Monday, February 3, 2025

Two University of Iowa students and twin sisters, Vivian and Winnie Ferrell, arrived at the University of Iowa (UI) Passport Office looking for an easy solution to get new passports while preparing for a trip to Mexico this March for spring break. Their appointments also happened to make Winnie Ferrell the 3,000th client served by the passport office since its opening in November 2021.

Both sisters have traveled abroad multiple times before with their parents and said they love traveling, one of which said she’s considering studying abroad.

“I think we were two years old when we got our first passports,” explained Winnie Ferrell, "and we were 15 when we got our last ones, so they were expired.” 

“It seemed like the easiest option since it’s right here on campus. It took me less than five minutes.”

The Ferrell sisters chose the UI Passport Office due to its location, helpful staff, and appointment availability.

“It seemed like the easiest option since it’s right here on campus. It took me less than five minutes,” Vivian Ferrell said.

The students attempted to get their passports updated online, but said it was too complicated to figure out on their own.

“It was just too confusing to do the government stuff, I didn’t know how to do it or what I was supposed to do,” said Winnie Ferrell. “Then, I went here, and it was just, ‘boom’ done.”

Candice Stevens, an International Programs staff member, was the passport agent responsible for assisting them.

“If you have all of the documents, it can be a less than 10-minute process,” Stevens said.

Students who are looking to get assistance with their new passport applications can schedule an appointment on the UI Passport Office website. The UI Passport office is open to the UI campus and surrounding community. Passport agents can help process new U.S. passport applications and child/minor renewal applications.

 

For additional information, visit the UI Passport Office website

 

 


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.