As the fall semester comes to a close, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team at The University of Texas at Austin is reflecting on a vibrant season filled with learning, laughter, and connection.
This semester, our international students took part in a range of programs designed not only to support their academic success but also to foster well-being, cultural exploration, friendship and community across campus and throughout Austin. From wellness workshops to cultural excursions, the semester’s events highlighted the many ways our Longhorns from around the world engage, grow, and make UT their home away from home.
Fostering Well-Being
This semester, ISSS continued its commitment to holistic student support through our Wellness Fridays series. In collaboration with UT’s Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), University Housing and Dining (UHD), and UT RecSports, we hosted interactive sessions to help students develop their own wellness in multiple aspects.
CMHC Wellness Fridays Lunch Series encouraged students to pause and focus on self-care through activities like mindful movement and group exercise. In these sessions, participants used light weights and exercise balls in guided routines that promoted both physical health and relaxation, providing a welcome break from the demands of coursework.
Meanwhile, the UFCU Financial Wellness Lunch Series helped students navigate important aspects of life in the United States, from understanding credit and budgeting to setting long-term financial goals. For many international students, these sessions provided essential tools to build confidence and independence while living abroad.
UHD also joined the effort by hosting a Healthy Cooking and Eating workshop that introduced students to simple, nutritious recipes they could recreate in their residence halls or apartments. The session offered practical tips for grocery shopping, meal planning, and building balanced plates.
We also hosted a restorative Pilates class with RecSports, which guided students through low-impact strength and flexibility exercises to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. These additions brought fresh energy to the Wellness Fridays series, and we look forward to expanding these offerings even further in future semesters as we continue supporting students in every dimension of their wellness journey.
Celebrating Culture and Community
Another cornerstone of the semester was a renewed emphasis on community-building through shared experiences. Our ISSS Social Hours brought students together at various local Austin restaurants to enjoy good food and even better company. These casual gatherings gave students the chance to meet new friends, share stories from their home countries, and discover Austin’s diverse culinary scene, all while playing some fun trivia games.
Seasonal celebrations also added a special touch to the fall calendar. Our Halloween Pumpkin Painting event invited students to express their creativity in a relaxed, festive environment. For some, it was their first time celebrating Halloween, a chance to learn about American traditions while adding their own unique flair to the holiday spirit. The event quickly became one of the semester’s most popular, with tables full of laughter, conversation, and bright orange pumpkins.
Experiencing Longhorn Spirit Through Sports
Fall at UT would not be complete without a healthy dose of Longhorn spirit, and this semester gave international students an authentic taste of Texas athletics. We kicked things off with a lively football watch party for the first game of the season, where students gathered to learn the rules, enjoy snacks, and cheer along as the crowd roared, “Hook ’em Horns!”
Later in the semester, the excitement moved from the screen to the stands as students attended both a Longhorns soccer match and a softball game in person. These outings offered not only a firsthand glimpse into American sports culture but also a fun way for students to experience campus pride and camaraderie in true UT fashion.
Experiencing Austin: From Nature to Art
Exploring Austin together has long been one of the highlights of ISSS programming, and this semester offered no shortage of adventures. Through our Social Hikes and Social Cycling events, students discovered the city’s scenic trails and parks while staying active and connected. Whether walking along Barton Creek or cycling around Lady Bird Lake, these outings provided space for friendship and fresh air in equal measure.
Art enthusiasts enjoyed our Art Walks that showcased the creative energy of UT and Austin alike. Guided visits to on-campus museums such as the Blanton Museum of Art gave students a chance to experience local and international works up close while engaging in thoughtful discussion. These events reminded us of the role that art plays in helping people from different backgrounds find shared meaning and inspiration.
Celebrating International Education Week
Each November, UT Austin joins institutions around the world in celebrating International Education Week (IEW), a time to highlight the global engagement that enriches our campus. This year’s celebration began with the IEW Kickoff Breakfast, co-hosted by ISSS and University Housing and Dining. The event was a lively success, featuring classic Texan fare such as breakfast tacos and bringing together students, scholars, faculty, and staff to connect and share in the spirit of the international community.
The week continued with creative, community-driven events, such as the International Tile Painting Night, where Longhorns of all ages enjoyed a relaxed evening of art, laughter, and cultural expression.
Later, the much-anticipated International Open Mic Night faced a last-minute weather challenge when torrential downpours swept through Austin, but that did not stop the fun. The event quickly pivoted into a cheerful round of Name That Tune Bingo, filling the room with music, friendly competition, and laughter.
From breakfast tacos to painted tiles and spontaneous bingo games, this year’s IEW captured the resilience, creativity, and connection that define our international Longhorn community.
Looking Ahead
Each semester, ISSS strives to create programming that supports international students in every dimension of their University experience, from wellness and personal growth to cultural exploration and social connection. The fall semester was a true reflection of that mission, thanks to the engagement and enthusiasm of our student community.
As we look forward to the spring semester, we are excited to continue offering opportunities for students to connect, learn, and explore both on campus and beyond. Whether through a wellness workshop, a new cultural event, or another Austin adventure, ISSS remains committed to ensuring that every international Longhorn feels seen, supported, and part of something greater.
At the heart of it all, our goal is simple: to help students not only study at UT Austin but also to thrive here.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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