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
General
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
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
Graduating in Summer? Read this!
In-Person Enrollment Required Are you an F-1 or J-1 student? Will you be graduating this summer? If so, be prepared to enroll in enough in-person or hybrid courses this summer. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) COVID-19 guidance is expiring at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. We… 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
Spring Break Reminders: Travel and Re-entry
With Spring Break upon us, we want to provide you with important information about traveling and your immigration status. Read on to learn how to safely and smoothly re-enter the United States after your travels. Valid Travel Signature A valid, unexpired travel signature on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019)… 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
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