The University of Iowa values our relationships with the parents, other family members, and friends of our international students. This site can help you stay updated on the things impacting your students' lives here in Iowa City. I always welcome hearing from you.
Lee Seedorff
Senior Associate Director
International Student and Scholar Services
Current news
12/20/2019
International Parents of the Year 2019
International Student and Scholar Services received so many excellent nominations for the International Parents of the Year award, it became difficult to choose only one recipient. This year, we are pleased to announce two recipients.
12/3/2019
International student spotlight: Mishma Nixon
Every year thousands of international students make the fearless decision to advance their education in the United States. With thousands of colleges to choose from, these students qualify for some of the most prestigious programs in the nation. As prospective scholars weed out their options, they soon begin looking for an institution that feels like home. More than 3,100 international students and scholars currently call the University of Iowa home. Beyond their academic programs, the university has proven to be a welcoming, supportive, and integrated space for international applicants. And for a student like Mishma Nixon, current second-year Hawkeye student originally from Sri Lanka, that was all she could ask for.
11/14/2019
Building Our Global Community Celebrates 15 Years
Building Our Global Community is a free program offered to all University of Iowa faculty and staff members interested in gaining insight on the experiences and expectations of international students and scholars. Going on 15 years, the program has transformed the education system and relationships faculty and staff members create with international students and scholars.
4/29/2019
From Lanzhou, China, to Iowa City, Iowa: Zhiting Feng reflects on his undergraduate academic career
Learn about Zhiting Feng, undergraduate student from China, pursuing a double major in biochemistry and ethics & public policy.
1/27/2019
Q&A with Yufei Qu about her experience as an international student at the University of Iowa
Yufei Qu, international student from China, talks about her experiences at the University of Iowa.
12/14/2018
First-year student Emily Gumal on her experience as an international student at the UI
Emily Gumal, international student from Malaysia, talks about her experiences at the University of Iowa.
11/29/2018
In the news: Language acquisition research earns PhD student top Three Minute Thesis prize
Tianlu Zhang’s 3MT on learning Chinese as a second language earned first place in 2018 competition
11/27/2018
International Parents of the Year 2018
This year International Student and Scholar Services received so many excellent nominations for International Parents of the Year, it became difficult to choose one recipient. So we chose two, and are very happy to announce both.
11/8/2018
Stunning photos capture UI student life, here and abroad
International Programs Annual Photo Contest one highlight of International Education Week
11/1/2018
In the news: Journalism TA wins awards for dissertation on climate-change coverage in Korea
Defending his dissertation in May, Byung Wook Kim has one final semester devoted to the completion of his research about how news covers climate change in Korea. Kim was recognized by two organizations for his work.
Services and Support for Students
8/29/2016
Certificate program for faculty and staff fosters intercultural campus community
Building Our Global Community is a certificate program offered by International Programs in collaboration with UI Learning & Development that educates University of Iowa faculty and staff about the experiences of international students and scholars, and methods in which they can foster our increasingly intercultural campus community. Participants who complete the series of sessions (one “core” course and four electives) earn a certificate that demonstrates their commitment to supporting international students and scholars in the classroom and workplace.
2/3/2016
Impact of International Experiences
In his latest Dean's blog, Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs Downing Thomas writes about the impact of international experiences. While close to three-quarters of S&P 500 companies generate international revenue, the leaders of these companies have a long way to go in developing their global competencies. Yes, English has become the lingua franca of international business; but culture is always local. And far too few executives have the skills to be truly successful in unfamiliar cultural waters. Culture is far more than mastering a calendar of national holidays or knowing how to say hello. Negotiation varies from one culture to another, as do a vast array of expectations related to the business of getting things done, ranging from timing to process, from who decides to how to approach next steps. To be competitive, our graduates need to have the skills that allow them to approach new situations with confidence, to listen attentively to what is being said and what is not being said, and to understand multiple shades of grey. And an excellent way to gain such skills is to study, intern, or live abroad.
9/15/2015
University Counseling Services and International Students
An introduction to University Counseling Services and the support they offer for your student.
9/4/2015
2015 International Student Support and Integration Report Available
The 2015 International Student Support and Integration Report, prepared by the University of Iowa International Student Committee, is now available. Covering the period from 2008-2015, the report assesses the growth and effectiveness of programs and initiatives related to international students on the University of Iowa campus.
9/12/2014
What Exactly Does ISSS Do?
The "About" section of our website and new International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) Facebook page gives a basic description, but what does it really mean and who does ISSS serve?
Academics
11/16/2015
Enrollment of international students at UI soars
The University of Iowa has the 47th-highest international student enrollment in the nation, out of 1,485 higher education institutions in 2014–15, according to data released Nov. 16 as part of the Open Doors Report.
10/14/2015
Midterms, Low Grades, and Guest Account Access to the Iowa Student Information System (ISIS)
A discussion of the fall semester midterms, what happens when students are not doing well, and how to get guest account access to ISIS.
Employment and Volunteering
9/4/2015
International Parents' Blog: Welcome to Fall 2015!
Welcome international families and friends to the new International Parents' Blog! This entry will give you some idea of what your students may be going through at the start of the semester, examples of activities and organizations they can become involved in, and the "culture shock" they might be experiencing.
ISSS events
12/4/2015
University of Iowa Football Game to Be Streamed Internationally
Have a chance to watch American college football as the Iowa Hawkeyes take on Michigan State University!
11/9/2015
Advisor Professional Development - NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Several International Student and Scholar Services staff were recently able to participate in an international education conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
11/4/2015
Halloween at International Programs
International students and scholars were able to enjoy an American tradition - carving the Jack-o'-lantern!
9/4/2015
International Parents' Blog: Welcome to Fall 2015!
Welcome international families and friends to the new International Parents' Blog! This entry will give you some idea of what your students may be going through at the start of the semester, examples of activities and organizations they can become involved in, and the "culture shock" they might be experiencing.
9/19/2014
University of Iowa international students use the ‘buddy’ system
The Gazette reports on the UI's new internaitonal pairing programs including International Programs' 'Friends Without Borders' and the Tippie College of Business' 'International Buddies at Tippie' program
Housing
3/7/2016
You can't always get what you want
I wanted Bowland College, but I got Furness College instead. All students at Lancaster are divided into colleges. Not like “College of Liberal Arts and Sciences” or “College of Nursing”; they’re social colleges, not academic colleges. Think Hogwarts.
Iowa City Community
1/25/2016
The Iowa Caucuses
On February 1 Iowans will choose the presidential candidates in the Democrat and Republican parties who they wish to see move on to the national election. This is a rare opportunity for international visitors to witness a tradition that is very unique to the state of Iowa.
Biographies and Awards
9/17/2015
International Parent of the Year 2015 Runners Up - Ying Pan and Hong Pan
Introducing the ISSS International Parent of the Year runners up for 2015, Ms. Ying Pan and her sister Ms. Hong Pan of China.
9/17/2015
International Parent of the Year 2015 - Hameed Nada Hammad and Lameeah Bunyan Jabal
Introducing the ISSS International Parent of the Year winners for 2015, Mr. Hameed Nada Hammad and Mrs. Lameeah Bunyan Jabal of Iraq.
9/17/2015
ISSS Advisor Brandon Paulson
Get to know International Student and Scholar Services advisor Brandon Paulson!
1/28/2015
International Spotlight: Luis Germán Vargas
Luis Germán Vargas, originally from Bucaramangaro, Colombia, graduated from the University of Iowa in 1972 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Today he lives in Cali, Colombia where he works as a Projects Engineer for Colgate Palmolive.
1/28/2015
International Spotlight: Agnes Lam
Originally from Hong Kong, Agnes graduated from the University of Iowa International Writing Program in 2008 as an Honorary Fellow in Writing. Since then, she has accomplished a wide range of achievements. She was awarded the Nosside International Poetry Prize (Special Mention) in 2008 and some of her poems have been translated into German, Italian and other languages.
1/24/2015
International Spotlight: Harold Van Beek
Harold Van Beek is an alumnus from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. His family is here with him which includes his best friend and wife, Astrid, their son Laurens, who will attend the University of Iowa next year, and two dogs, Kiba and Mocha.
1/23/2015
International Spotlight: Downing Thomas
Dr. Downing A. Thomas is well-known on campus as the Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs. Thomas is also a professor in the Department of French and Italian in CLAS. He received his doctorate in French Literature from New York University, and took a position with the University of Iowa soon after.
12/19/2014
International Spotlight: Star Shen leads Chinese commencement broadcast
Xingyu “Star” Shen, a sophomore psychology and communication studies major, enjoyed serving as commentator for galas and events at his high school in Jiaxing, China. During his first year at the University of Iowa, he was able to put those skills to use. Shen led an effort in May 2014 to broadcast the Tippie College of Business commencement ceremony over the internet with live Chinese commentary.
12/11/2014
International Spotlight: Evans Ochola
International Student and Scholar Services has been very fortunate to work with some wonderful students over the years who devote much of their time outside the classroom to building a strong community for international students. Dr. Evans Ochola is one of those students who remains a friend to ISSS long after finishing his degree programs at the University of Iowa.