Welcome Reception for International Students
The reception is open to new and returning international students as well as staff and faculty. This Welcome Reception provides students with the opportunity to meet their peers who are engaged in various activities around campus. This event includes welcoming remarks from various individuals.
F-1 Student Orientation
All new F-1 students are required to participate in an F-1 Student Orientation. Attendance is mandated by the U.S. Government. The orientation includes important information about visa status maintenance.
The F-1/ Student Orientation covers topics such as:
- Visa requirements
- Changes in Immigration Law
- Health Insurance
- Employment options
- Income Tax
- Social Security
- Campus services
Study Abroad Information Session
In October of each academic year, there is a Study Abroad Information Session for students. At this session, the different types of Study Abroad programs will be discussed as well as available scholarships. Also, the application process for a Study Abroad program will be discussed.
International Student Association
The purpose of the International Student Association (ISA) is to help facilitate the integration of international students at HT and to bring US and international students together. ISA is an excellent way for international students to get involved on campus while meeting their international peers.
International Student Speakers Bureau
The International Student Speakers Bureau is an OIP program through which international students and scholars volunteer to speak and share their knowledge about their home countries. The goal of the program is to promote global awareness throughout the campus. The international student speakers can address a wide range of topics regarding their home countries. This can include, but is not limited to, such topics as language differences, geography, festivals in their countries, food, religion, clothing, and native dances.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Each November, the OIP has hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for international students and scholars. However, the challenges brought about by COVID-19 required the cancellation of this event.
The dinner is prepared at a local HT family on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great opportunity for international students and scholars to experience an American holiday with a local family. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner meal, the international students and scholars are welcome to prepare a dish from their respective countries.
International Fashion Show
International students come together in April to share with their audience old and new traditions of their home country. The International Fashion Show features some of the international students and scholars dazzling the audience as they walk on the stage dressed in traditional ethnic clothing from countries across the globe.
CultureFest
The CultureFest is an event to showcase the significant degree of our ethnic diversity of our students at HT. It is also an opportunity for attendees to learn more about our international students through food, entertainment, and dance.
Performances generally feature international groups residing in Texas. For example, in recent years, Mariachi bands have played, and West African drummers performed. Additionally, there is a large variety of ethnic foods at the CultureFest; some prepared by international students and some from local restaurants.
Graduation Reception for International Students
Every May, to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our international graduates, we host a Graduation Reception for International Students. The graduates’ family members are invited. We celebrate with global cuisine and musical performers. Students are encouraged to wear graduation attire, semi-formal dress, or traditional/cultural clothing that represents their heritage or background.
