As you may know, the International Office facilitates Foundation Year Programs for international students applying to college. But you may not know that these programs offer more than SAT prep and Calculus coursework. They also offer leadership development and skill-building critical to success in college. For example, one of our programs is heading to Rancho Cortez this April.
Rancho Cortez is a Texas dude ranch where you can do more than wear a pair of roper boots, a leather belt and a Stetson hat. It offers true immersion in cowboy and Texas culture and leadership development to boot!
Located in the beautiful Hill Country, there are a wide variety of activities from:
- Horse-back riding
- Learning how to lasso
- Feeding longhorn cattle
- Hay wagon ride
- Swimming pools
- Country western entertainment
- S’mores & snores by the Campfire
These experiences are not only fun but they can also help students learn how to work as a team and practice critical thinking in new environments.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this trip and Foundation Year Programs. If you’d like to take part in such an experience but you aren’t a Foundation Year Student, check out our list of activities and bus trips available for international students and scholars via email and here on the ISSS blog.
How do I know if I’m a Foundation Year Student or not? Because I’m very interested in getting some real cowboy experience in Rancho Cortez.
Hi Zhihao,
Thanks for your comment. Foundation Year students are studying college prep in small cohorts, so although you are not in this group, the International Office hosts general trips to Rancho Cortez during the year.
If you want to experience real cowboy culture in Austin, I recommend checking out the Broken Spoke dance hall.
Best wishes,
Genevieve