Eleven University of Iowa (UI) undergraduate students will participate in internships abroad in summer 2026, thanks to support from the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship, a fund established by the late Linda Baker (BA English ’68) in memory of her former mentor, author and child behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Magid.
The Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship supports UI undergraduate students who pursue academic internships while embracing the cultural complexities of life abroad. Originally created in 2005, the fund began providing financial awards for credit-bearing experiential learning programs in fall 2022.
Meet the recipients:
Chealsa Andersen, a senior majoring in speech and hearing science, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Cape Town program in South Africa.
“The main reason I chose Cape Town is that it combines rural health care initiatives with more modern approaches and has a wide range of services that I can hopefully bring back to my clinical practice after graduate school. The other reason I chose Cape Town is that it has been on my bucket list.
"Interning abroad was important to me because there are limited opportunities in the U.S. for speech and hearing science majors, while there are many opportunities abroad."
Interning abroad was important to me because there are limited opportunities in the U.S. for speech and hearing science majors, while there are many opportunities abroad. It will also help sharpen my cultural competency skills and provide a unique experience to discuss in graduate school interviews.
The funding made it possible for me to worry less about finances while abroad, especially with the rising cost of living. It also allows me to take a day trip or two that I may not have been able to otherwise.”
Sophia Brownd, a senior majoring in psychology with a certificate in aging and longevity studies, and a member of the Honors program, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Dublin program in Ireland.
“I chose to intern in Dublin because I was intrigued by its history and culture. I wanted to intern abroad to gain a broader perspective and experience a culture different from what I am familiar with in the U.S.
"Interning at a multidisciplinary assessment clinic allows me to make a positive difference in children’s lives.”
The Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship helped make this opportunity financially possible. Interning at a multidisciplinary assessment clinic allows me to make a positive difference in children’s lives.”
Kate Crawford, a senior majoring in management, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Dublin program in Ireland.
“I chose Ireland because I was matched with a business that aligns well with my future goals. Interning abroad is important because living outside your own culture helps develop a broader perspective and opens up opportunities you may not find at home.
"Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship means a lot because it helped alleviate the financial burden of interning and living abroad."
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship means a lot because it helped alleviate the financial burden of interning and living abroad. This support allows me to experience more of the culture through travel beyond Dublin.”
Juliet Dove, a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in music, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Dublin program in Ireland.
“I chose Dublin because of the opportunities available in my field. This experience allowed me to gain hands-on experience working with clients from minority populations while applying skills that will support my future work in counseling. Interning abroad gave me the opportunity to build independence, solve problems on my own, and gain cultural awareness in an international workplace.
"Before this, I had never traveled or flown due to financial constraints. The additional funding allowed me to follow through on this opportunity and build new personal and professional connections in another country.”
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship made this opportunity much more accessible. Before this, I had never traveled or flown due to financial constraints. The additional funding allowed me to follow through on this opportunity and build new personal and professional connections in another country.”
Kimberly Ibarra, a junior majoring in chemistry, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Cape Town program in South Africa.
“I chose Cape Town because I wanted a location that would challenge me to grow in ways more common destinations might not. South Africa’s history with health, inequality, and resilience drew me in. Interning abroad was important because I wanted to fully immerse myself in the culture and daily life rather than observe from the outside.
"As a first-generation student, this opportunity is something I never thought possible.”
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship means more than financial support. It gave me the freedom to focus on learning, connecting, and growing without constant financial worry. As a first-generation student, this opportunity is something I never thought possible.”
Jennessa Johnson, a junior pursuing a degree in medical laboratory science with a minor in ancient civilization, and a member of the Honors program, is completing an internshipthrough the IES Internships Rome program in Italy.
“I chose Rome because of its incredible history and connection to my minor. There is no better place to study the ancient world than a city where history is part of everyday life. Interning abroad allowed me to move beyond the classroom and experience culture, history, and art in a more immersive way.
"Interning abroad allowed me to move beyond the classroom and experience culture, history, and art in a more immersive way."
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship has been both an honor and a tremendous help. This program requires upfront costs, and the scholarship eased that burden and made the experience more accessible. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Emma Koeppen, a senior majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology, is completing an internship through the CEA CAPA Florence Internship program in Italy.
“I chose Florence because of its beautiful setting and the opportunities it offers. The city’s history and community of like-minded students made this decision an easy one. I knew I would be stepping outside my comfort zone but would feel supported doing so.
Pursuing an internship abroad was important because of the unique challenges I wanted to take on. I aimed to strengthen my communication skills, adaptability, and confidence in a new environment.
"This funding means the world to me. As the first member of my family to travel abroad, I was overwhelmed by the financial demands."
This funding means the world to me. As the first member of my family to travel abroad, I was overwhelmed by the financial demands. The scholarship allows me to explore Florence more fully and stay focused on my work without worrying about costs.”
Kate Richards, a junior majoring in health studies with a minor in psychology, and a member of the Honors program, is completing an internship through the IES Internships Cape Town program in South Africa.
“I chose Cape Town to immerse myself in a new workplace culture and deepen my understanding of health care approaches abroad. This opportunity will strengthen my global awareness and ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds.
"The Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship provides the financial support needed to pursue this experience. Without it, I would not have been able to make this opportunity a reality."
The Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship provides the financial support needed to pursue this experience. Without it, I would not have been able to make this opportunity a reality. I am grateful for the support and for the community at Iowa that encourages my growth.”
Abudi Safi, a junior majoring in business analytics and information systems with a minor in finance, is completing an internship through the CIEE Tokyo Global Internships program in Japan.
“I chose Tokyo because it offers the opportunity to experience a leading global business center while gaining international experience. As a business analytics and finance student, I was interested in learning how businesses operate in a different market.
"Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship helps make this experience possible by easing financial barriers and allowing me to focus on making the most of the opportunity. It also motivates me to work hard and represent my university well."
Interning abroad allows me to step outside my comfort zone, strengthen my communication skills, and gain a broader perspective. It is an important opportunity for both personal and professional growth.
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship helps make this experience possible by easing financial barriers and allowing me to focus on making the most of the opportunity. It also motivates me to work hard and represent my university well.”
Maia Tecklenburg, a junior majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in sport and recreation management, and a member of the Honors program, is completing an internship through the Kenya: Public Health in the Tropics Internship program in Kenya.
“I chose Kisumu, Kenya, because I wanted to expand my perspective. While I had traveled elsewhere, I wanted to experience a place that felt truly different. The program’s focus on public health aligns well with my academic interests.
"I chose Kisumu, Kenya, because I wanted to expand my perspective... I wanted to experience a place that felt truly different. The program’s focus on public health aligns well with my academic interests."
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship helped relieve the financial burden of studying abroad. Travel costs alone were significant, and this support made the experience financially feasible.”
Ava Tuchel, a senior majoring in communication studies with certificates in media management and event management, is completing an internship through the CEA CAPA Florence Internship program in Italy.
“I chose Florence because it offers a strong combination of professional opportunities and cultural experiences. Its international environment and connections to multiple industries made it an ideal place to gain experience.
"Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship represents both financial support and confidence in my goals. It allowed me to focus on my experience instead of financial concerns."
Interning abroad was important because I wanted to challenge myself, develop new skills, and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Living in Florence broadened my perspective and increased my independence.
Receiving the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship represents both financial support and confidence in my goals. It allowed me to focus on my experience instead of financial concerns. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to apply what I have learned in my future career.”
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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.