In an effort to bring the study abroad experience to life for students back on campus, International Programs has selected its first group of students to participate in the Hawkeye Abroad Creator program for the summer and fall semesters. This new initiative gives students the opportunity to document and share their experiences abroad in real time on the @uiabroad Instagram account, offering a closer look at what it’s really like to live and learn in another country.
Launched in 2025, the program selects a small group of students each semester to serve as digital ambassadors while they study in locations around the world. Each creator receives a $250 stipend to develop content that reflects their everyday experiences abroad.
The goal is to offer a more personal, unfiltered look at what studying abroad really involves, helping other students see what it might be like for them.
This summer and fall, four students make up the program’s first-ever cohort, sharing their experiences in Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
Meet the 2025 Hawkeye Abroad Creators:
Danielle Velasquez, a third-year communication studies major with minors in media management and cinema, and an event management certificate from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is interning this summer with the IES Rome Summer Internship program.
Why did you choose to intern abroad in Italy?
“I chose Italy because I have always wanted to immerse myself in the Italian culture and learn Italian. The program allowed me to do an internship abroad, which was something I really wanted to do to gain global perspectives and be able to network. The internship opportunities that the program had motivated me to choose the program, as it aligned with my future career goals.”
Why did you want to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator?
“I wanted to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator because, through watching other creators post on Instagram, I was inspired to go abroad. As a creator, I would love to share my own experiences on social media and help other students who are unsure about where they want to go. In addition, I’m passionate about being a creator because when I travel, I naturally share posts and stories on Instagram.”
Dayanara Sanchez, a second-year student double majoring in international relations and French from Ankeny, Iowa, is interning this summer with the IES Dublin Summer Internship program.
Why did you choose to intern abroad in Ireland?
“I chose the Dublin summer internship program because it offers a unique combination of professional growth and cultural exploration that complements my experiences in Iowa City and Paris. Iowa City has provided a strong academic foundation, and Paris offered a dynamic, international environment rich in history and culture."
Why did you want to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator?
“I wanted to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator because I believe in showing others these opportunities are possible, especially for students like me. As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrant parents, I’m the first in my family to have these experiences: studying abroad, interning internationally, and exploring the world beyond what we ever imagined. This journey has been real and rewarding, and while it has taken dedication, it’s attainable. I want to share not just where I go and what I do, but the emotions, challenges, and growth that come with it. By showcasing my experience, I hope to inspire other students, especially those who don’t see themselves represented in study abroad stories, to take that leap. There’s so much the world has to offer, and I want to show that it’s within reach, no matter where you’re starting from.”
Taylor Schmuecker, a second-year student double majoring in Spanish and cinema from Earlville, Iowa, is studying this fall on the USAC Alicante program.
Why did you choose to study abroad in Spain?
“I visited Spain before and absolutely loved it. I’ve always known I wanted to study abroad, and after coming to Iowa, I decided to major in Spanish. Since I’ve already completed over half of my cinema major, I knew I wanted to go abroad for Spanish. I also wanted to be somewhere that made it easy to travel to other countries. Spain was the clear choice for me. I chose Alicante because I wanted a large city that still felt homey. I also liked the idea of being by the beach and plan to explore Alicante every day!”
Why did you want to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator?
“I find this to be a great opportunity to practice my love for content creation. As a cinema major, I love to create and edit videos. I also have a love for cinematography, which I feel I can use as a Hawkeye Abroad Creator. I want to grow my social media platforms and connect with others who have the same passions, too. I love to find new ways to document my travels and experiences, and I feel that being abroad will spark my creativity even more.”
Ella Sirna, a second-year student majoring in theatre arts from Story City, Iowa, is studying this fall on the Iowa Regents in Ireland: University College Cork program.
Why did you choose to study abroad in Ireland?
“As an actor, you must experience life to portray and convey it accurately. My main motivation for applying to the Iowa Regents in Ireland: University College Cork program is to expand my horizons both personally and academically globally. I want to form new connections as an actor and am interested in seeing the difference in academic settings in Ireland vs. America. Ireland has a thriving theatre scene, and I would like to explore options for cities where I could work or live post-graduation. I also specialize in accent work as an actor, and it would be beneficial to be immersed in a school with many various accents and dialects around me.”
Why did you want to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator?
“Knowing myself, even if I were not to become a Hawkeye Abroad Creator, I would end up creating short videos and taking many photos to share on my own Instagram account. As someone who has followed the Study Abroad Instagram account for over a year, I know what other students may be interested in seeing. I found myself often viewing the account looking for inspiration and/or tips, so I wanted to be the one behind the camera. At the end of the day, I wanted to be a Hawkeye Abroad Creator because I think it would be a very fun opportunity.”
Follow their experiences abroad
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.