Events

Upcoming Events

Study Abroad Conversation Series: Engaging with Language and Culture Abroad

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

One of the most rewarding parts of study abroad is connecting with the local language and culture. In this session, learn how other students overcame language barriers, built meaningful relationships, and immersed themselves in their host communities.

The Study Abroad Conversation Series amplifies the voices of students who studied abroad, allowing them to share their experiences and stories with students whether they have committed to studying abroad or not. All conversations feature current or...

Book Reading by Keiichiro Hirano

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Prairie Lights Books

Join the University of Iowa (UI) Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, an International Programs affinity group, for a special event with acclaimed Japanese author Keiichiro Hirano.

Canceled

BGC: Story Stitch

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 10:30am to 12:00pm

Virtual

This introduction class will introduce the Building Our Global Community program and share an overview of the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants will have opportunity to learn about the cultural adjustment experienced by international students and strategies to assist with the transition.

Free Coffee Hour: Shrinky-Dink Keychains

Thursday, February 26, 2026 2:00pm to 3:00pm

University Capitol Centre

Take a break, treat yourself, and enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on us! Join us for a relaxing session where you can create shrinky-dink keychains with friends!

Iftar Dinner

Thursday, February 26, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Phillips Hall

Ramadan Mubarak!
Join MENASA and the Arabic Program for our first iftar dinner of the holy month of Ramadan. We invite you to try fasting for the day from 5:39 AM to 5:53 PM, and then break your fast with us at iftar.During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. Fasting is meant to deepen gratitude, strengthen empathy for those in need, and bring individuals closer to God and their community. Come experience the spirit of Ramadan and learn what this special month means to MENA and Muslim communities around the world. We hope to see you there!

Fulbright Writing Workshop 1: Writing your Way Into the World

Friday, February 27, 2026 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Virtual

Learn the basics of writing competitive grants essays with UI Fulbright Program Advisor Karen Wachsmuth.

Engaging Across Cultures: Employment

Monday, March 2, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Virtual

This session will help guide graduate and professional students to map out their career path after graduation. Facilitators will help tackle some concerns international graduate students might have regarding employment in the United States. Facilitators will assist participants to discover potential career interests and prepare for future employment.

BGC: Engaging Multilingual Learners Across Disciplines

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Virtual

This course will focus on how to consider and include the perspective of students with English as an additional language in all classrooms.

International Student Hangout: Conversations that Matter

Thursday, March 5, 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...

A Conversation with the United Nations Youth Observer

Friday, March 6, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Phillips Hall

Meet the UN Youth Observer for a conversation about how you can become involved locally and globally in civic engagement and public service careers. Share your thoughts on international issues and global policies with Jarrett as he travels the US to learn about and share the perspectives of young people.

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IP Series and Annual Events

Commitment to Internationalization Lecture Series

Started in 2016, this series features experts in the field of international education. These experts help to foster ongoing, campus-wide conversations about the UI’s vision and strategic themes for campus internationalization.

Cultivating Success: A Global Faculty Initiative

Drawing on the expertise of veteran faculty, these panel discussions focus on a range of topics relevant to international scholarship and teaching, including cross-national research collaborations, navigating administrative structures, work-life balance, tenure and promotion, and classroom experiences.

International Education Month

Each November, the University of Iowa celebrates the many ways international education and exchange opportunities prepare citizens for community building in both national and international settings.

Major Projects Award

Through the generous support of the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, this award promotes important contributions to scholarly debates and exchanges on international topics, issues, discoveries, and arts. These may take the form of collaborations, symposia, conferences, lecture series, artistic exhibitions, and performance events.

Provost's Global Forum

This forum is the premier annual event on campus focused on international and global issues. It brings together experts from the faculty and leading voices from a variety of areas to raise awareness about, and contribute to debate on, the foremost issues in globalization that face us today.

Study Abroad Conversation Series

This new series, for prospective and returned study abroad students, covers essential topics like funding study abroad, leveraging international experiences for career growth, gaining global skills, and traveling mindfully.

Series Archive

Global Alumni Spotlight Series

This series featured in-depth conversations with UI alumni who have international backgrounds or experiences, and explore global and international topics that cross disciplines, borders, and connect Iowa with the world.

WorldCanvass

WorldCanvass®, which ran for 15 years, was hosted by Joan Kjaer. Through discussions with scholars, community members, and thought leaders, the program explored topics that were international in scope and central to our understanding of how individuals fit into the global landscape.