Designed and led by University of Iowa professors who offer unique expertise in the subject matter being studied, short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs can provide a more focused, cost-effective, and flexible learning experience that can fit into any student's academic schedule. In addition to having a trusted guide along for the program, traveling abroad with a group of peers and a professor creates a great networking opportunity and can foster close friendships because of this shared experience. 

Recently returned from their short-term programs abroad, we reached out to this winter’s Diversity Ambassadors Scholarship recipients to see what they thought of their faculty-led experiences and what advice they might have for their fellow students considering studying abroad. 

Zeina Aboushaar, a fourth-year finance and economics major from Damascus, Syria, studied abroad on the faculty-led International Business in London program.  

“I learned so much about international business and got first-hand experience by visiting offices in the financial district in London. This experience has opened my eyes to so many new opportunities and gave me a deeper insight into what I want in a future career.” 
 

Anjana Biswa, a fourth-year global health major from Des Moines, Iowa, studied abroad on the faculty-led India Winterim Sustainable Development program. 

"I was able to learn about sustainable development in Kerala led by Professor Jerry Anthony. I would recommend a short-term, faculty-led course abroad because you get to have a structured day alongside other diverse learners. You get to learn a new culture, acquire global skills, and gain personal and professional opportunities. I want to thank the Diversity Ambassador Scholarship for helping me in making my study abroad dream come true!" 

Ben Dent, a third-year finance major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, studied abroad on the faculty-led International Business in London program. 

“Study abroad is such a unique experience that can really only be done during your time in college. There isn’t going to be another time after you graduate to do something quite like it, so doing it while at school is a must. Getting the chance to go somewhere across the globe to learn, while also being surrounded by people different than yourself, enables you to learn so much more than if you were just sitting in a classroom. You get to learn about different cultures, histories, and policies in an environment that breeds unique perspectives. My winter experience in London was everything I hoped for and more! I knew that I didn’t want to be away from friends and family for a full semester, but I still had the urge to study abroad. This program was the perfect amount of time, and I would highly recommend anyone to do it as well. Additionally, the fact that it was with a Tippie professor, and large group of Tippie students, made the whole thing feel a lot more personalized. It’s also been so fun seeing everyone around campus now that we’re all back!” 

Daijonna Glee, a third-year accounting major from Chicago, Illinois, studied abroad on the faculty-led International Business in London program. 

“This course taught us that culture is embedded in everything we do and how to understand our differences when engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. The best part of this course was that we were learning how to navigate ourselves properly and respectfully while actively being a part of another culture abroad, so we were able to immediately use the knowledge that we gained in class out in the real world! You will never truly understand your capabilities until you are out of your comfort zone! Going abroad is never easy but the memories will last a lifetime!” 

Maya Hawkins, a fourth-year finance major from Chicago, Illinois, studied abroad on the faculty-led International Business in Sydney program. 

“My experience with the International Business in Sydney program helped me learn how to be more open to understanding different perspectives on life and business. This was a great program to participate in because we were able to learn a lot from the course and the various companies' presentations gave a lot of insight into how business in the Asian Pacific is managed. This journey was truly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience; it taught me what is meant to be will be." 

Rachael Hensley, a fourth-year finance major from Clinton, Iowa, studied abroad on the faculty-led International Business in London program. 

“Choosing to study abroad in London was one of the best decisions I made throughout my college career. Learning about finance in a different country allowed us to discuss topics that we may not have considered during a normal Iowa class. Not only did it open new discussion topics in the classroom, but the study abroad experience was an amazing opportunity that allowed us to take in and explore a new environment. If you are considering studying abroad, I highly recommend it!” 

Britney McDonald, a third-year social work major from Iowa City, Iowa, studied abroad on the faculty-led Women’s Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program. 

“My study abroad course (Women's Empowerment) was a life-altering experience. As a social work major, it allowed me a first-hand experience with a community organization. I made some lifelong friends from this adventure.” 

 

Miriam Ochs, a fourth-year history and theater major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, studied abroad on the faculty-led European Ceramics Studio program. 

“If you have the means, I would highly recommend taking the opportunity to study abroad under Iowa faculty. My time in Rome with the Iowa Ceramics Department rejuvenated my love of learning, filling every day with the ability to walk on ancient streets, visit astounding monuments of history, and enjoy delicious affordable food on every corner. This trip and this course brought me to a better understanding of myself as I tried to navigate Roman culture, and it gave me a newfound confidence to move through the world as a student and as a human.” 

Tegan Wharton, a second-year biology major from Springfield, Illinois, studied abroad on the faculty-led Comparative Health Systems program in the Dominican Republic. 

“What surprised me the most when I began looking into study abroad programs were the variety of funding opportunities available to students. One of my reservations about studying abroad was the ability to front the cost of such an inclusive experience, but so many scholarships and grants are available to students willing to hunt for them and create a thoughtful application. For my very first time out of the country, a two-week study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic was the perfect first exposure. I was able to find a program that aligned so well with my career and academic interests surrounded by people who shared similar goals. I ended up with a new group of friends and an appreciation for other cultures!” 

The Diversity Ambassador Scholarship program supports the diversification of students who study abroad by providing awards to students from diverse backgrounds and identities, many of whom are traditionally underrepresented on study abroad programs. 

Up to ten $1,000 Diversity Ambassador Scholarships are awarded for the spring and fall semesters/academic year, and another ten scholarships are awarded for summer and winter sessions. 

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.