The University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center offers the Hawkeye Experience Grant (HEG), which provides variable stipends to undergraduate students participating in applied learning experiences outside the classroom. Earlier this year, three students interning abroad during the summer were selected as HEG recipients: 

• Hunter Heppe, participant of the CIEE Tokyo Internship program
• William Drosen, participant of the CIEE Singapore Internship program
• Marissa Ambler, participant of the IES Dublin Internship program 

Hunter Heppe, a management major on a leadership and management track with a minor in anthropology, shared his excitement and gratitude, “Winning the Hawkeye Experience Grant was an amazing surprise, and it allowed me to travel on an internship abroad to Tokyo, Japan. Without the grant, I would not have been able to have this amazing experience and develop professionally and personally.” 

William Drosen, a management major on a human resources track with a certificate in international business, echoed similar sentiments. “Being awarded the Hawkeye Experience Grant helped me fulfill my goal of being able to do an internship abroad before finishing college,” he said. “Going abroad is very expensive, so I am thankful that I was awarded this grant to help ease this burden. I am thankful to the University of Iowa for providing me with this opportunity, and I am excited to represent all Hawkeyes in Singapore.” 

“The Hawkeye Experience Grant is a perfect example of teamwork and cross-unit collaboration at the University of Iowa,” said Monica Ernberger, senior study abroad advisor and global internship coordinator in International Programs. “It exemplifies how impactful scholarships and experiential learning can combine to change lives.” 

Ernberger, who has worked with the Pomerantz Career Center and the HEG since its inception, added, “Time and time again, I have seen the HEG enable students to pursue opportunities abroad to further their careers, explore new fields, and gain valuable work experience. These opportunities have helped our students stand out when applying for graduate or medical school or seeking positions in their chosen career fields. The HEG, combined with an internship abroad, allows our students to make the most of their time at Iowa.” 

Learn more about global internships

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.