International Programs is strengthening its commitment to global career readiness by expanding internship opportunities in Asia, with Singapore quickly becoming a key gateway for students.
“The Indo-Pacific produces about two-thirds of the world’s GDP, and it’s getting bigger and more influential,” said Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. “Singapore is a wonderful place for Iowa students to go - it’s safe, prosperous, English-speaking, and has excellent infrastructure. If you’ve never been to Asia, it’s a great point of departure.”
Monica Ernberger, assistant director of study abroad, internships, echoed this sentiment.
“It’s really the gateway to Asia,” said Ernberger. “There’s zero language barrier. It’s a thriving hub of all kinds of industries and organizations.”
In June 2025, Ganim and Ernberger traveled to Singapore to attend the Global Internship Conference, hosted by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a longtime partner for UI Study Abroad that has supported around 2,000 University of Iowa students over the past 20 years.
The conference brought together educators, employers, and program providers to explore how institutions and industries can collaborate to better prepare students for success in the global workforce.
One key takeaway from the conference was a shift in how professional skills are being described. Employers are increasingly referring to “soft skills” as “durable skills”—qualities like adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving that are essential in short-term placements.
“International internships offer the benefit of job skills, but also the ability to demonstrate to future employers that you can take positive risks, use flexibility, and work across cultural differences. They help you grow both as a professional and as a person.”
“There’s nothing soft about leadership and taking initiative,” said Ernberger. “Employers need students to be adaptable and ready to contribute from day one.”
Jennifer Noyce, associate director of experiential education at the Pomerantz Career Center, reinforced this idea.
“International internships offer the benefit of job skills, but also the ability to demonstrate to future employers that you can take positive risks, use flexibility, and work across cultural differences,” shared Noyce. “They help you grow both as a professional and as a person.”
While in Singapore, Ernberger visited Tippie College of Business students Sai Pullapantula and Joseph Hargrove, who were completing internships. Hargrove, a fourth-year student majoring in business analytics and information systems, is currently an audit intern for NLA DFK. He described the experience as transformative.
“This internship gives me firsthand experience working with diverse teams and understanding how global markets operate,” said Hargrove. “I’m hoping that it sharpens my interpersonal and technical skills. The professional growth and personal development you get from working in a new country are hard to replicate elsewhere.”
To help students better articulate the value of these experiences, Iowa and its partners are exploring tools like micro-credentialing.
“Internships are study abroad plus,” Ernberger explained. “We’re exploring ways to help students capitalize on their experience beyond just a line on their resume.”
“Adaptability is a life skill,” shared Ganim. “It gives students a leg up when applying for jobs and enriches them personally.”
Beyond personal growth, the measurable impact of these internships is clear.
“Students who intern abroad earn about $3,000 more a year in first-hire placements than those who don’t,” shared Ernberger. “It’s an investment that keeps on giving.”
With growing student interest and employer demand, Iowa is also broadening its internship offerings across Asia. New opportunities are being developed in Seoul and Taipei in various areas of study.
“Originally it was all business students,” said Ernberger. “Now we’re seeing students from across disciplines. It’s been gratifying to see this field stretch and grow.”
The trip also strengthened ties with Singapore Management University (SMU), a long-standing partner that has connected Iowa students with local employers.
“SMU has helped us with internships in the past,” said Ganim. “They’ve been a go-between with program providers and have helped us find matches for students. Their curriculum is built around working with businesses to prepare students for the workforce.”
These themes echo the focus of the UI’s recent Provost’s Global Forum, which explored how academic institutions can collaborate with private and public sectors to create meaningful, career-focused opportunities for students.
“That’s really where we’re headed,” shared Ganim. “We’re not just sending students abroad—we’re preparing them to thrive in a global workforce.”
Learn more about study abroad internships
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.