University of Iowa (UI) student Kara Juhl is one of 100 students selected to serve as a student leader for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Juhl, a sophomore studying genetics and biotechnology with minors in Spanish and sociology, will be participating in a liberal arts study abroad program through CIEE in Santiago, Chile, during the fall 2025 semester.
Juhl said she was very purposeful in choosing this particular program.
“I was specifically looking at Latin America because my family hosted exchange students from Mexico my junior and senior year of high school,” Juhl said. “Because of that, I really wanted to stay somewhere in Latin America as opposed to Spain to work on my Spanish minor.”
The Ankeny, Iowa, native has never ventured outside the United States before. Despite the prospect of studying abroad being outside her comfort zone, Juhl believes this step is crucial for advancing her education—particularly her Spanish proficiency.
“I considered studying abroad in Mexico, but decided I wanted more of a challenge, since I already am somewhat familiar with that culture through my exchange sisters,” Juhl said.
“I know that it’s not going to be easy. But I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself. If I don’t challenge myself, then I’m not going to grow.”
When evaluating study abroad programs, Juhl was looking between USAC and CIEE programs. She ultimately chose CIEE because of her desire to live with a host family.
“As someone who has hosted [exchange students] in the past, I really wanted to see what’s on the other end and see what living in another culture could offer me,” Juhl said.
Juhl looks back fondly on her time hosting two exchange sisters from Mexico City, Mexico, and the lasting impact it had on her and her family. Juhl said she’s looking forward to switching roles and immersing herself in a culture different from her own, as her exchange sisters once did in Iowa.
“When they came to visit, they would point out things that I realized I took for granted living here,” said Juhl. “The biggest thing was sunsets. They couldn’t get over how colorful they are here. Now when I watch the sunset, I think about them and how lucky I am to see something so pretty. I’m excited to see what those differences are for me in Chile.”
One of the reservations Juhl had when considering studying abroad was financial constraints. The CIEE program’s funding opportunities were central to Juhl’s decision to apply for this fellowship offered by CIEE. The fellowship covers all program expenses as well as a stipend for living expenses.
At the UI Study Abroad Fair, Juhl shared her interest in Latin America, and a study abroad advisor recommended the CIEE program to her.
“I remember going to the Study Abroad Fair and they gave me a flyer, and I thought to myself, ‘there’s no way I’ll get picked for this,’” Juhl recalled. “But when I saw how much the program would be out of pocket, I thought, ‘I really, really want this, and I’m going to do what I can to make it happen.’”
“Also, I felt more confident knowing Latin America does not get a lot of people through study abroad compared to Europe, so there’s not as much competition,” Juhl added.
As a recipient of the fellowship, Juhl will serve as a student ambassador, sharing her experiences through digital storytelling, social media, and other creative means to help reintroduce and generate awareness of CIEE’s Latin America locations.
“It’s just crazy. I was so nervous to apply thinking there’s no way I’ll get this,” Juhl said. “But the more I invested in it, the more I realized this could actually work out for me, you know, this could really come together.”
As the 2024-2025 academic year comes to a close, Juhl will be preparing this summer to embark on her journey where she’ll have the chance to tackle her goals in Spanish proficiency and cultural immersion.
She believes this program will enhance her professional development and give her a wider path to fulfilling her future career goals.
“I know that it’s not going to be easy. But I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself. If I don’t challenge myself, then I’m not going to grow.”
Applications for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship are still open for the spring 2026 semester. Applications for the spring close in September 2025.
“If you're on the fence about studying abroad—do it,” Juhl said. “As a STEM major it can be challenging, but I think it’s definitely possible. For me, studying abroad was non-negotiable, and I believe when there’s a will, there’s a way.”
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.