Connecting Iowa with the world and the world with Iowa

The University of Iowa is committed to enriching the global experience of students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. International Programs does this by providing leadership and support for internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. We encourage students to see the world in a whole new way. Take a look around and see why thousands of students from Iowa and the world call us home each year.

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News

Leona Zaharis visiting Southeast Asia

Three UI students awarded Leona Zaharis Scholarship to study abroad

Thursday, February 5, 2026
Daniel Vorwerk
International Programs
Three University of Iowa undergraduate students are able to study abroad thanks to support from the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, a fund that was established in 2022 by Cathy Zaharis (BBA finance ’82) in memory of her mother.
lunar new year gold horse illustration

Experience the Lunar New Year at Iowa: A global celebration of cultural traditions, community, and hope

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Kate Murphy
International Programs
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the University of Iowa's Center for Asian and Pacific Studies and International Programs during a virtual event featuring students and alumni, panel discussions with faculty, and insights into cultural traditions from across Asia.
Fulbright 2025-2026 blue and red badge

UI named Fulbright Top Producing Institution for 10th year

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Iowa Now
This is the 10th year Iowa has earned this prestigious honor from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Out of thousands of applicants, 18 Iowa students were named Fulbright U.S. Student Program awardees.
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Events

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Irish Writing Program promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: Irish Writing Program

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 9:30am to 10:20am
English-Philosophy Building
Learn more about this faculty-led program designed for UI students to study under the direct mentorship of an award-winning creative writing faculty member in Dublin, Ireland.
Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: (Re)tracing Anne Frank: Living, Fleeing, Hiding & Writing promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: (Re)tracing Anne Frank: Living, Fleeing, Hiding & Writing

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Phillips Hall
Learn more about this faculty-led study abroad program designed to familiarize yourself with Anne Frank’s life and legacy by following in her footsteps in Amsterdam, the city in which she hid, when life in Germany became too dangerous.
International Student Hangout: Conversations that Matter promotional image

International Student Hangout: Conversations that Matter

Thursday, February 12, 2026 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This conversation-based hangout is designed for international students who want to connect and share experiences and perspectives on topics shaping our world and campus life. There are three hangouts in this series, and all offer a welcoming space to practice asking thoughtful questions, to engage in respectful dialogue, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Whether you want to speak, listen, or simply be part of the discussion, you’re invited to join us for meaningful conversations in a...

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students promotional image

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students

Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Virtual

Join Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for a comprehensive virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop to learn about eligibility, application steps, and key timelines. The event will kick off with an introduction to what OPT is and a live Q&A segment with ISSS Senior Advisor Kevin Roiseland.

Whether you’re a first-year student or heading toward graduation soon, we invite all international students to join this event.

This link to join will become active the...

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student sitting in front of ancient Greek temple smiling

2025 International Programs Annual Report

Our annual report showcases who we are and what we do, presenting a year-in-review of how we promote global education at the University of Iowa. 

Student looking down from temple in Bangkok

International Photo Contest Winners

What does global learning look like? For UI students, it’s a quiet café in Budapest or a snow-covered Iowa campus. See our 2025 International Photo Contest winners!

Deb Trusty and students in front of Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, Greece

Faculty-led Programs Abroad

Interested in going abroad next summer? Travel with renowned University of Iowa faculty, earn university credit, and make the world your classroom. Learn more about summer 2026 faculty-led programs at our upcoming info sessions!

Victor Morales in Lisbon

10

# of years Iowa has been named a Top Producer of Fulbright students
student laying in front of letters HOME in front of Univ. of Iowa old capitol building

200 +

Study abroad programs offered
Anna Correa standing next to other woman on colorful blue train in India

103

Countries represented by our international students
"If International Programs has one purpose, it is to open the minds and hearts of our community to the reality that the world is a stronger and better place when we celebrate the humanity in every individual and in every nation. We cannot learn to live together if we do not live to learn from each other."