Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation

Join OISS for Coffee & Conversation! This event series is designed to provide you with a relaxed environment to have themed conversations to learn more about New Orleans culture, U.S. culture, and global cultures. Free coffee is provided. All are welcome!

The events are held in at the OISS office at 6901 Willow St. When you enter the building, enter the conference room on the left across from the front desk! 

Spring 2025 Schedule

Theme: New Orleans Food & Culture
Date & Time: January 16, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

The topic this week is New Orleans Food & Culture. New Orleans is famous for a lot of foods, from gumbo to jambalaya. Come learn a bit about New Orleans food and have a discussion on local restaurants. We will also talk about the rich culture of New Orleans and why this city is so unique compared to other U.S. cities.

Theme: Mardi Gras
Date & Time: January 30, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

The topic this week is Mardi Gras! While Mardi Gras Day is March 4 this year, there are parades from January 6 onward! Come learn about this unique holiday and what you can expect from by attending different parades!

Theme: Valentine's Day
Date & Time: February 13, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

This week, we will talk about Valentine’s Day! Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Come talk about typical U.S. traditions for this holiday!

Theme: Black History Month
Date & Time: February 27, 2024 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

Join us for a conversation about Black History Month! Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. For this event, we will talk about the history of the United States and New Orleans, and honor the triumphs and struggles of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.

Theme: Would You Rather
Date & Time: March 13, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

Join us for a Would You Rather activity! Would You Rather is a fun game where you have to choose between two different scenarios. It is a fun way to hear what other people might do given certain situations or decisions.

Theme: Spring Festivals
Date & Time: March 27, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

Springtime is one of the busiest times of the year in New Orleans for festivals and events! Since the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, there are tons of events going on outdoors, highlighting the food and culture of the city. From Crawfest to Jazz Fest, come learn about some of the upcoming activities in New Orleans!

Theme: Idioms
Date & Time: April 10, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

This week, we will talk about Idioms! An idiom is a phrase that is common in a language or culture that means something different from how it literally sounds. For example, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," does not mean you will literally cross a bridge. Instead, it means, "We'll make that decision when the time comes." Join us to learn about some common American Idioms and share any expressions you may have in your home country!

Theme: Summer
Date & Time: April 24, 2025| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: 6901 Willow St, First Floor Conference Room

The end of the year is on the horizon! With just a few days left in the semester, we wanted to wrap up our series by talking about our summer plans for the upcoming break! We hope to see you there for the last Coffee & Conversation of the semester!