International Study & Research (ISR)
The General Information Catalog officially states:
Students may register for international study and research (ISR) if they are conducting research or studying independently abroad. Enrollment requires the approval of the student’s faculty sponsor, graduate advisor [not graduate coordinator] (for graduate students) or department undergraduate advisor (for undergraduates), and the Study Abroad Office. The approval may cover up to four consecutive long-session semesters and contiguous summer sessions. Students enrolled in international study and research are considered full-time students by the University. Students that register in ISR are not guaranteed credit for the work completed abroad, and cannot register for another course. Students must consult with GIAC and their department to determine if credit will be granted.
The Graduate School Catalog officially states:
Students may enroll in international study and research (ISR) when they conduct research or study independently abroad. A student enrolled in international study and research is considered a full-time student. Registration in ISR cannot be used to circumvent the continuous registration requirement for doctoral candidacy; however, when it is determined that a doctoral candidate meets the requirements for ISR registration, it may serve as an acceptable substitute for registration in dissertation hours.
Students will be registered in either ISR 080 (graduates) or ISR 000 (undergraduates). There is a one time $50 fee charged to students who apply for this registration status. Once approved the actual cost of registration per semester is $400, effective as of fall 2007. Student must complete all requirements for application prior to the fourth class day of any long semester and second class during summer. Students may enroll in ISR for a maximum of four long consecutive semesters. (There is not an official minimun time period abroad.)
Students registered in this category are not eligible for:
- Federal, state or institutional loans or grants processed by the Office of Student Financial Services
- Athletic facilities usage
Students registered in this category will have an active UT id card and are eligible to use:
- UT Austin Libraries
- ITS computer support services
- University Health Services
- University Housing
International students MUST speak with an Immigration Advisor in International Student and Scholar Services in Wooldridge Hall prior to departure from the United States. There are possible immigration implications for those students that fail to meet with an Immigration Advisor.
Additionally, beginning Fall 2009, all international students that are accepted into ISR status will be automatically charged for UT Student Health Insurance. This requirement is due to the fact that we cannot be certain that ISR students will remain abroad for the full term.
Student traveling to countries for which a State Department Travel Warning has been issued will be required to comply with The University's petition process for suspended programs. It is the student’s responsibility to read and comply with the petition process.
To request this status:
1. Email Rubi Reyes-Fuentez with the following information: First Name, Last Name, EID, First semester to be abroad Once received, the student will be authorized to access the ISR online application via "My SAO". (As of February 2009, Heather Thompson is no longer the primary individual advising ISR students.)
2. Log on to "My SAO" and complete the "Online Registration Form" and follow the instructions for submitting the one page abstract/proposal. To facilitate the application process please download and complete this Cover Sheet. To preview the instructions for the one page abstract/proposal, click here. ISR students will be charged a non-refundable $50 administrative fee. All students regardless of college/school, classification or program type are charged this fee. This fee supports the advising and technology needed to assist students studying or conduction research abroad.
3. After these approvals have been granted, the Study Abroad Office will review the application. An email notification will be sent confirming the students ISR application status. The student will then be directed to complete a series of pre departure requirements online including forms and registration.
Note: Applications for travel to American protectorates (example: Puerto Rico) will not be approved.