Incoming Exchange & Dual Degree Student Advising Resources

Our exchange students (not double degree students) come to the United States on a J-1 visa. Our double degree students come on an F-1 visa.

After Tulane accepts your enrollment and sends you a welcome email, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Tulane will issue you a DS-2019 form (for J-1 visas) or a Form I-20 (for F-1 visas). After you receive your form and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (J or F) visa. You must present the required documents to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

Upon receiving your acceptance information, please check that all of your personal details on the DS-2019 form (or I-20) are correct. Any mistakes should be reported to our office immediately so we can update your information accordingly and Tulane's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) can re-issue your form if necessary.

Exchange students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. It is an independent process. Students may arrange housing after arriving, however, some students prefer to arrange housing in advance. Note that if a student chooses not to arrange housing in advance other exchange students may already have roommates.

• On-Campus Housing: On-campus residence hall space is extremely limited. Exchange students are not guaranteed accommodations on-campus. Information can be found on Tulane University’s Housing and Residence Life website.
• Off-Campus Housing: The large majority of exchange students live in off-campus apartments located in the neighborhoods around the university. Costs vary but can be less expensive than living on-campus. It normally takes at least 4 to 5 days to finalize setting up an apartment/house. If a student does not have housing when he/she arrives, the student should be sure to make a reservation at a hotel, hostel or Airbnb for the first few days in the city.

International Students must attend two mandatory orientation sessions. Each orientation is held the week before classes begin and will be announced by email after student's acceptance.

• J1 or F1 International Student Orientation (OISS Orientation): This orientation session is mandatory for any student with a J1 or F1 visa. It includes general information about Tulane University and will cover all the rules and responsibilities concerning holding a student visa to the United States.
• Business School Exchange Student Orientation: This orientation session is mandatory for all Exchange Students at the Business School. Topics discussed will include course registration, expectations, and resources for success.

• OISS Check-In: OISS provides immigration support for the Tulane community. Your visa paperwork originated in their office. You will also visit them if traveling outside the country during your period of study at Tulane or have questions about your immigration status or employment. You will find helpful information on the OISS website. You will receive an OISS orientation guide with your DS-2019 and are required to attend OISS orientation at the beginning of the semester. OISS has a mandatory check-in for immigration purposes. The process is online. You will receive more information by email at the beginning of the semester. You can also visit OISS in person at Center for Global Education at 6901 Willow Street, next to the PJ's Coffee Shop at the intersection of Willow & McAlister.
• Study Abroad & Exchange Check-In: Once you arrive to campus, visit our office (located in the Goldring Woldenberg Business Complex at 7 McAlister Drive, Suite 220) so we can meet you, give you information about orientation for incoming Business School exchange students and assist you with any needs you have upon arrival. We will also hold a Freeman Exchange Orientation for all business exchange students so you can meet other students and learn how to be successful during your time in the Freeman School of Business.

Since exchange students are unable to register themselves, students will need to submit the course preference form the Freeman Study Abroad Office can register he/she for classes. Exchange students can access the course preference form by logging into their Freeman application. Please remember: Our office is only allowed to register students for courses in the A. B. Freeman School of Business.

The requirement to pay tuition and fees is waived with the exception of the health center fee and health insurance policy, plus any supplemental course fees used to support additional costs of instruction, supplies or materials. Participating students under the terms of the exchange agreement continue to pay 12 tuition and fees to the home institution. The home institution has the discretion to impose certain nonacademic fees on its students, in order to facilitate the student exchange program. The costs of food, accommodation, travel, books, transportation, passports, visas, insurance, and personal expenses shall be borne by the participating students. Paying Fees

To pay your fees:

1. Login to Gibson (https://gibson.tulane.edu)
2. Click on “Billing”
3. Click on “View Online Payment”
4. Click on “Make a Payment” Payment options include credit card (for a convenience fee) or via international bank transfer.

Exchange students can pay with an international credit card – follow the process to pay with credit card and make sure to select the “foreign address” option. Payments are due by the deadlines indicated in Gibson. View the billing and payment schedule online on the students accounts page.

The Code of Student Conduct sets forth rules by which students must abide regarding academic and personal integrity. You will be asked to read the Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Conduct and acknowledge both with a signature. Graduate students are also required to review and abide by the Unified Code of Graduate Student Academic Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Conduct apply to all students enrolled at Tulane University. If a visiting student is charged with a violation of the Code, his/her home university will be notified. He/she may have to resolve the charge(s) before registering for a subsequent term or receiving a transcript or diploma.

Your official Tulane transcripts will be sent to your home university a few months following the end of each semester. You do not need to do anything to request that the transcript is sent on your behalf. If you need additional copies of your transcript for yourself, however, you can request one on Gibson. After your Tulane login is no longer active, you can always visit the Registrars Office web site to request your transcript. Your Tulane transcript is considered a permanent record, so it is available to you in perpetuity.

The Reily Student Recreation Center

The Reily Center (student gym) is available for your use and contains a weight room, basketball and racquetball courts, swimming pools, cardio equipment and many weekly group exercise classes. The Reily Center also offers some trips for a fee, which in the past have included rock climbing, canoeing, camping, plantation tours, etc. They also have sports and camping equipment available for a small rental fee. Each semester there are many opportunities to participate in on campus events such as sporting events, movies, concerts, and crawfish boils. Check out the Campus Recreation Webpage for full list of offerings.

Tulane Splash Card (Student ID Card)

After arriving on campus, you will need to visit Card Services, located in the LBC, in order to obtain your student ID card. You will use this card when on campus for many operations (access to the Reilly Center, Sporting Events, Business school building & breakout room access, printing, Splash Cash, Student Health, etc.). You may also deposit monies at Card Services in order to use the card to purchase food and other goods and services (Splash Cash). If you lose the card and need a replacement, the cost is $35.

The Lavin Bernick Center

The student center is the Lavin Bernick Center for University Life, usually called the "LBC". It houses dining options, the bookstore, banking services, information desk, card services, and student services.

Krewe du Monde Buddy Program

Exchange students can participate in the Krewe du Monde Buddy Program by filling out a form in their online application. This program matches current Tulane business students with exchange students. Tulane buddies can help exchange students navigate their new environment and provide insight into the student experience at Tulane and in New Orleans.

The A. B. Freeman School of Business has its own computer lab for student use. Students can print from this lab. Each student receives 1000 pages of print credits per semester. Also, students can connect their laptops/pads/etc. to print directly to the Freeman School printers. Free Wifi is available for all Tulane students in every building on campus. More information about Freeman Technology and policies can be found on their website.

Additionally, there are computer labs throughout campus to which students will have access.

Freeman School Turchin Library

The A. B. Freeman School of Business has its own library -- the Turchin Library, located on the 3rd floor of GWBC. The Turchin Library is a prime source for business related research. Freeman students will have access to many search engines and databases. These can be located online from the Turchin Library's website. Additionally, students will have access to many other campus libraries, including the Howard Tilton Library, the main library on campus.

Howard Tilton Library

The Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is Tulane's main library and supports, promotes and enriches the teaching and learning mission of the university. The library enables the discovery, dissemination and preservation of academic information resources in the humanities, social sciences and science and engineering. Library staff provides services to assist Tulane community members in discovering resources that inform and inspire their work. Check out the Howard Tilton Library Resources Page for database and repository access.

Once Phase I of the application is complete, our office will process the application as soon as we can. When we do, the student's application status will change from “Pending” (pre-decision) to “Offered” (post-decision). Within 24 hours of official acceptance to Tulane exchange students should receive automated email messages from fimservice@tulane.edu with their Tulane username/email address and a temporary password. This username and password will be used to login to all general Tulane accounts (Email, Gibson, Canvas, Student Health Online Portal, etc). (Note: It takes approximately 24-48 hours for the Tulane system to link with the Online Student Health system. So, if your info is not found, wait about one more day.) If a student has not received these messages, he/she should check spam/junk mail folder or an alternate email address that he/she may have provided. If the messages are not in spam/junk mail folder or any other email address, let us know immediately.

Newcomb-Tulane College’s Student Success team is committed to supporting you in your personal and academic success as you advance through their Tulane career. Units within Student Success provide resources tailored to meet your individual needs, programs to enhance skill sets and promote community building, and enrichment opportunities which enhance your academic abilities and encourage personal development.

Success Coaching Program

Success coaches assist students in meeting their goals. To do this, coaches provide students with questions, observations, feedback, encouragement, support, and accountability. Unlike a therapist’s exploration of origins of emotional or psychological trauma that can be long-term and intensive, a coach explores behaviors, values, motivators, and some emotions. Coaching is primarily focused on the present and future, with a concentration on time-limited, action-oriented results.

Success coaches are available to meet in person, via phone call, or Zoom to help you navigate academic and personal challenges and keep you on track for success this semester.

Academic Tutoring and Learning Center (ATLC)

The Academic Learning & Tutoring Center is your partner for academic success. Whether you are looking for a place to study between classes, a tutor for organic chemistry, or a writing coach who understands APA formatting, we can help.

Appointments for Peer Tutoring and the Writing Center can be booked through the scheduling app, Penji.

Physical Locations

ALTC Learning Studio: All in-person tutoring appointments, writing coaching sessions, and the Math Center drop-in hours happen in the Learning Studio, located in the basement of Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Suite B01.

Language Learning Center: Drop-in hours are available for World Languages in Newcomb Hall 408.

Downtown support for Public Health tutoring is available by appointment at Tidewater 2460.

Peer Success Leader

Peer Success Leaders are highly motivated and capable students who are ready to assist their peers through the challenges that come with the different stages of your college career. Whether it is navigating the academic and social challenges of college or pursuing leadership and involvement opportunities on campus, PSLs will collaborate with you to build a strong foundation and success plan for your time at Tulane. Working with a PSL will provide students with the opportunity to connect with someone who understands what they are going through first-hand.

PSLs are available to meet with their peers in person or via Zoom.

Student Organizations

Tulane's 200+ student organizations have educational, military, multicultural, performance, preprofessional, political, Greek, media, religious and service focuses that allow students to find organizations that are tailored to what they are most passionate about. These organizations give Tulanians an opportunity to not only meet others who have similar interests but can help them cultivate new passions that will expand their worldview. With an incredible breadth of student organizations, everyone can find an activity that they will be excited to get involved with.

Tulane University Student Organizations:

The Student Organization Center (SOC) is a space where all Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) can meet, utilize various resources, and is a welcoming space where students can come hang out. RSOs can utilize the space for smaller meetings, poster making for tabling events or marketing purposes, button making, printing/copying of materials, locker storage, and receiving packages. If you want to learn more, scroll below for a specific list of resources we provide.

Interested in starting, leading, or joining a Recognized Student Organization at Tulane? Navigate to the LBC Student Organizations page to get started.

TUPals

TUPals is a program run by the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), an initiative of the Office of International Students and Scholars. The primary mission of TUPals is to help exchange students connect with peers, upper class mentors, and ultimately, the institution as a whole in order to ease the transition to Tulane, make new friends, and succeed academically. For more info about TUPals visit the TUPals website or contact isab@tulane.edu.

Multi-Cultural Student Organizations

Tulane students have formed a variety of multi-cultural student organizations. A great way to adjust and get involved in campus life is by participating in these student organizations. Below are a few examples of such organizations.

• The Tulane International Society (TIS): TIS focuses on bringing an awareness of global affairs to Tulane's campus, especially relating to issues that affect women's lives around the world. They organize discussions, speakers, and culture-sharing events that touch on a multitude of interests and majors, including Public Health, Latin American Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies and International Development. In doing so, they strive to create friendships and connections between international students and the greater Tulane community. TIS ultimately serves as a forum for the exchange of culturally and intellectually stimulating ideas, discussions, and projects. For more information, email tulaneinternationalsociety@wave.tulane.edu.
• Indian Association of Tulane University (IATU): Spreading the culture, traditions, and arts of India at Tulane University.
• Queer Student Association (QSA): Formerly known as MOSAIC, the LGBTQA student organization seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ students on campus.
• Muslim Students Association (MSA): MSA seeks to gather Muslim students in a variety of religious, social, and educational events, as well as to serve the student body and community at large. Our major events are: providing Iftaar dinners during Ramadaan, lunch meetings to educate the student body about Islam and its relevance to medicine, and an annual “Fast-a-thon” charity drive and banquet.
• Tulane African Students Association (TASA): Dedicated to spreading the culture and traditions of the many African cultures represented at Tulane.
• Tulane Chinese Student Association (TCSA): Opening a channel of communication for members (mostly Taiwanese), as well as play a meaningful and visible role among other organizations and clubs at Tulane
• Tulane Chinese Students & Scholars Association (TCSSA): Dedicated to broadening communication between the Tulane Chinese community and various other cultural, academic and professional communities in the greater New Orleans area
• Tulane University Vietnamese Association (TUVA): Committed to exposing and promoting the rich Vietnamese culture to the diverse community of Tulane

Freeman School of Business Student Organizations:

There are many opportunities to enrich your education and get involved in a variety of student activities that can help expand your experience as well as your network.

• Undergraduate Organizations
• Graduate Organizations

Immunizations

Exchange students will not be able to begin classes or move into on-campus housing until they login and report their immunizations through the health portal. Refer to the immunizations page for more on compliance requirements and resources. We recommend that students try to get any immunizations that are needed before arriving in the U.S., as the cost here can be much higher. However, if a student is unable to receive these immunizations in home country, they are all available at the Tulane Student Health Center and are covered under Tulane’s student health insurance plan (T-SHIP).

NOTE: If a student receives the required immunizations at the Student Health Center and is not enrolled in Tulane’s student insurance plan, he/she must provide payment for the immunizations or ask that they be charged to their student account.

If a student charges the immunizations to the Tulane insurance, they will be automatically enrolled in the student insurance plan and responsible for paying all costs related to the plan.

Student Health Centers

Student Health Centers, located on both the Uptown and Downtown Campuses, provide comprehensive medical care through our Primary Care Clinics, including evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic medical illnesses.

Our Preventive Health Clinic includes women's and men's health, nutrition, allergy shots and immunizations. We provide accessible, high quality medical care for students during their time at Tulane University.

Visit the Campus Health Portal to view campus health center locations or schedule an appointment.

The Counseling Center is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming community of care for all Tulane students. Their team of trained professionals is committed to fostering students’ personal, emotional, and academic growth. The Counseling Center offers an array of services which enable students to develop new skills to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Counseling Center services are available in-person or virtually, depending on student preference. Check out the counseling services website for more information on services.

Pharmacies

There is a pharmacy at the Student Health Center where you can fill certain prescriptions. For other prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, visit a pharmacy. In the U.S., pharmacies offer much more than just medicine. You can find a wide variety of items, including books, magazines, toiletries, umbrellas, and even milk and other food items.

Here are the most common chain pharmacies seen in New Orleans:

• Rite Aid -- Visit www.riteaid.com to find other locations in the city.
• Walgreens -- visit www.walgreens.com to find the one nearest you. There are many around the city. The closest to campus is on Claiborne Ave.
• CVS -- visit www.cvs.com to find the one nearest you. There are many around the city. The closest to campus is on Claiborne Ave.

Emergency Medical Care

• Ochsner Emergency Room, 2 locations
  • 2700 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 899-9311
  • 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121 (504) 842-3000
• Urgent Care Centers
  • In & Out Urgent Care, 6225 S Claiborne Ave, (504) 864-8080
  • MHM Urgent Care -- Uptown, 4605 Magazine St, (504) 891-7676
  • New Orleans Urgent Care, 900 Magazine Street (warehouse district), (504) 522-2433

Culture shock

The values, social norms, and traditions in the U.S. may be very different from beliefs about "how things should be" in the country where you grew up. When individuals move to another culture, they naturally carry their own background and life experiences with them, and these shape how they perceive and adjust to their new environment. For example, some of you may find American classroom culture easy to adjust to, while others may struggle significantly in this area. "Culture shock" is a common experience that describes the feelings of confusion, stress and disorientation that occur when entering an unfamiliar culture. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reactions to cultural adjustment and may experience the symptoms of culture shock in varying degrees, and at different times. Common reactions to culture shock include:

• Extreme homesickness
• Avoiding social situations
• Physical complaints and sleep difficulties
• Difficulty with coursework and inability to concentrate.
• Becoming angry over minor irritations
• Significant nervousness or exhaustion

Strategies to help you cope with the adjustment process.

• Culture is relative: Culture is relative, which explains why individuals from different cultures may perceive American norms differently. For some, the American communication style may seem too direct, while others may find it not direct enough. As an international student, you will be exposed to many new customs, habits and ideas. Try to avoid labeling them as "good" or "bad" according to the culture you are from. Remember that there may be parts of a culture you dislike or disapprove of, but these are part of a broader social system, and therefore make more sense inside that system.
• Be open-minded and curious: Adjusting to a new culture does not mean that you have to change your own values, but it is important to respect those of other people. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation, try to think of it as a new adventure. Allow yourself to be curious about the way things are perceived and done in this new environment.
• Use your observation skills: Since you will encounter unfamiliar rules and norms, observing how others are acting in situations can help you understand what behavior is expected of you. Pay attention to both the verbal and nonverbal communication of others in order to get a more complete picture of what is going on.
• Ask questions: Ask for help when you need it. Asking for assistance or an explanation does not have to be considered a sign of weakness. Understanding others and making yourself understood in a new language (or context) requires lots of rephrasing, repeating and clarification. It may be helpful to ask questions like "as I understand it you are saying... Is that correct?"
• It's ok to experience anxiety: Learning to function in a new environment is not easy. It is natural to feel anxious or frustrated sometimes. The key is to remind yourself that these feelings are normal and are likely to be situational and temporary.
• Give yourself (and others) permission to make mistakes: You will inevitably make mistakes as you explore a new culture. If you can find the humor in these situations and laugh at them, others will likely respond to you with friendliness and support. Keep in mind that others will probably make mistakes, too; when someone makes an inaccurate assumption or a generalized statement about your culture, it may be due to a lack of information. If you're comfortable with doing so, this can be an opportunity to share information with others about yourself and your culture.
• Take care of your physical health: Be mindful about keeping a healthy diet and getting enough exercise and rest. Try to find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your routine. Being physically active can help reduce your stress level.
• Find a cultural ally: An American friend (or another international student who has been in the U.S. for several years) can be a great consultant on cultural expectations. When you have questions or need a second opinion on something, this person can help clarify confusions and provide support as you adjust to your new environment.
• Seek out support from other international students: Many international students find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others who are going through similar transitions. Talking with others about their adjustment to the new culture can provide ideas and insights about your own experience.
• Be patient: Don't try to understand everything immediately the process of adjusting to a new culture requires time. It may also require a different amount of time for different areas of adjustment. Try to encourage yourself to be patient with this experience and not be overly critical of yourself.

Adapting to a new culture is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at times, but most students who experience culture shock agree that going through this transition helped them to learn more about themselves and to develop greater confidence in their ability to navigate new situations. It can also lead to a renewed appreciation of one's own culture. There are many people in the university community who are available to provide you with support. Keep in mind that you do not have to struggle alone.

If you need further support, we encourage you to either contact the Freeman Abroad Office or Tulane Counseling Center.