The Jerry D. Wilcox Community Engagement Scholarship for undergraduate international students is now available. Jerry D. Wilcox, the former Director of the International Office at UT Austin, is nationally recognized for his outstanding achievements in developing the field of international education. In addition to his contributions to the International Office at UT Austin,… read more
Free Fun in Austin
Free Fun in Austin As the semester comes to an end, you may be looking for inexpensive ways to get out and enjoy the city of Austin. A great online resource to help you in your quest is the website Free Fun in Austin, where you can get a regularly… read more
Summer Travel and Safety
With the semester coming to a close, we here at the International Office know that many of you may be traveling out of the country to go home or go on vacation. If you are an F-1 student traveling this summer, please bring your new format (issued after June 26, 2015)… read more
Insurance Deadlines Coming Up May 6th!
Summer waivers for graduate students with insurance through a TA/AI/GRA assignment. Be sure to request an online waiver of the summer student insurance if you will have TA/AI/GRA insurance over the summer. Note that TA and AI spring assignments generally carry insurance benefits over the summer. See the Human Resources website for further information about academic… read more
STEM OPT changes effective May 10, 2016
Changes to the STEM OPT extension went into effect on May 10, 2016. Previously a 17 month extension, the STEM extension is now 24 months. To review the changes to STEM eligibility, additional reporting requirements, and how to apply, please visit our STEM OPT changes page. Additionally, our office held… read more
Texas PEACH Season is Coming!
Summer is almost here and along with it, in-season produce! Austin has numerous farmers markets to grab seasonal produce, and some farmers markets also feature chef demonstrations and music. For a list of farmers markets in the area, read our recent post on the topic. Cooking with In-Season Produce Summer seasonal produce… read more
2nd Round Summer 2016 General ISSS Financial Aid Award
Applications for Summer 2016 General ISSS Financial Aid have reopened! This financial need-based award (worth up to $1,500) is applied directly onto a student’s summer 2016 tuition bill. Please note that the award amount cannot exceed the tuition bill balance. Students who have experienced a recent change in their financial status or who are not… read more
Last day to drop a course or withdraw from UT (graduates) – May 6, 2016
Friday, May 6th, is the last day a graduate student may withdraw from the university or drop a class, with required approvals. It is also the last day to submit master’s report, recital, thesis, doctoral dissertation, or treatise to the graduate dean. If you’re thinking about dropping a class, don’t… read more
Foundation Year Students Give Back to the Community
Each year, ISSS hosts a nine-month Foundation Year Program for recipients of competitive scholarships from around the globe. After graduating high school in their home countries, Foundation Year students come to UT for a gap-year program to immerse themselves in U.S. culture and prepare for success in their undergraduate studies. This spring,… read more
Solidarity with Ecuador
You’ve by now all heard of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas on April 16. While the news media coverage of the catastrophe has almost ceased, tens of thousands of people are still very much affected by its aftermath: emergency shelters, food, and… read more


