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.
Current news
3/17/2021
An open letter to our University Community on anti-Asian harm
Let us be clear. We stand in solidarity with Asian American students, international students from Asia, Pacific Islanders, and the Pan Asian community, who continue to experience fear and intimidation. They deserve better. We will do everything in our power to make their safety and security a priority. We will continue our work to eliminate racism on our campus, community, and state.
5/4/2021
Student spotlight: Tejaswini Kannan
First-year student Tejaswini Kannan hasn’t let the COVID pandemic slow her down. Already a leader on campus and involved with on-campus research, Tejaswini has her sights on medical school in the future.
4/30/2021
Tidjo Thierry Kuagbenu (BS actuarial science ’04) reflects on his memories from the University of Iowa
Tidjo Thierry Kuagbenu (BS actuarial science ’04) has enjoyed a successful career in a variety of corporations and locations across the world. He has fond memories of his time at the University of Iowa, including professors that had an impact on his educational experience.
4/29/2021
Student spotlight: Zhuolun Li
Zhuolun Li, UI student double-majoring in psychology and economics, hails from Kunming, China. He is the current vice president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and was also recognized for his contributions as a student employee in the Catlett Hall Market Place.
3/31/2021
Paige Ho on her sense of community at the University of Iowa
Paige Ho, double-major in journalism and marketing from Vietnam, calls the University of Iowa her ‘home away from home.’ The honors student is heavily involved on campus through leadership roles in student organizations and student employment. She kindly shared thoughts about her UI experience.
3/18/2021
Sydney Nguyen on her sense of community at the University of Iowa
Sydney Nguyen, English and creative writing major from Vietnam, has already made a large impact on campus in just her second year of her undergraduate career. That involvement has helped her to thrive as a student and gain a sense of community at the University of Iowa.
3/17/2021
In the news: International Programs expects a ‘gradual’ return to normal starting this fall
It will take time for international-student enrollment to return to its normal frequency and volume, experts predict, as vaccines are doled out throughout the world.
3/3/2021
Yiran Li (BFA ‘18, MA ‘20) shares how she discovered her passion for 3D design at the University of Iowa
Yiran Li (BFA ‘18, MA ‘20) shares how she discovered her passion for 3D design at the University of Iowa
9/21/2020
UI's ability to communicate through WeChat now in question
The University of Iowa's ability to communicate with students, their families, and our international community through WeChat as we have in the past is now in question.
7/29/2020
Student Spotlight: Aasthika Das
Growing up in Kolkata, India, Aasthika Das had always assumed she would attend a university in India. That is until her sister, who is five years older, returned from her higher education studies in the U.S. and shared the style of education she received, how different it was from India, and the many opportunities that were available.
Services and Support for Students
5/20/2020
From India to Iowa: Finding a Home and His True Self
Aviral recalls the first three months at the UI as an exciting time, but not without its challenges. Beyond learning how to balance studies, he found himself struggling to make social connections. “Initially, I think I was trying to be someone I wasn’t in order to fit in. It was pretty stressful and really tiring. I finally decided to quit worrying about how to act and just be me. This is when everything started to change.”
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.
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 international 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.