• The International Student Life unit helps international undergraduate students get off to a great start with an interactive and informative orientation. International Student Orientation is geared strictly to international students, complements Red Raider Orientation that is mandatory for all Texas Tech University students.
• The Graduate School conducts a separate orientation for all TTU graduate students. 

• A New part of Orientation includes out on-campus Scavenger Hunt, which started as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Fall of 2020. Our Global Guides and you explore the campus in teams as a way to better understand our massive campus and to help you create connections with other new international students like yourself. You will not only familiarize yourself with campus but leave with a whole new knowledge of TTU history as well!

Students on the Fall 2023 Scavenger Hunt, thinking hard about their clues with the Book Man.

• Immediately following the International Student Orientation, new and returning international students are invited to a welcome event to kick off the new semester. In addition to lots of great food, students have a chance to learn about on- and off-campus resources, and make new friends. 

New students line up for TexMex at our "Taste of Texas" Welcome event, Fall '23

• The Cultural Exchange program connects international students and community families to enhance cultural understanding. This program allows students to experience family life in the United States. Many Students join Thier families for holidays, trips, family dinners and so on. This is also a great way to share your culture with an American family!  Information on when to sign up for this program will be sent to students in their International Student Life Newsletters or on our Get Involved Page.
• Families or individuals who would like to host an international student can sign up here.

• The TTU homecoming game is a big event! Homecoming is a tradition associated with football in the United States. It is when former students are welcomed back to celebrate their former school and enjoy the game! At TTU there is a homecoming parade, where additionally, students can participate in the annual Homecoming Flag Parade, representing the diverse international student population at Texas Tech University. Visit our Get Involved Page to Register!

2022 Homecoming Parade

• Culture Fest is an opportunity for the international student body on campus to share their culture with the rest of the TTU and Lubbock community. International Student organizations are welcome participate in Culture Fest to share their world with us! It's a great time to get a taste of the food, dance, music, art and culture represented on our campus! This event is open to the general public and the non-international campus community. 

• The quintessential American tradition of Thanksgiving Dinner is an opportunity for our community partners to share U.S. culture and tradition with international students.
• Thanksgiving today is seen as a time of gathering with friends and family to share a meal. Join us to try traditional Thanksgiving foods such as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and more. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. 

• Once a semester, we head out to explore the Great Outdoors of West Texas and/or Eastern New Mexico! Some of our favorite places to visit are Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyon State Park. These are easy, mostly flat hikes. We encourage you to join us to witness the beauty and wildlife of the Great Plains. Day hikes are also a great opportunity to make life long memories and new friends while enjoying the great outdoors! Watch for more dates in your International Student Newsletter. 

Students enjoying the beautiful scenery at Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the USA.

• Join the ISL community at sporting events throughout the year to learn the games and cheer on the Red Raiders. These sporting events are a quintessential part of the American college experience, so don't miss out! Don't worry if you aren't familiar with the rules, we will teach you! Watch for your International Student Newsletter for more information. 

• International students share aspects of their culture with the Texas Tech community in the annual Worldwide Showcase. Student groups from around the world sing, dance, and more in this highly-anticipated event that is a prominent part of International Week at Texas Tech University. You will receive information regarding the show via your intl. student newsletter and through our Social Media pages.
• Are you interested in volunteering for the Worldwide Showcase? We would love to have you! This event is put on by our Students for Global Connections. We encourage you to join SGC through Tech Connect to learn how to get involved. 
• See see videos from previous years, visit our YouTube Channel.

• The Spring Break Trip is held every March during the Spring Break Holiday. Time, dates and location will be announced in your International Student Newsletter.
• Past Trips have included Santa Fe New Mexico and Junction Texas. Travel with us and explore the U.S, try new foods, see the sites and meet new friends! An adventure awaits you this Spring Break!

This year (2023) our Spring Break will include two day trips! One Horse Back Riding adventure in Palo Duro Canyon, the second Largest Canyon in the US. The Second, a easy day hike through Caprock Canyon with a chance of seeing the native Bison herds! 

• Twice a year the International Student Life unit organizes a reception to celebrate the academic achievements of graduating international students. You have worked had and we want to celebrate all of your achievements! 

• The TTU Tax office will help you file and prepare your taxes for the fiscal year. This is a free service offered to you by Texas Tech University. This service is free and is offered to international students every Spring! Session will be held in the SUB, Matador room. 
• Remember you only need to attend if you worked last year, not this year as taxes are only filed for the past year not the current one. 

• During the Fall and Spring semesters we take weekend trips to cities around West Texas. Past trips have included Santa Fe New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Texas State Fair, Amarillo Texas, and more! These trips are a great way to meet new people and explore new parts of the United States.