This fall, University of Iowa International Programs is hosting a virtual info sessions and workshops that are designed to help you learn critical languages and carry out your own research projects abroad.

Here’s what’s coming up (all sessions are on Zoom and require registration):

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Workshops

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is a fully funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It sends undergraduate and graduate students abroad for eight weeks of intensive language learning and cultural immersion.

• Info Session – Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (register here)
• Writing Workshop – Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 3:30 - 5 p.m. (register here)

These sessions will break down eligibility (U.S. citizens only), the application process, and how to write essays that stand out. 

UI alumna and former CLS winner, Brenda Gao (BS psychology ‘25), recommends applying early and using campus resources to develop application materials.

“I was doubtful and didn’t think I would be someone CLS was ‘looking for,’” shared Gao. “Sylvia Dean and Dr. Karen Wachsmuth at International Programs were essential to helping me find my ‘why’ and perfect my application. I couldn’t have done it without the support around me, and I encourage everyone to join International Programs’ mailing list to find out about upcoming workshops and opportunities.”

If you’ve ever thought about mastering Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Swahili, or another critical language — or if you want to use language study to boost cultural fluency, CLS is worth a look.

Boren Awards Info Session

The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are for students who want to dive deep into a less-commonly taught language while studying abroad in places like Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East. In return, awardees commit to working in the federal government after graduation for at least one year.

• Info Session – Tuesday, November 12, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (register here)

Join Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean to hear how you can make your application shine. They’ll cover award benefits, application components, and what past UI students have done to succeed. Undergraduate and graduate students can receive up to $25,000, determined by duration abroad. 

Aden Hageman (BS physics ‘25, BA Japanese ‘25) was awarded a Boren scholarship to study Japanese at Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, Japan, in 2024.

“The Boren had been on my radar since freshman year,” shared Hageman. “While I was interested in studying abroad, I simply did not think it would be feasible to graduate on time and spend time abroad. However, after hearing about my friend’s experience studying in New Zealand for a semester, I decided I had to apply. Learning about Japan’s history and position in the modern world made me realize the Boren was the right option for me.”

Stanley Awards for International Research

The Stanley Awards for International Research gives UI students up to $2,500 to design and carry out a research or fieldwork project overseas. Your project can be in any discipline — the key is that it engages with global issues and lasts at least four weeks.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about applying, from finding a faculty mentor to building a strong proposal:

• Info Session - Monday, October 20, 2025, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (register here)
• Info Session - Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (register here)
• Info Session - Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. (register here)

There are dozens of recent Stanley recipients working on everything from documentary poetry and archaeology to environmental studies and design — the award supports creative, academic, and field-based projects across disciplines.

The award is made possible through the Stanley-University of Iowa Foundation Support Organization (SUIFSO). Since its inception, SUIFSO has funded projects to promote public understanding and cooperative action on critical international issues across the university, including the creation of the Stanley Undergraduate and Graduate Awards for International Research.

Learn more about other funding opportunities

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.