Texas Global Welcomes Spring Class of International Students to UT Austin
- Jan 23, 2020
- Texas Global
- Jenan Taha
Texas Global welcomed to campus over 400 international and exchange students representing more than 38 countries, introducing them to all things Texan at New International Student Orientation.
The students gathered in the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom for their first experience at The University of Texas, mingling at the round tables and exchanging their unique experiences and stories of their home countries with each other.
International Student and Scholar Services holds comprehensive orientation sessions and welcome events each semester for incoming international students to become acclimated to their new home and meet other students before they begin their first semester at UT. There are more than 8,000 international students and scholars at the university.
Margaret Y. Luévano, interim director of international student and scholar services, welcomed the students and emphasized the value they bring to campus.
“What starts here changes the world, and you are a part of that—you bring the world to UT,” she said. “Don’t underestimate your role here. You are so valuable to what we do here at UT Austin.”
Students gave their first impressions of Austin—many of which were “hot,” “weird,” and “friendly”—asked questions about life in Texas, and learned how to manage the cultural differences and emotional challenges of living in a new country.
Texas Global staff gave advice to incoming students on how to ease into their new environment and take advantage of free public transportation, specialized student organizations and campus resources such as the Counseling and Mental Health Center.
Additional orientation events include a campus scavenger hunt, a hot chocolate social, and other social events. Students can also explore cultural and historical landmarks around Texas with Texas Excursions—a monthly bus trip to different Texas cities, giving students an opportunity to experience sites and events around the state with other university students.
View orientation photos below and learn more about events for UT Austin international students and scholars at Texas Global.
Tatiana Woldman, Assistant Director of International Student and Scholar Services, welcomes international students to UT Austin
Students shared their home country and viewed others' using a mobile app
An international student asked a question to volunteers on stage at the event
A student poses with surprise guest Hook 'Em
