Create. Discover. Engage. Succeed.

International Programs (IP) shapes and guides the University of Iowa’s role as a leading international institution serving Iowa and the world.

We provide guidance and support for international students in the University of Iowa community, as well as scholarships and assistance for UI students who wish to study, intern, or do research abroad. We also provide funding opportunities and grant and fellowship assistance for UI faculty engaged in international research. We amplify the globally oriented accomplishments of UI students, faculty, and staff by promoting such work through various media and public engagement activities.

    Vision and Strategic Themes for Campus Internationalization

    To be effective citizens and to excel in their chosen careers, UI students must develop cross cultural competencies, and we must provide them opportunities to learn to function successfully and with ease in global environments. The learning and discovery guided by faculty at the University of Iowa reshape our understanding of the world, improve quality of life for many, and create economic benefits in the State of Iowa and around the globe. International relationships and partnerships, from the individual to the institutional, within and beyond our campus, add value to and expand the reach of our curricula, research, outreach, and economic development activities. We must successfully leverage these partnerships, including with our alumni living abroad. The University of Iowa must think and act as a global institution to be in a position to excel over the coming decades.

      Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization 2017
      In 2017, the University of Iowa was one of only four schools in the United States to receive the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

      The four pillars that define our focus, along with our commitments to strengthen each pillar, are outlined below:

      Student Success

      • Promote and support the development of international coursework that encourages an understanding of global perspectives as part of general education requirements, as well as major and minor programs of study
      • Recruit, retain, and increase the number of qualified international undergraduate and graduate students to promote the goals of a diverse and pluralistic campus
      • Develop collaborations with international partners to offer study abroad, international research, and global internship opportunities that meet the needs of today’s student
      • Strengthen the international student and campus connection, and increase awareness of resources, events, and support services intended to enhance the success of international students

      Research & Discovery

      • Support collaboration among academic units and external organizations to drive interdisciplinary research activity
      • Increase international research and scholarship
      • Enhance external grant and internship activity

      Engagement

      • Strengthen relationships with state and local organizations and with the greater Iowa community
      • Engage alumni relationships for programming, sponsorships, recruiting
      • Offer support to departments who want to engage in internationally related outreach activities

      Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Collaboration

      • Promote cultural understanding among the UI’s diverse populations
      • Supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students
      • Increase the percentage of underrepresented minority students participating in study abroad programs

      Annual Report

      See what International Programs has been up to this past year.

      Read report

      Services

      • International Student and Scholar Services, including international student orientations, immigration and personal advising, and ongoing assistance to the UI’s international community
      • Study Abroad advising, program development and administration, and services to support UI students before, during, and following a study experience abroad
      • Student Grants and Fellowships, including: Fulbright Program, Boren Scholarships, Critical Language Scholarships, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad, Gilman Scholarships, and Stanley Awards for International Research
      • Faculty Funding and Services, including: Fulbright Program, Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad, Grant-Writing Assistance, Global Curriculum Development Award, Global Research Partnership Award, International Travel Award, Provost's Global Forum, Major Projects Award, Special Projects Award, and Summer Research Fellowships
      • Intercultural Training services, offered in collaboration with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which prepare UI faculty and staff, students, and the greater community to be effective global citizens through a variety of training programs and assessment tools
      • Classroom and Community Programs, to connect Iowans with the world, including teacher training and community programs and events, such as "WorldCanvass”
      • Academic support for affinity groups in International Programs
      • Communications and Relations services, to promote and share the international research and scholarship of UI faculty, staff and students through various media and public engagement activities
      • Passport Services (recognized by the U.S. Department of State as the University of Iowa Passport Acceptance Facility)

      Affinity Groups

      International Programs supports several academic centers, programs, and networks that support the internationalization of the UI campus.

      Commitment to Internationalization Lecture Series

      Each year, International Programs invites experts in the field of international education to foster ongoing, campus-wide conversations.

      Learn more about the series