Thanksgiving is one of the most “American” of the holidays that is celebrated in the United States. American families gather to enjoy a special dinner and family activities. Generally a sumptuous meal is prepared with a roasted turkey as the main course. You are invited to join an American family here in Austin for their Thanksgiving celebration as a special guest.

Your host family will contact you to introduce themselves and make arrangements for you to join them. If you do not have your own transportation, they will make arrangements to pick you up at your apartment sometime on the morning of November 25th and take you back later that day.

Normally, 2 or 3 students will be linked to one family. When you sign up, please note anyone that you would like to be linked with. If you have any special requests, please note them.

Please use the registration form located here. If you have any questions, email us at info@isi-austin.org.

“Spring Space Weekend”
International Students Trip to Houston
When: February 19-20, 2011
Event Cost: $25 (includes transportation, lodging, Space Center admission.)
Meal Cost: Free when eating at your host’s home but you will need to cover the cost of the three meals that we will be eating at restaurants. We suggest that you bring at least $30 for this purpose.

• Tour NASA Space Center Houston
• Meet A REAL NASA ASTRONAUT and learn about
  his experiences in space and their relationship with
  God and what it means to him
• Stay in the Home of and spend time with an American
  Family
• Visit the American Church of your hosts on Sunday
• Enjoy the sea/gulf breezes off of Galveston Bay at the Kemah Boardwalk

Please use the registration form located here. If you have any questions, email Dennis Rigstad or phone (609) 670-6016.

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Time: 9:30 am —–5:30 pm
Picnic Lunch Served: 12:45—1:45 pm

Cost: $5.00 per person / includes lunch and transportation
Register at Facebook: UT International Student Connection”
PLEASE PAY YOU REGISTRATION FEE:
Sundays at TEXAS WESELY HOUSE
See Mike of Cliff 12:30–1:30 PM
Tuesdays outside the TEXAS UNION STARBUCKS
See JIM** 11:00–12:00 NOON
Wednesdays outside the TEXAS UNION STARBUCKS
See DENNIS** 11:00 AM — 1:00 PM
** They will have a clip board with a 3”x5” Orange Card

Departure Time: 9:30 am from UT International Office
600 West 24th, Woodridge Hall, Austin, Texas 78705

Questions? Email info@isi-austin.org

Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park honors a native Texan who achieved the nation’s highest office. To create the unique facility, friends of then President Johnson raised money to purchase property directly across the Pedernales River from the LBJ Ranch. In 1965, this land was accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the park was opened in 1970.

The abundant wildlife of the Hill Country is highlighted by enclosures containing buffalo, longhorn, and white-tailed deer. These animals have played a part in the park’s history and the local wildlife continues to be an important attraction for visitors. The park is famous for its spring wildflower display.
• Tour the one-room Junction School first attended by the four-year-old Lyndon B. Johnson in 1912,
• See the Sauer-Beckmann Farm – Rural Life, 1900-1918,
• Visit the Texas White House where President Johnson held important cabinet meetings and big Texas Bar-B-Q’s for rulers from around the world,
• View the pasture lands where Hereford cattle, descended from those owned by President Johnson roam.

ISI and the families of Grace Fellowship Church invite you to a Texas Ranch Camping Experience in Stephenville, Texas

September 11-12, 2010 (Sat-Sun)

• Camp out in tents overnight under the beautiful Texas night sky
• Ride horses and fish in a private lake (no license required)
• See a dairy cow milking operation and baby calves just learning to walk
• Learn skeet shooting (with a shotgun and clay flying targets) and roping
• Attend a “cowboy church” service with our hosts on Sunday morning
• Hay rides, volleyball, horseshoes, and an evening bonfire and singing
• 150 international students from TCU, SMU, UTD, UNT, UTA, TAMU, & UT-Austin
• Cost: only $29.00 per person!!

If you’re interested in attending or want to know more about this event, please email us. info@isi-austin.org

Zilker Park Picnic – 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Experience Austin’s most beloved park! In addition to an excellent meal there will be many activities to choose from such as sports events (soccer, softball etc.), canoeing and kayaking, swimming in a 100×800 meter pool, a 25 minute train ride, a very large playground for the children, a tour of the Botanical Garden and others. There are also as many as 16 km of hiking trails. There is no charge for the meal but some of the activities such as canoeing, swimming and the train ride have a small charge. You will have the opportunity to meet American hosts as well as fellow students.

Buses begin from the International Office around 2 PM. Dinner will be served from 5:00 until 6:30. The last bus returning to campus will depart at 8:00. Detailed information regarding the shuttle busses will be provided by the International Office.

August 27, 7:00 p.m. Texas Union Building, 2nd floor

Come join us for a Square Dance. Eight people dance in 4 pairs to form a square, hence the name of the dance. A “caller” will demonstrate the dance steps and then prompts the dancers as to which steps to take for a particular dance. The music is a distinctive form of American folk music.

Americans have been having square dances and various folk dances for entertainment since they began settling the land. It has been a way for people to gather for friendship for many decades. In addition to your American hosts you will meet students from various countries as the squares are formed.

There will be light refreshments and an intermission. We promise you an evening of fun. There is no charge for this event.

Any questions? ISIAustinTX@yahoo.com

Welcome to Texas is at 5:30 on Friday, 13 August.

Enjoy a meal of fajitas a traditional TexMex dish! (vegetarian alternatives will be available). There will be an opportunity for you to watch a cowboy do rope tricks with his lasso … and maybe even try it yourself. You can get pictures of yourself in a cowboy outfit to impress family and friends back home. Along with all of this you will get to meet a number of a Americans as well as other international students who are also beginning their study adventure at UT. There is no charge for the event.