Orientation Introduces International Students to Life on the Forty Acres
- Aug 3, 2020
- Suvi Bhalgat
Incoming international students are invited to attend the International Student Welcome Livestream hosted by International Student and Scholar Services, during which students can interact virtually with fellow classmates and learn about adjusting to life at UT Austin. The event will be held August 6, 8 - 9 a.m. CDT.
The welcome session will acquaint students with Texas Global, International Student and Scholar Services and other essential campus resources. ISSS staff will explain various facets of life at UT to help our international Longhorns embrace campus culture. The livestreamed event will feature interactive components, such as ways for participants to engage with the speakers and fellow attendees.
Orientation events provide an early opportunity for students to meet their future classmates and familiarize themselves with life at UT and in the U.S. in general. UT is an incredibly large institution boasting tens of thousands of students and faculty. By participating in its unique culture and getting involved on campus, the Forty Acres becomes a home away from home for many students.
David Cole, interim assistant director for Student Advising Services, says that while the welcome event looks different this year, it is a unique opportunity for international students to get to know the ISSS team and their peers.
“International student orientation is important because it gives new students a chance to learn information they usually won’t hear anywhere else,” Cole said. “In addition, it’s a chance for our office to welcome new students into the Longhorn family. Because of COVID-19, many things will be different this year. That makes it even more meaningful to connect in the ways available to us.”
Following the livestream event, ISSS will release additional orientation content for international students. These self-paced modules will cover everything incoming students need to know about attending a U.S. university, from finding healthcare services to participating in local customs and learning in a U.S. classroom setting.
The ISSS team is here to help international Longhorns in each and every way they can. As a leading global university, we take pride in valuing and embracing the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community and we are committed to welcoming, serving and supporting all of our international students and scholars.
