Whether it’s taking advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and study overseas, building a resume with a global internship, or gaining a better understanding of yourself and the world, nearly every student who studies abroad, says the same thing. “Choosing to study abroad was easily the most impactful and transformative decision I made in college.” If you start exploring your study abroad options early (ideally as a first-year student), you’ll have more time to find funding, a program that works best for you, and, if you’re lucky, study abroad multiple times (the “travel bug” is real). Not sure where to start? Here are our top five things every Iowa student who wants to study abroad should take advantage of.
1. Attend the fall Study Abroad Fair on September 12
A can't miss event! Explore study abroad programs and global internships, learn about scholarships and grants, and connect with study abroad advisors and students who have returned from abroad. Plus, all fair attendees who register their attendance at the fair will be entered to win one of two $500 scholarships to study abroad. Learn more about the day
2. Make an appointment to get a passport at our on-campus U.S. Passport Office
Call (319) 353-2700 today to schedule an appointment! Don't wait for the last minute - passports can take up to 11 weeks to process and are good for 10 years! Plus, our friendly staff will walk you through every step of the process! Visit passport.uiowa.edu to learn more.
3. Explore study abroad scholarships and grants
Each year we help Iowa students write winning scholarship applications, awarding upwards of $700,000 to UI students to study, intern, or do research abroad! Peruse our scholarship page to learn how you can apply for merit, need-based, and diversity scholarships and grants, and follow us on Instagram to stay on top of upcoming information sessions. Additionally, talk to financial aid to understand how the scholarships and grants you already receive can be applied to studying abroad.
4. Register for a Discover Study Abroad (DSA) session
DSA is an easy and informative, one-time, 30-minute session that provides an overview of Study Abroad and the steps you'll need to take to find and apply for the right international opportunity. Completion is mandatory for anyone who wants to study abroad and can be done via Zoom or via the ICON course. Sign up and take it with a friend! Enroll now!
5. Tell your academic advisor you want to study abroad
Academic advisors are a great resource for understanding how and when study abroad fits into your academic goals. Check out our Major Advising Pages (MAPS) to learn more about your specific major and studying abroad.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.