General

As the holidays approach, Austin glows brighter than ever. From spectacular drive-through light parks to neighborhood gems, there’s no shortage of magical spots to soak in some festive cheer. Here are some of the must-see holiday light displays in and around Austin this season.  Municipal Light Displays Zilker Trail of… read more 

As the fall semester winds down, there’s one important thing to check off your list: Make sure your immigration document doesn’t expire before you graduate. If you need extra time to complete your degree, here’s everything you need to know about extending your I-20 or DS-2019.  Do I need to… read more 

Each November, people across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving — a holiday centered around gratitude, food, and community. Observed on the fourth Thursday of November, it marks one of the most cherished American traditions and signals the beginning of the winter holiday season.  A Brief History  Thanksgiving’s origins… read more 

The survey closes December 15. Take 15 minutes to help shape the future for students like you! Remember your first day on campus? Maybe you felt excited, nervous, lost, or all three at once. Your journey as an international student at UT Austin is unlike anyone else’s, and we want… read more 

During the week of November 17-21, 2025, The University of Texas at Austin will join universities around the country in celebrating International Education Week (IEW), a nationally recognized initiative highlighting the benefits of international education and exchange.  At UT Austin, Texas Global leads this campuswide celebration with support from departments… read more 

Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)!    With fall and winter breaks around the corner, we want to make sure you are prepared for any international travel plans ahead. Don’t forget your travel signature!    What is a Travel Signature?   All F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors need a travel… read more 

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 

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 

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 

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