Spring Break is around the corner, and travel plans are in full swing. Read further to understand how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors can safely and smoothly re-enter the United States after traveling internationally. Valid Travel Signature A valid, unexpired travel signature on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019)… read more
General
Get Ready to Secure a Job Offer
Attention, international Longhorns! It’s a season filled with both anxiety and excitement: job-hunting season. If you’ve already secured an offer: fantastic! But if you’re still in the process of landing a job or internship: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The current job market is quite challenging, and the Texas Career… read more
H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program: Everything You Need to Know
Great news! The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a pilot program that allows visa applicants to apply for a renewal of their H-1B visa within the United States! To qualify for this program, applicants must have had their previous H-1B visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate in… read more
Scholarship Applications Now Open
International students can now apply for 2024-2025 financial aid and scholarships. Applications are due March 1, 2024 (11:59 p.m. CST). Students will receive their decision notifications in early to mid-April. Information Session Join us for a Zoom information session Wednesday, February 14, at 12 p.m. CST to discuss financial aid… read more
Truths of International Study that Nobody Talks About
Moving from your own country to study in the United States can seem like a journey of a million steps. So once you’ve done the hard work of gaining admission to The University of Texas at Austin, you might be surprised by this fact when you arrive on campus: The… read more
Be Vigilant: Don’t Fall for a Scam!
International students and scholars are often targeted for scams here in the United States or while organizing travel and accommodations before they arrive. Avoid falling for these scams by equipping yourself with knowledge. How Scams Work Scams are a dishonest way to obtain a person’s confidential information and/or money through… read more
Time to Apply for OPT Temporary Work Authorization
Are you an F-1 student graduating in Spring 2024? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to guide you through this important process. What is OPT? Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit for students… 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
Winter Break is Coming! Plan for Travel and ISSS Closure
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), along with the rest of The University of Texas at Austin, will be closed for the winter break, December 23 – January 1. During the break, ISSS advisors will not be available for assistance. The University will open for the spring semester starting Tuesday,… read more
Self-Compassion and Kindness
Self-compassion and kindness toward oneself are concepts that are gaining popularity, especially in the United States. However, for many international students, this may be a new concept — or one that doesn’t necessarily align with cultural values. What is self-compassion? Compassion is a concept that describes the mind’s ability… read more