/cooking, sports, Pitt Pride, etc.), a major or school-based session (such as School of Engineering, Language/Linguistics majors, etc.) or a region-based session (students from China, students from Africa, etc.). At these sessions, you can learn information from the Global Ties Mentors and make friends with other new international students. We can’t wait to meet you!
Special Topics Sessions – RSVP here
At Pitt, many students meet friends through common interests. Enjoy these casual sessions with GTMs to meet other students in the incoming class and to learn about all the things Pitt and Pittsburgh have to offer.
K-pop Dance Workshop
Sunday, June 14 at 9am ET
GTM Cat will teach a dance workshop to the choreography of a k-pop dance. Plus, learn about the various dance opportunities at Pitt.
Life in Pittsburgh
Saturday, June 20, at 8am ET
Trying cool restaurants, getting around the city, and understanding Pittsburgh culture are all part of life in Pittsburgh. GTMs will tell you what Pittsburgh life is like and how to navigate it.
Student Life
Saturday, June 20 at 9am ET
Learn about student organizations, campus resources, residence life, and wellness resources.
Academic Life
Saturday, June 20 at 9pm ET
Learn about American classroom structures and interactions with professors, plus academic resources to help you succeed.
Foodies
Sunday, June 21 at 8am ET
Do you love cooking? Or maybe just eating? Join us for a fun discussion about food. You may even get some good recipes from around the world!
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Saturday, June 27 9pm ET
Whether you are a casual or serious sports player, Pitt has something for you. Learn about all the different sports (including intramural sports) and outdoor activities at Pitt.
Quirks of Quarantine (Global Connect)
Sunday, June 28 at 9am ET
As part of our Global Connect series which brings together domestic and international students, join us for a session to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. You can share your story of what your experience has been like and learn the experiences of those in other countries, too.
Pitt Pride
Sunday, July 12 at 9am ET
Learn how to show your Pitt Pride as the GTMs teach you the songs and cheers used at sports games, like the famous “Sweet Caroline.” By the end of this session, you’ll be an expert Pitt fan!
Regional Sessions – RSVP here
Attend these sessions to connect with students from the same region or country as you.
Oceania and Canada
Friday, June 12 at 7pm ET
For students from Canada and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Australia, etc.
Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific Islands
Friday, June 19 at 8am ET
For students from South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia etc.
Europe, Africa, and Middle East
Friday, June 19, at 10am ET
Latin America, South America, and Caribbean
Friday, July 3 at 12pm ET
India and South Asia
Friday, July 10 at 8am ET
China and surrounding area
Friday, July 24, at 9am ET
China and surrounding area
Sunday, July 26, at 9am ET
Major Sessions – RSVP here
Each session will be hosted by a Global Ties Mentor with experience in the designated major or school. They will tell you about their experience with classes, professors, and career opportunities in that department or school.
At United States universities, it is common to enter with an undecided major, or to change majors. If you’re interested in multiple areas of study, we encourage you to attend multiple sessions!
Undecided Major
Saturday, June 27 at 9am ET
Many students arrive at Pitt without having decided their major, and it’s a great opportunity to explore different things! GTMs will give advice to students who haven’t decided on a major yet and share their stories of how they decided on a major during college. Plus, get advice about the best general education classes to take.
School of Engineering
Sunday, June 28 at 9pm ET
School of Nursing
Sunday, July 5, at 9pm ET
School of Computing and Information
Saturday, July 11 at 9pm ET
College of Business Administration
Sunday, July 12, at 9pm ET
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences: Math and Sciences departments, including Health Sciences
Saturday, July 18, at 9pm ET
If you are interested in studies math or a science (such as physics, biology, or psychology), this is the session for you. This also includes students on the pre-med track.
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences: Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures departments
Sunday, July 19, at 9pm ET
Did you know that Pitt offers classes in 35 different languages? If you’d like to take a class, major or minor in a language, then this is the session for you. Plus, learn about the world of linguistics.
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Saturday, July 25, at 9pm ET
The GTMs in this session have a broad range of experience with Communication, Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and much more.