On February 19th I attended the Mayor of Muscatine, Iowa’s Report to the Community on China Initiatives along with four other University of Iowa 100,000 Strong Foundation Student Ambassadors. We came away from the event excited and ready to carry out the 100,000 Strong Foundation’s mission on our own campus. The people of Muscatine are a great example of how a seemingly small group can have a big impact on diplomatic relations. Although there were many different ideas being discussed, one message came across crystal clear; in order for any of the initiatives to be successful, Americans must make an effort to understand China.

The University of Iowa Japanese Program will host a Japanese Fashion Show on Tuesday, April 7th from 7:00 – 9:00pm in W10 PBB.

45 years ago, Ali Soliman arrived at the Iowa City Bus Depot with one suitcase that contained everything he owned. Dr. Soliman, currently Chairman of the United Nations' Association of International Civil Servants, sent us these reflections of his life as a graduate student in economics in Iowa City in the early 1970s.

On some campuses, the word “global education” has become the academic equivalent of “double latte”—everyone bandies it about, but only a select few choose to indulge. At the University of Iowa College of Engineering, however, “global education” is becoming a fundamental and enriching facet of the undergraduate academic experience in every department, whether students study abroad or study with their international peers on campus. During the last year, the crafting of these enhanced, “double latte” educational opportunities have been supported by the new Director of Global Experiences and Academic Advisor, Amy Brewster.

An internship in Spain can cost roughly $8,000 — not including the $1,500 plane ticket — but some say the experience is priceless. Amanda McFadden, University of Iowa associate director of career advising and international services, thinks the programs can be worth the cost. “I think anywhere you get good work experience is valuable,” she said.

UI student Andrew Mogni sustained serious injuries after a fall in Rome on January 14. He passed away on Sunday morning, April 5, 2015, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Alec Bramel, 22, of Holy Cross, Iowa, has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will depart for Jamaica March 9 to begin training as an agriculture extension volunteer. Bramel will make a difference working with his community to identify resources and agriculture projects that can be developed and implemented to generate income. He will also facilitate training in farm management and work with schools to enhance and expand environmental education.

A reception hosted by The African Studies Program for musicians of The Nile Project will be held on Tuesday March 10, 2015 from 4:30-7:00, at UCC 2780.

Nicky Fish, 23, of Oak Park, Ill., has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will depart for Indonesia March 14 to begin training as a secondary English education volunteer. Fish will make a difference teaching basic to intermediate English and providing enrichment learning opportunities through extracurricular and non-formal community activities.

In Morocco, they take it easy. As soon as my plane lands in Rabat, I can feel the change. The other passengers do not push against each other to stand in the aisle. They take their time gathering backpacks and briefcases from the overhead compartments. My flight is late, but that’s no problem. IES Abroad’s driver is just arriving to take me to the Center, where the other students are. I don’t know much Darija (the local dialect) yet, and he doesn’t know English. We smile at each other. It’s not uncomfortable.