Four University of Iowa undergraduate students have been awarded a Richard J. Tyner Scholarship, a fund established in 2017 by Richard J. Tyner (BA French and political science ‘70). The scholarship is awarded annually to students in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are majoring in a world language, international relations, international studies, or political science, and who are studying abroad or completing an international internship through International Programs.
“After graduating from Iowa, I received an MA and a PhD in England as a Marshall Scholar,” remarked Tyner. “It was my first experience living abroad, and it eventually led to a career as an international lawyer living in the Middle East. Living and studying abroad is a truly transformative experience. I have endowed scholarships in International Programs so that other University of Iowa students can have this sort of opportunity.”
Meet three of this year’s recipients:
Lauren Headington is a third-year student majoring in international relations on the transnational issues track with a minor in global health and a certificate in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. From Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Headington is studying abroad on the USAC Verona program in Verona, Italy in summer 2025.
“I knew I wanted to study abroad in Italy from the beginning. I have always been intrigued and in awe of Italian culture. Therefore, when picking where I wanted to study abroad, I wanted to pick a city that would teach me a lot and feel like home. I began researching Verona and the courses that are offered at USAC Verona, and I knew this was the place for me! The city looks absolutely beautiful, isn’t too touristy, and offers courses to teach me about Italian culture in depth.
Studying abroad will help me more than I can even begin to comprehend. I will not only become more knowledgeable about the world and cultures around me, but my confidence will also grow. Moving to a different country is scary. However, this is something I have wanted to do since my first day of kindergarten. I knew that I wanted to learn in a different country and fully embrace the culture. Studying abroad can offer so many career opportunities while helping me grow as a person. I cannot wait to see all the doors that will open!
The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship means the world to me and more! Like I mentioned, I have wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember. Paying for it though is a whole other level. That stress made me doubt if it would ever be possible to fulfill my dream. The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship has helped me reach a lifetime goal. To see the world, learn a new culture, and open myself in new experiences. I am beyond grateful that I was awarded this scholarship, and I cannot wait to see how studying abroad impacts my life.”
Amiya Welsh is a third-year student majoring in political science from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Welsh studied abroad in spring 2025 on the USAC Torino program in Torino, Italy.
"I chose the USAC Torino program because its courses aligned well with my major and the city’s location is geographically great for traveling. I was also drawn to Torino because, despite being Italy’s fourth largest city, it is less touristy and offers a more authentic local experience. I made the most of my time abroad by traveling to 12 new countries. It’s been amazing and eye-opening to experience a different culture every week.
Studying abroad and learning from Italian professors broadened my cultural perspective and deepened my understanding of global issues. Traveling to 12 countries during this time allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, which helped me become more open-minded and adaptable. I know these experiences will shape how I approach challenges and connect with people in my future career.
I’m grateful to receive the Richard J. Tyner Scholarship because it helped reduce the cost of my study abroad semester. Thanks to this support, I was able to fully immerse myself in new cultures and take courses that expanded my understanding of the world. This experience has had a meaningful impact on both my education and personal growth.”
Michael May is a fourth-year student double majoring in political science and international relations from Stillwater, Minnesota. May will study abroad in fall 2025 on the IES Study Abroad: Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law, and Economics program in Freiburg, Germany.
“I chose this program because I am fascinated by the functions of the EU, as well as European politics more broadly. This program takes participating students all across Europe to learn about the Union, and I am excited to learn about how EU membership affects each individual member state. Studying abroad will give me a much more nuanced understanding of politics and culture outside of the United States. This will give me a more holistic view of the world and benefit me in a future career in politics.
The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship means a lot to me. It shows that there are people who believe in the work that I have done as well as my academic and professional aspirations for the future. This scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been selected for this scholarship.”
To help more University of Iowa students go abroad, make a gift today!
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.