Beginning on May 29, the main entrance to our office at 6901 Willow St will be closed due to remodeling for the front desk. During this time, students and scholars will not be able to enter our office using the front door. To access our building during the renovations, please use the side door located on the side of our building closest to the PJs on Willow St. Once you enter, follow the signage to the temporary front desk. OISS will remain open for normal business hours during the construction. We anticipate the construction should be complete in 2-3 weeks. Thank you for your patience.

Useful Conversation Starters

Conversation habits can vary widely depending on culture, personality, age and many other factors. The following suggestions are given as possible conversation starters.

Yes/No questions provide an answer, but only a short one and often they don't even indicate that the student understood. Ask questions beginning with: "why, how, what?"

Complete Any of These Statements:

  • To me, friendship means…
  • One interesting or beautiful place I’ve visited is…
  • One of the happiest experiences of my childhood was when…
  • What I like best about life in the United States is…
  • What I want to accomplish most of all with my life is…
  • The best thing I could ever do for anybody would be…

Do One of the Following:

  • Look for similarities in the different cultures.
  • Tell a traditional or old story that is popular in your community or the US
  • Describe the skills or special knowledge needed for your hobbies.
  • Describe something you have built, painted, photographed, written or other accomplishment.

Look Backward and Talk About One of the Following:

  • The best thing that happened to me in the last year…
  • The worst thing that happened to me in the last year…
  • A goal I achieved or a problem solved is…
  • A new friend I made…
  • A completely new experience I had…

Look Forward and Talk About One of the Following:

  • A goal I hope to reach this coming year…
  • A place I plan to visit, and why I want to go there…
  • My summer plans include…
  • Ask what they plan to do after finishing academic work at Tulane.
  • What I’d choose to be doing 10 years from now if I could have my choice…

Relationships

  • How do you define friendship?
  • What are your expectations for friendship?
  • What are typical dating and marriage customs in your community, culture, country? 

Family

  • What responsibilities do different family members have in the home?
  • How does your family celebrate special holidays? What does the holiday represent?
  • Describe your extended family?

Food

  • What is the main meal of the day?
  • Is the mealtime a time when your family is together?
  • Can you explain how to make one of your favorite meals?

Daily Routine

  • What is an average workday/ university day like?
  • How do you travel to work./university?
  • How often do people go to the shopping market or grocery? (daily, weekly???) 

Education

  • What is the educational system like in your community/country?
  • What languages are you required to learn?
  • What are the educational backgrounds of your family members?

Leisure Activities

  • What is the most popular sport in your community/ country? What sports do you like?
  • What activities do families enjoy in their leisure time?
  • What hobbies do you enjoy?
  • Does your family go somewhere special on vacation?