Oakland is Pittsburgh's portal for internationals/new
populations and OPDC is actively working to make it a more welcoming place.
Oakland is one of the most cultural neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh
and OPDC wants Oakland's diverse population base to attach, to participate,
to become a part of the community, and to call Pittsburgh home for more than
a short duration.
OPDC also facilitated the relocation of the Latin American Cultural Union from Dormont to Atwood Street, an area that has an international flair.
OPDC hopes long term that our efforts will entice new and talented populations to stay in the region as Pittsburgh tries to re-grow a regional economy based in part on the influx of this talent and their ideas.
International Student Orientation
OPDC participates in International Student Orientation at the University of
Pittsburgh, which is sponsored by the Office of International Services, by
leading walking tours of the Oakland neighborhood for incoming students and
by supplying these students with both a renter's resources brochure and a
building, health, and safety codes brochure - to help address some of their
housing questions and concerns.
International Week / Oakland Restaurant Tour
Aside from helping the new International students become acquainted with Oakland,
OPDC also participates in the University of Pittsburgh's International Week,
which occurs in late September each year. The Oakland Restaurant Tour is a great way to sample cuisines
from around the world, to meet new people, and to get acquainted with the
Oakland neighborhood. It is also a great group activity!
OPDC, in conjunction with the Office of International Services at the University of Pittsburgh, is sponsoring the 6th Annual Oakland Restaurant Tour as part of the International Week celebration at Pitt. This year's tour will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd, from 6pm-9pm. Participating restaurants include: Chipotle, India Garden, Lulu's Noodles, Leena's, Rita's Italian Ice, Qdoba, Panera Bread, Red Oak Café, and Dave and Andy's. This event is a wonderful way to introduce friends, classmates and colleagues to the magnificent dining experience Oakland has to offer! Participants can try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite! The Oakland Restaurant Tour provides a fun evening of dining and walking through Oakland, engaging in the many wonderful things the neighborhood has to offer. It is certain that nobody will go home hungry!
Housing Issues
OPDC has staff available to help answer questions regarding leases, problems
with landlords, code violations, and other such housing needs. If OPDC cannot
answer your question directly, we can give you other contacts that can. Student
Government Board at the University of Pittsburgh has a lawyer available to
help answer students' questions and concerns and provide them with legal advice.
OPDC also has the renter's resources and code brochures that provide valuable
information on tenant rights and responsibilities and how to get involved
in the Oakland community, as well as building, health, and safety codes and
how to report them.
