Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity is a semester-long student leadership training program designed to increase intercultural awareness and skills, while enhancing understanding and connection through diversity of life experiences. Focus is on increasing self-awareness while building intercultural leadership skills.
The program brings together undergraduate and graduate/professional domestic and international students at the University of Iowa. Students selected to participate in the Bridge program will be one of approximately 25 UI students identified to receive intercultural leadership training.
Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity has no costs and the program does not offer course credit for participating in it. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate and be recognized on the International Programs website.
How to Apply
Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity program application for the spring 2026 semester will be available in fall 2025. Please complete this interest survey to be contacted when the application is available.
Participants in the program will:
- Explore personal cultural background and understand how it affects your interaction with others.
- Demonstrate understanding of culture and how to navigate differences and cross-cultural conflicts.
- Experience building effective cross-cultural relationships.
Participant Benefits:
- Intercultural training that will be applicable to your role as a student leader, as well as, your future career.
- A certificate verifying your engagement and achievements from this program. Successful participants will also receive letters of recommendation upon request.
- Group size is limited in order to ensure opportunities for in-depth discussions. You may expect to learn more about your own culture(s) and the cultures of others in the group.
- Opportunities to make new friends.
Spring 2025
Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity program will meet in person in the Spring 2025 semester. Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. each week in the International Commons 1117 UCC.
If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Paulson by email brandon-paulson@uiowa.edu.
Participant talks about what he gained from the program
"Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity is an excellently-designed program with great instructors! It has a lot to offer both to undergraduate and graduate students who are looking to learn valuable intercultural skills which will help them have a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. The program also provides the participants with concrete tools to navigate cultural conflicts in their future careers."
UI Accessibility Statement
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Brandon Paulson in advance at (319) 335-0335.
UI Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, education programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, (319) 335-0705.
Contacts
Program Contact
Contact Brandon Paulson with questions about the Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity certificate program by email brandon-paulson@uiowa.edu or phone (319) 335-0335.
Be Better at Iowa
As part of the Be Better at Iowa Initiative, this program integrates Dr. Corey Seemiller’s Student Leadership Competencies (SLCs) into educationally purposeful experiences to support student success.