On October 17, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) partnered with UT Austin’s RecSports to host a special Wellness Fridays event: an introductory mat Pilates class led by UT senior Tara. The session offered international students a chance to try something new, move their bodies, and learn more about a… read more
Austin and U.S. Life
Exploring Art Together: Museum Visits with International Students
When I joined ISSS’ Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team in May, I was excited to take on a project that aligned with my interests. I earned my master’s in art education from UT Austin in 2020, where I spent much of my time exploring the University’s incredible arts resources. Over… read more
Halloween and Día de los Muertos: Fall Traditions in Austin
As October turns into November, Austin comes alive with two colorful and meaningful traditions: Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Although these holidays share the same season, they stem from very different cultural backgrounds and are celebrated in unique ways. For international students, faculty, and scholars… read more
Experiencing UT Women’s Soccer
We brought a group of international students to cheer on the Texas Longhorns Women’s Soccer team in their Sept. 26 match against Vanderbilt University. For many attendees, this was the first time seeing a live college sporting event in the United States. The evening was filled with energy, school spirit,… read more
Reviving the Friendship Program: Connections, Community, and New Beginnings
We’re excited to share that the UT Austin Friendship Program has returned for the 2025–2026 academic year. After months of planning and outreach, the program is making a highly anticipated return. This year’s participants feature more than 60 community hosts from across Austin along with over 120 international students and… read more
Fourth of July Celebrations in Austin
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, honors the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and commemorates the founding of the United States of America. People celebrate this federal holiday throughout the country by gathering with family and friends. Whether you plan to spend… read more
Why We Celebrate “Freedom Day” on Juneteenth
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill to designate June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as a federal holiday in the United States. On this day, federal employees (as well as The University of Texas at Austin staff) have the day off to honor and commemorate the significance of Juneteenth. What… read more
Spending a Day Outdoors in Austin
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
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
International Student Orientation Builds Community
In fall 2021, exactly 1,637 international students and scholars became Longhorns. Coming from 95 different countries to contribute to UT’s 12 colleges and more than 170 fields of study, these students embody UT’s slogan: What starts here changes the world. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff organized the… read more