Two University of Iowa (UI) representatives shared their perspectives at the CIEE 78th Annual Study Abroad Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The panel, "Students Leading Change: Recruiting the Next Generation of Latin Americanists," featured Kara Juhl, a UI student currently studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, and Autumn Tallman, director, Study Abroad Health, Safety, and Risk Management.
The session explored strategies for encouraging more students to study abroad in Latin America and highlighted the transformative impact of these experiences. Juhl was selected as one of only 100 students nationwide to serve as a student leader for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship for the 25–26 academic year.
Juhl, a third-year student pursuing a BS in biology (genetics & biotechnology) and a BA in Spanish, is enrolled at Universidad de Chile and Universidad Diego Portales, taking courses in ethics, Latin American history, and contemporary music and social movements, alongside advanced Spanish through CIEE.
A homestay has deepened her immersion. “Living with a host family makes Santiago feel like home,” Juhl said. “We often spend upwards of three hours at the dinner table, and having the chance to hear and speak so much Spanish has helped my language skills significantly. My host family refers to me as part of their family and always includes me in events, which genuinely makes me feel cared for, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them throughout my life once the program is over.”
Juhl called speaking on the Buenos Aires panel an honor. “While attending the conference," she added, "I realized that I don't just have to ‘do’ biology; I can be well-versed in multiple aspects. This opportunity gave me a lot of additional hope and confidence with my post-graduation aspirations.”
Tallman added, “I was honored to serve on this panel alongside a University of Iowa student currently studying in Chile. It was a powerful reminder of why we do this work, to support students as they step into new experiences and grow as global change makers. I’m grateful to CIEE for the funding that made our student’s participation possible and for helping highlight the transformative value of studying in this important part of the world.”
Also in attendance was Emily Brown, assistant director for advising in Study Abroad, who served as Juhl’s study abroad advisor.
“Seeing Kara participate in the panel at CIEE was so gratifying,” said Brown. “Her reflections on her semester in Chile demonstrated excitement, humility, resilience, and deep introspection—exactly the type of growth we hope to see in our students who study abroad.”
As Juhl prepares to welcome her parents on their first trip outside the United States—and a family visit to Peru—she sums up the semester’s lesson simply: “You can either shut down or lean into it. I’m proud that I’ve leaned into it.”
Learn more about study abroad at Iowa
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.
