Get Involved!
Study abroad is an experience you’ll never forget. It changes you forever, making you a more self-confident individual and a better world citizen. So, what are you going to make of your experience overseas when you get back to the States?
Are you going to make a photo album, put it on your shelf, and take it down from time to time to reminisce about that special time in your life? Or are you going to use that experience, and translate it into the new person you’ve become? If you want to get involved when you get back to town, there are lots of ways to do it. Here’s a list of suggestions:
Re-work your academic focus
- Did you know you can now major in International Studies at the UI? Consider applying some of the course work you took abroad to a new major, minor or certificate at the UI. See list of possibilities on the reverse, and consult your academic adviser.
- Have you ever thought of adding the International Business Certificate to you repertoire? Your overseas credit might get you started. Contact the UG Program office in the Tippee College of Business for more details.
Help us promote study abroad
- Apply to become a peer adviser at the Office for Study Abroad, 335-0353, 1111 University Capitol Center in the Old Capitol Mall.
- Volunteer to be a source of information to students considering going overseas to the place you studied. Please fill out a volunteer form and notify your adviser.
- Submit photos for the International Programs Photo Contest. Deadline: Monday, October 20th, 2008.
Get involved in local international activities
- Get involved in OASIS, (Organization for the Active Support of International Students). Make a difference here at the UI! Contact Helen Jameson, Office of International Students & Scholars Activities Coordinator at 335-3584.
- Join the International Classroom Journey and give talks at local schools and community centers about your experience. Contact Carly Andrews, International Programs Outreach Coordinator at 335-0345.
- If you’re living in the residence halls, consider joining the International Crossroads Community in Mayflower Residence Hall. Contact the Housing Assignment Office at 335-3009.
- Most UI language departments sponsor a weekly conversation hour or a weekly meal where you can keep your newly-acquired language skills honed and polished. Contact the respective language departments for further information.
- Participate in the student-driven, reciprocal language exchange program: The Language Connection, thelanguageconnection@yahoo.com.
- Join one of several local community organizations that have an international focus, including the Friends of International Students, Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, the Council for International Visitors to Iowa City, the UI Center for Human Rights , and Amnesty International.
- Come to any of the educational and cultural activities sponsored by International Programs.
Help new international students who come to the UI
- Join Global Buddies, a group that matches new international students with returned study abroad students. Contact Lori Eiserman, OfSA exchange coordinator, 335-0353 or download an application here.
- Volunteer to help during new international student orientation at the beginning of fall & spring semesters. Contact the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), 335-0335.
- Join the Friends of International Students community group, and get matched with an international student to do things together..
- If you’re female and want to welcome foreign women to the local community, join the International Women’s Club. Pick up an application form from OISS, 1111 University Capitol Centre.
Is there life after graduation?
- Consider applying for a Fulbright Scholarship for graduating seniors and get back overseas! Contact Kristi Fitzpatrick, Grants & Development, International Programs, 335-2823.
- Consider a stint in the Peace Corps, the toughest job you’ll ever love. Contact the UI campus representative, peacecorps@uiowa.edu.