According to the latest analysis from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, during the 2022-23 academic year, international students studying at the University of Iowa (UI) contributed $66.3 million in spending in the higher education, accommodation, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and health insurance sectors, and supported 572 jobs.
“The international students at the University of Iowa enrich our community in multiple ways,” said Nancy Bird, president of Greater Iowa City, Inc., a network of local business and public sector leaders. “Not only do they generate a significant economic impact through local spending, but they also increase our talent pool.”
With over 2,000 international students, the University of Iowa accounted for more than a quarter of the financial contributions from international students in the state of Iowa last year. Additionally, the presence of international students at Iowa fosters cultural diversity and enriches the educational experience for domestic students by exposing them to a global perspective. Their diverse backgrounds enhance classroom discussions and research endeavors, creating a more dynamic learning environment.
According to Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of UI International Programs, the economic, academic, and cultural impact of Iowa's international students is invaluable. “Their contributions enrich our campus in multiple ways while extending the reach of the Hawkeye family across the world,” said Ganim.
“International Programs at the University of Iowa truly helps bring a global perspective to all of our endeavors as a community rich in thought leaders,” added Bird.
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.