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.
At the University of Iowa, we are #GrowingGlobalHawks through our commitment to all students in their growth, learning, networking, and expansion of knowledge and capacity for what’s new. We hope this month provides space and opportunities for the greater campus community to participate and engage in growing as global Hawks.
International Education Month Events
International Internship Student Panel
Monday, November 3, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm
International Internship Student Panel
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) - Study Abroad Scholarship - Writing Workshop
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 3:30pm to 5:30pm
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is a fully funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It sends undergraduate and graduate students abroad for eight weeks of intensive language learning and cultural immersion.
Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Interested in studying abroad in Germany or Austria? Join us to explore Study Abroad programs that can help you complete your German major or minor while gaining global experience.
Pecha Kucha - Glocal at Iowa
Friday, November 7, 2025 11:30am to 12:30pm
Using the fast-paced and visually engaging Pecha Kucha format—meaning “chit-chat” in Japanese—five student speakers will share their most meaningful “glocal” experiences in six-minute presentations composed of 20 timed slides.
Study Abroad with the College of Education: Info Sessions
Monday, November 10, 2025 9:00am to 9:30am
Learn about short-term study abroad opportunities with the College of Education.
Study Abroad with the College of Education: Info Sessions
Monday, November 10, 2025 11:30am to 11:59am
Learn about short-term study abroad opportunities with the College of Education.
Study Abroad with the College of Education: Info Sessions
Monday, November 10, 2025 12:00pm to 12:29pm
Learn about short-term study abroad opportunities with the College of Education.
Building our Global Community: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:30am to 12:00pm
In this two-part interactive class, participants will explore the four intercultural conflict styles using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS).
Department of Political Science Undergraduate Career Workshop: Study and Internships Abroad
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 11:00am to 12:00pm
Wrap up the semester with free pizza and an opportunity to learn about study abroad and international internship opportunities specifically geared toward political science majors!
Boren Award - Study Abroad Scholarship - Information Session
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 11:30am to 12:30pm
The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are for students who want to dive deep into a less-commonly taught language while studying abroad in places like Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East. In return, awardees commit to working in the federal government after graduation for at least one year.
Unfolding the Map: Language and Curiosity as your Secret Weapon in 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Join us for a discussion on how language can be both a skill and a strategic asset in international settings and careers - with guests Karri Goeldner Byrne and Pia Wanek.
Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Interested in studying abroad in Germany or Austria? Join us to explore Study Abroad programs that can help you complete your German major or minor while gaining global experience.
Study Abroad Conversation Series: Living Logistics and Budgeting Abroad
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
From managing money to navigating housing and transportation, there’s a lot to consider when living abroad. Get practical advice from study abroad alumni on how to budget wisely, avoid hidden costs, and feel confident handling day-to-day logistics in a new country.
Commitment to Internationalization Lecture: Iowa alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne to discuss private sector’s role in global humanitarian response
Thursday, November 13, 2025 4:00pm to 5:30pm
University of Iowa (UI) alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne (BA communication theory ‘92) will deliver the 2025 Commitment to Internationalization Lecture, Navigating the Unpredictable: The Private Sector as Partners in Humanitarian Response.
Public Lecture: Entangled Ecologies: Memory, Place, and the Camellia Forests of Jeju
Thursday, November 13, 2025 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Drawing on ethnographic research with Jeju villagers, conservationists, and environmental activists, Dr. Jeongsu Shin, LB Korean Studies postdoctoral associate in the East Asia Program at Cornell University, will explore how memory, ecology, and place intertwine in Jeju’s Giving Forest.
Multicultural Showcase
Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Multicultural Showcase introduces University of Iowa (UI) students, faculty, staff, and the greater Iowa City community to different cultures through vocal and dance performances, ethnic dishes to try, as well as interactive tabling hosted by student organizations and UI colleges and departments.
Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: (Re)tracing Anne Frank: Living, Fleeing, Hiding & Writing
Monday, November 17, 2025 11:30am to 12:30pm
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.
Stanley Award for International Research - Information Session
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Dreaming of doing your own research abroad? The Stanley Award for International Research gives UI students up to $2,500 to design and carry out a research or fieldwork project overseas.
Building our Global Community: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 10:30am to 12:00pm
In this two-part interactive class, participants will explore the four intercultural conflict styles using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS).
Food Around the World
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
The Food Studies Group, a promising new initiative supported by International Programs, will host its first event, Food Around the World, on Wednesday, November 19, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Culture Bites Cafe, room 120 of Phillips Hall. Free and open to all students, this event invites attendees to explore global cultures through one of our greatest connectors—food.
IEM in the News
Global Student Award recipient Cynthia Okafor advances global education through mentoring
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Cynthia Okafor, a PhD candidate in pharmaceutics from Agulu, Nigeria, and recipient of a 2025 Global Student Award, embodies how mentorship and community can elevate international education.
Global Student Award recipient Leila Assadi promotes international understanding through campus leadership
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
University of Iowa student Leila Assadi, a double major in economics and political science and recipient of a 2025 Global Student Award, embodies what it means to be a globally minded Hawkeye.
Announcing the 2025 Global Student Award winners
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Global Student Award recognizes one undergraduate and one graduate student who are leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. The 2025 winners are Leila Assadi and Cynthia Okafor.
Food Studies Group debuts with “Food Around the World” event during International Education Month
Friday, October 17, 2025
The Food Studies Group, a new initiative within International Programs, will host its debut event, Food Around the World, which will explore global cultures through food and conversation. Faculty speakers will highlight how cuisine connects people across borders, fostering curiosity and international understanding.
New Pecha Kucha–style “Glocal at Iowa” event joins International Education Month lineup
Friday, October 17, 2025
As part of the University of Iowa’s 2025 International Education Month, the new program “Glocal at Iowa: Me – Iowa – the World” will feature five student speakers sharing their experiences through fast-paced Pecha Kucha presentations that highlight the connections between global and local perspectives.