Dear all,

As we enter the second month of the new year, I hope that each of you remains safe and well. The Omicron surge is an unwelcome reality, but our staff in International Programs has risen to the challenge, as our unit is fully operational as the second semester begins. We are especially pleased that even with this recent wave of Covid, the return to conventional study abroad has proceeded relatively smoothly. Students are departing this semester as planned, and while extra precautions and problem-solving are necessary, we anticipate that roughly 200 UI students and researchers will leave for international destinations during the spring term.

I would like to spend the bulk of this month’s message on International Programs' Annual Report for 2021. This report, prepared by Amy Brewster, Ben Partridge, and our superb Communications and Constituent Relations (CR) team, highlights IP’s many accomplishments in what was a better, but still challenging year. To my mind, the cover image summarizes the report’s content. The picture of a masked dancer sharing her culture outside during the “Wellspring” event at Hancher last fall conveys a sense of dynamism and celebration despite external obstacles. The event at Hancher, which IP co-sponsored and featured as its first WorldCanvass forum of this academic year, directly engaged the public and brought together communities both within and beyond the University of Iowa. And while in this case we should judge a book—or a report—by its cover, the stories inside reveal compelling narratives as well. 

There are several highlights, but I’d like to call your attention to just a few. It’s always interesting to look at the summaries from the various colleges at the UI to get a sense of what the campus as a whole is doing around internationalization. You’ll see that every college is heavily involved in global education. From the health sciences to the humanities, Iowa continues to internationalize its curriculum no matter what the external circumstances. In addition, the report features a number of stories on students going abroad on traditional programs as well as taking advantage of virtual opportunities. The adventurous example set by undergraduate and graduate/professional students, as well as our faculty, bodes well for the months ahead. Study abroad is funded in large measure by generous donations from readers such as yourselves. This past year saw well over $100,000 awarded to worthy study abroad candidates, and we take this occasion to express our warm thanks for your support.

Our annual report also spotlights the many contributions of our international students. The profiles of prominent international students and scholars are impressive on their own, but we would also like to underscore the success of our advocacy efforts for international students. This comes in the form of a Diversity Catalyst Award for our International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), as well as a University of Iowa Outstanding Staff Award for Shuhui Lin, of our International Student and Scholar Services team. Both ISAB and Lin exemplify our commitment to making Iowa a warm and welcoming place to students, researchers, and faculty from all over the world. While international enrollment is down on the undergraduate level, we are heartened by the steady—if not rising—numbers of international graduate and professional students. We are also encouraged by the increased number of international applications for the fall of 2022. IP is working very closely with the Office of Admissions to boost international yield, and having a larger pool of students definitely facilitates that effort.

Activity in IP this past year received frequent media coverage because of the hard work of our CR unit. The events they organized, the features they wrote, and the forums the team held drew local, national, and international attention. Within the global landscape, CR keeps us on the map, while also connecting us to friends and alumni. We are grateful for their continued excellence as the best media and outreach team at the UI.

Finally, we note the achievements of our faculty who—either through their research funded by the Stanley Support Organization or their work in our numerous academic centers and programs—ensure that the scholarship of UI faculty maintains its international reputation. The mentorship provided by faculty is also largely responsible for Iowa’s success in nationally competitive grants such as the Gilman, Boren, Critical Language, and Fulbright Awards. Karen Wachsmuth and her team work tirelessly with faculty to keep the stream of awards flowing to our globally motivated students. Our invitation to Fulbright’s 75th anniversary gala in Washington this past November proves yet again the reach of the Iowa and IP brand.

We would love your feedback on this year’s report. In the meantime, stay warm, and please accept our thanks for your continued friendship and support.

With all best wishes,

Russ