Monday, January 27, 2025

Ana Jimenez, senior advisor and program coordinator for Study Abroad at the University of Iowa, has been selected for a distinguished Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Program in Taiwan this March. This two-week intensive seminar immerses participants in Taiwan's higher education landscape, offering unique insights into the country's academic system, society, and culture.   

Jimenez’s journey to the Fulbright award began with a clear goal: to expand opportunities for UI students. While many students and faculty pursue Fulbright awards, Jimenez identified a unique opportunity for staff through the International Education Administrators Award.  

“Last year, as I started to outline professional goals for myself, I set my sights on applying for an IEA award,” said Jimenez. “The IEA award for Taiwan specifically mentioned in its eligibility criteria that study abroad advisors were welcome to apply, so it was a great fit. I’m excited for this professional development opportunity because I will get to meet and connect with higher education professionals in Taiwan. It will be a great opportunity for professional growth.”  

Cultural exchange is also at the heart of Jimenez's professional passion, shaped by her own international background. Born in Mexico and educated in both the United States and Mexico, she has also lived in France and South Korea. These experiences have influenced her approach to international education, equipping her to guide students through their own international journeys, particularly those venturing outside the United States for the first time.  

 "I think it’s important to expand our worldviews so that we can connect better with people from different backgrounds."

"I find that I can connect better with students when I have visited the country they're interested in," said Jimenez. "I love encouraging students to participate in similar experiences because I know their worldview and mindset will grow as a result. I think it’s important to expand our worldviews so that we can connect better with people from different backgrounds. I often meet with students who have never left Iowa or the U.S., and it’s great to see their growth after their study abroad experiences."  

The University of Iowa maintains partnerships with four universities in Taiwan. Through this program, Jimenez aims to create new opportunities for students interested in business, political science, international relations, and Chinese language.  

"Our students will benefit greatly from Ana’s new connections!”

University of Iowa Fulbright Program Advisor Dr. Karen Wachsmuth was a Fulbright IEA winner to Japan in 2016. “We are very excited about Ana’s IEA award to Taiwan, as she will be the first UI grantee to travel there," said Wachsmuth. "Many of our students have had the wonderful opportunity to serve as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in Taiwan, where educational exchange is a treasured experience in a beautiful, multilayered artistic and historic setting. Our students will benefit greatly from Ana’s new connections!”   

The Fulbright Program's impact extends far beyond individual scholars. Since its inception in 1946, it has fostered international collaboration among over 400,000 participants, including 62 Nobel Laureates, 90 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 82 MacArthur Fellows. Each year, more than 800 U.S. scholars and 2,000 U.S. students participate in Fulbright programs worldwide, contributing to a global network of academic and cultural exchange.  

Operating in more than 160 countries, the Fulbright Program represents a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of State, participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. In the United States, the Institute of International Education manages both the U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs, continuing to build bridges of international understanding through academic excellence and cultural exchange.  

Learn more about the Fulbright Program.  

 


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.