Study abroad scholarships are crucial for enabling access to international education, fostering cultural exchange, promoting global understanding, and empowering students to pursue enriching experiences beyond their home countries.

With support from the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides up to 10, $1,000 Global Access Ambassador Scholarships for the spring and fall semesters or academic year, and up to 10 scholarships for the summer and winter sessions.

The scholarship is intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon their return to the UI campus, with special consideration given to students with a history of overcoming adversity to pursue personal, academic, or professional goals.

Meet the 2024 winter recipients:

Ty Ahmed, a fourth-year finance, risk management and insurance major from Khartoum, Sudan, is studying this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.

"I am excited to explore Sydney’s culture and meet new people. I chose this program because it offers international exposure, hands-on learning, and cultural experiences, all while allowing me to learn directly from industry experts about business practices in Australia. Studying abroad opens doors to new perspectives, experiences, and personal growth, helping me gain a global mindset."





 

Emma Anderson, a fourth-year political science and international relations major from Boone, Iowa, is studying this winter on the USAC Alicante program.

"I have always been curious about the world and other cultures and how lives differ from my own. I believe that studying abroad is vital because there are so many lessons to be learned. If you are ambitious enough to seek out mentorship, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Additionally, venturing out into the world and bringing aspects of different cultures back to your home region is important for fostering mutual understanding across cultures.”




 

Meredith Arnold, a third-year finance major from Le Mars, Iowa, is studying this winter on the International Business in London, Topics in Finance program.

"I am most excited about having my first experience abroad! Having never left the United States before, this will be an exciting new adventure. I chose my program based on the course content and the location. Visiting London has been the number one item on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and I was lucky enough that it aligned with my areas of study! Studying abroad is important to me because it fosters a unique learning environment that cannot be replicated in a student's home country. By studying abroad, students can have the experience of a lifetime while connecting with their peers and gaining new perspectives that allow them to see the world through a new lens."


 

Isabelle Hetterich, a third-year marketing major from Plainfield, Illinois, is studying this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.

“I chose the Sydney program because I’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia. It offers a perfect combination of professional opportunities in my field and the chance to experience the country’s rich culture and diverse landscapes. Sydney stood out as a city that would allow me to thrive both academically and personally.

Studying abroad is important to me because it offers a chance to gain a global perspective, which is essential in today’s interconnected world. Both of my parents met while studying abroad in the United States, and I’ve always been inspired by their experiences. I believe this opportunity will allow me to grow academically and culturally, and help shape my future career, particularly in marketing where understanding diverse markets is key.”

 

Natalie Kehrli, a fourth-year psychology major from Manchester, Iowa, is studying this winter on the Women's Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program.

"I'm most excited about immersing myself in Dominican culture and learning from local leaders to better understand social change initiatives. I chose this program as it focuses on empowering women, which aligns closely with both my passion for social justice and supporting marginalized communities. Studying abroad is important to me because I believe it will broaden my perspectives and provide me with a global outlook that I can apply in my future endeavors when pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology."

 

Jake Kenevan, a second-year finance and accounting major from Chicago, Illinois, is studying this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.

“I am most excited to be traveling outside of the United States for the first time. I am looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture and expanding my worldview. I chose the program because I am studying finance and accounting, and I am a scholar in the Hawkinson Institute. I think business today requires a global perspective. Studying International Business in Sydney, Australia, and learning about management issues facing businesses in the Asia Pacific Region will broaden my business base. Also, the program will allow me to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites near Cairns, Australia. I will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef and to hike in the Queensland Rainforest. Studying abroad is important to me because it is a way to challenge myself and to gain confidence and independence. I also believe seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds will give me a broader perspective.”

Mawuena Morgan, a third-year art education and art major whose family lives in Des Moines, Iowa, and originally from Ghana, is studying this winter on the Women's Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program.

“I am most excited about immersing myself in a new culture, connecting with people I wouldn’t otherwise meet, and trying all the new foods. I chose this program because I realized that studying abroad might be my only opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic as a young adult. The chance to learn about and connect with others while exploring the history of women in the Dominican Republic is an experience I couldn’t pass up. Studying abroad is important to me as it is a privilege I’m grateful to embrace. Studying abroad offers authentic ways to engage with people and provides valuable guidance that will prepare me for future travels.”

 

Mariah Rodriguez, a fourth-year neuroscience major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is studying this winter on the Women's Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program.

"I am studying abroad to positively contribute to women's empowerment. I learned about this opportunity through the School of Social Work from Professor Motiér, who is the instructor for this course. I chose this program to work with marginalized and at-risk women, aiming to understand how to better support them. I am most excited about visiting the beach and experiencing the vibrant Dominican culture!"
 

Jace Storey, a fourth-year Bachelor of Liberal Studies major with a focus on justice and ethics from Hartley, Iowa, is studying this winter on The Ancient World & Genre Fiction program.

“I'm looking forward to immersing myself in Greek culture, exploring ancient sites, and finding new inspiration for my writing. I chose this program because it aligns well with my writing certificate coursework. This program combines hands-on exploration with a focus on Greek mythology, history, and storytelling. It’s a unique opportunity to develop my genre fiction skills while gaining cultural insights. Studying abroad offers a unique perspective on the world. As a young parent, I didn’t think this would be possible, but now that it is, I’m ready to make the most of it. Experiencing another culture firsthand will expand both my writing and personal growth.”


 

Wayko Wagner, a fourth-year finance major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is studying this winter on the International Business in London, Topics in Finance program.

"I am most excited about the opportunity to expand my international finance knowledge and experience a new culture alongside my peers. This is a great way for me to meet fellow Iowa business students in a unique learning environment, and I am looking forward to developing a broader world view. I chose the Topics in Finance London Winter Course because I am pursuing a career in the financial service industry, and I have always wanted to study abroad. This was the perfect choice because it is a two-week program packed with events and learning experiences that balance cultural exposure and classroom study. Studying abroad is important to me because I want to make the most of my college experience. Having this option of traveling abroad with my peers to enhance our education is once in a lifetime. It will be a highlight of my college career, and the memories will be cherished forever."

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.