If you’re looking to spend a day exploring the great outdoors in and around Austin, know this: you will have no shortage of options. Even as an ever-changing city, Austin celebrates the outdoors by investing in several community spaces for all to enjoy. There is something for everyone, whether you’re… read more
Summer Internship Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students
Are you planning to participate in an internship this summer? Keep in mind that all F-1 and J-1 students must obtain proper work authorization before starting any type of off-campus internship or employment. This is an important part of properly maintaining your immigration status. Read on to learn about F-1… read more
Four Steps to Managing Anxiety
Whether you are nervous about upcoming midterm exams, have a stressful situation at home or another issue entirely, anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences. What is anxiety? In simple terms, anxiety is a mental and physical state of negative expectation. It may be fueled by some form… read more
Spring Break Travel Reminders
Spring Break is around the corner, and travel plans are in full swing. Read further to understand how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors can safely and smoothly re-enter the United States after traveling internationally. Valid Travel Signature A valid, unexpired travel signature on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019)… read more
Get Ready to Secure a Job Offer
Attention, international Longhorns! It’s a season filled with both anxiety and excitement: job-hunting season. If you’ve already secured an offer: fantastic! But if you’re still in the process of landing a job or internship: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The current job market is quite challenging, and the Texas Career… read more
H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program: Everything You Need to Know
Great news! The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a pilot program that allows visa applicants to apply for a renewal of their H-1B visa within the United States! To qualify for this program, applicants must have had their previous H-1B visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate in… read more
Truths of International Study that Nobody Talks About
Moving from your own country to study in the United States can seem like a journey of a million steps. So once you’ve done the hard work of gaining admission to The University of Texas at Austin, you might be surprised by this fact when you arrive on campus: The… read more
Be Vigilant: Don’t Fall for a Scam!
International students and scholars are often targeted for scams here in the United States or while organizing travel and accommodations before they arrive. Avoid falling for these scams by equipping yourself with knowledge. How Scams Work Scams are a dishonest way to obtain a person’s confidential information and/or money through… read more
Time to Apply for OPT Temporary Work Authorization
Are you an F-1 student graduating in Spring 2024? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to guide you through this important process. What is OPT? Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit for students… read more
The Orange Bike Project: An Affordable Way to Explore Austin
An Affordable Way to Explore Austin Did you know that Austin is a wonderful city to experience by bike? Dedicated bike paths, protected bike lanes and bike racks on all Capital Metro buses make it easy to get to and from campus from many different parts of the city. Not… read more
Winter Break is Coming! Plan for Travel and ISSS Closure
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), along with the rest of The University of Texas at Austin, will be closed for the winter break, December 23 – January 1. During the break, ISSS advisors will not be available for assistance. The University will open for the spring semester starting Tuesday,… read more
Self-Compassion and Kindness
Self-compassion and kindness toward oneself are concepts that are gaining popularity, especially in the United States. However, for many international students, this may be a new concept — or one that doesn’t necessarily align with cultural values. What is self-compassion? Compassion is a concept that describes the mind’s ability… read more
Addressing Perfectionism
You may have heard people say something like, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” But what does that mean? It’s a common response to the way that many people focus on perfection in every area, keeping themselves from improving or finishing a project. Although it’s good to strive for quality,… read more
International Student Barometer: Be a Part of the Global Student Voice
Survey Open Now Through December 18 Studying away from home can be an experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. At International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), we care about the experiences of our international students and want to hear from you. For the fourth year in a row,… read more
Academic Training: J-1 Post-Completion Employment Authorization
Are you a J-1 student graduating from your degree program or completing your exchange program in Fall 2023? Are you interested in staying and working in the U.S. after completing your program? If so, now is the time to apply for J-1 academic training. What is J-1 academic training? Academic… read more
Got Travel Plans? Get Travel Signatures!
Hi, everyone. We hope you are having a great fall semester! With Thanksgiving and winter break on the horizon, many of you may be planning to travel internationally. Please let this be your gentle reminder that when you do eventually head back to the United States to resume your studies,… read more
Extend Your I-20 or DS-2019
It is your responsibility as an F-1/J-1 student to ensure that your immigration documents accurately reflect your current academic program. Please keep an eye on the status of your I-20 or DS-2019 forms to keep them valid, using the information below. Do I need an I-20/DS-2019 extension? Please review your… read more
Scholarship Applications Now Open
International students can now apply for spring and summer 2024 financial aid and scholarships. Applications are due November 1 (11:59 p.m. CDT). Students will receive their decision notifications by late December. Information Session Join us for a Zoom information session on Friday, October 13 at 11 a.m. CDT to discuss… read more
Join Language Circles This Fall!
Hello, everyone! Now that we’re well into the semester, Texas Global and ISSS are kicking off their Language Circles program for the semester. What are Language Circles, you might ask? Well, that’s a great question! What are Language Circles? Formerly known as Partnerships to Advance Language Study (PALS), the Language… read more
Graduating in the Fall? Apply Now for OPT Temporary Work Authorization
Are you an F-1 student graduating in Fall 2023? If so, now is the time to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to help you through this important process. What is OPT? OPT is an employment benefit for students with F-1… read more
Read This Before Finalizing Your Course Registration
Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)! We are excited to welcome you back to campus. We also want to make sure you understand your enrollment requirements for the upcoming semester, so you can properly maintain your F-1 or J-1 student visa status. Restrictions on Online Enrollment COVID-19 enrollment… read more
Got Travel Plans? Get Travel Signatures!
Hello, everyone! The summer season is in full swing, and we hope those of you back in your home countries are enjoying the sunshine. We’re dropping this blog post today as a gentle reminder that when you do eventually head back to the United States to resume your studies, you… read more
Request to Extend Your I-20 or DS-2019
Do I need an extension? Is your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 expiring this May? Do you need another semester (or more) to complete your graduation requirements? If so, you need to extend your I-20 or DS-2019. How do I extend my I-20/DS-2019? First, contact your academic advisor. Ask for… read more
Summer Internship Opportunities for F-1 Students
Are you an F-1 student planning to do an internship this summer? Read on to learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for paid and unpaid internships. CPT for Summer Internships: What is CPT? CPT is a benefit of F-1 immigration status that allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience… read more
Self-Care for Staying Safe, Healthy and Productive
It is two months into the spring semester, and by now, you possibly have a better understanding of how demanding the rest of your semester will be. Some of you might be feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do this semester, from classes and assignments to work (for those… read more
Apply for Post-Completion OPT
Are you graduating in Spring 2023? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), OPT is an employment benefit for students with F-1 status to gain practical experience in their major field of study. To successfully… read more
Updates to F-1/J-1 Status for Students Graduating in Spring 2023
Graduating in Spring 2023? Read this important update about your F-1/J-1 status. Are you an F-1 or J-1 student expecting to graduate in Spring 2023? If so, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) wants you to understand some critical information regarding the validity of your I-20/DS-2019. Please carefully read all… read more
Travel Signature Drive and ISSS Holiday Closure
Travel Signature Information Traveling internationally over the break? You must have a current travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. The travel validation signature is on Page 2 of the I-20 and on Page 1 (bottom right corner) of the DS-2019. The most recent signature must… read more
Renew to Extend an Expiring I-20/DS-2019
Is your I-20/DS-2019 expiring this December? Renew it if you are not graduating yet! Attention, F-1 and J-1 students: Is your I-20 or DS-2019 expiring this semester? Do you need more time to finish your studies? If so, you will need to extend your I-20/DS-2019. How do I extend my… read more
International Student Barometer: Be a Part of the Global Student Voice
International Student Barometer (ISB) Survey Open Through Dec. 16 Studying away from home can be an experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. At International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), we care about the experiences of our international students. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that for the… read more
Cultural Adjustment: What Is It, Really?
Hello, international students! I am Dr. Arna Erega. I am excited to begin my second year as a counselor for international students at The University of Texas at Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC). In this blog post, I will explore the Four Stages of Cultural Adjustment and what… read more
Apply for Post-Completion OPT!
Are you graduating in Fall 2022? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training! Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit for students with F-1 status. OPT authorizes students to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation to gain practical… read more
How to Be a Successful College Student
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is pleased to feature this guest post from Dr. Arna Erega of UT Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center. Hello, international students! I hope your summer is going well so far. In this blog post, I’ll share a few tips about how to be… read more
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