Greetings, Students & Scholars!

Out with the old and in with the New Year! Congratulations, you made it through the semester and all the changes that came with 2021. Sit back, relax, and be proud of all you have accomplished over the past year. If you're still looking to round out 2021 with a bit of excitement, we've pulled together some great ideas. Most importantly, we can't wait to see everything you will accomplish in 2022. We hope you enjoy this issue of the OIE "Friday Greetings" email.

OIE & CMU News & Events

Reminder: Winter Break Closures

We would like to remind all students that the university will be closed for the Winter Break starting Dec. 22. The OIE office will close early for Winter Break at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, and re-open Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. Please plan accordingly, and we wish you all a happy holiday.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

Holiday periods often generate an increase in reports of scams. Scams can take many different forms, and we want to remind you that it is never a good idea to conduct business over the phone with callers you do not know. Visit OIE's website for additional information and tips about protecting yourself from scams.

Connect with us on Social Media

Join us on LinkedIn and Twitter! OIE has officially made the switch to Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest announcements and all things OIE related. Join our LinkedIn group, and get connected with the OIE community! You can expect the same great content, including all things OIE, news and events, our Friday Greeting round-up, and more. As always, you can reach out directly to OIE by emailing us at oie@andrew.cmu.edu. We hope to see you there!

Our Pittsburgh Picks

Ice Skating at PPG Place

Aerial shot of the PPG Place skating rink at night

Come check out one of the most iconic Pittsburgh winter traditions! Now through Feb. 27, the Plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue transforms into The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, a spectacular one-of-a-kind outdoor ice skating rink. Whether you're new to skating or could walk on to the Pittsburgh Penguins team tomorrow, everyone loves to skate at PPG Place. Ice skates are available to rent, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Nutcracker at The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater

Scene from the Nutcracker with the ensemble cast in the background and the characters performing a lift

Well, the weather outside might be frightful, but the Nutcracker is always delightful! Join Marie, her Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey into the Land of Enchantment in this wintertime classic. This ballet production features five fanciful scenes, over 150 unique costumes and Tchaikovsky's enduring score. Performances run now through Wednesday, Dec. 29. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and more information is available.

First Night Pittsburgh

First Night Banner, background picture of the New Year eve ball dropping with fireworks in the background, with a blue banner overlay reading Pittsburgh's 2022 New Year's Eve Party, Friday, Dec. 31, Cultural District.

Ten… Nine… Eight… Ring in the New Year downtown on Friday, Dec. 31, with the annual First Night celebrations! Culminating with the city's Countdown to Midnight and raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, this six-hour celebration stretches over downtown Pittsburgh's renowned 14-block Cultural District. Acclaimed national artists and Pittsburgh's vibrant artist community ring in the new year for revelers with live music, dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, magic, kids' activities, and a signature parade along with Pyrotechnico Fireworks displays at 6 p.m. and midnight. This year's celebration is free and open to everyone, and more information is available.

Kennywood’s Holiday Lights

Looking to add a little more sparkle to your year? Check out Kennywood's Holiday Lights! This Pittsburgh classic is a must-see; take a stroll among more than one million twinkling lights, and marvel at the tallest light tree in the state. Enjoy festive treats and live entertainment at the 10th-anniversary celebration going on all season long. Kennywood's Holiday Lights runs through the end of December so check them out. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Phipps Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden

Sometimes Pittsburgh can be a little grey and dreary in the winter but it's always perfectly warm and bright at Phipps! Check out this wintertime staple, whether you want to get in the holiday spirit or just escape from the cold weather. The holiday season isn't complete without a visit to Phipps. The Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show will run through Sunday, Jan. 9. This year's theme is Sparkle and Shine, with dazzling new displays of holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props, including more than 1,600 poinsettias. Also, check out the Winter Light Garden for a stunning nighttime display. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Have an Event or Announcement for Friday Greetings?

If you have an event or announcement that you wish to submit for inclusion in OIE's Friday Greetings newsletter, please submit it to ES-Communications@andrew.cmu.edu. Information should be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST for inclusion in the following Friday's newsletter.

CMU's Office of International Education distributed this email. You are receiving it because of your status as an international student or scholar.

Carnegie Mellon University
Office of International Education
5000 Forbes Ave, Cyert Hall, Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.cmu.edu/oie