Three University of Iowa (UI) undergraduate students have been awarded the Richard J. Tyner Scholarship to study abroad in 2026. 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,” said Tyner. “It was my first experience living abroad, and it eventually led to a career as an international lawyer 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 this year’s recipients:
Benjamin Chapman is a junior double majoring in political science and international relations with a minor in German. Chapman studied abroad in spring 2026 on the IES Abroad Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law & Economics program in Freiburg, Germany.
“I chose the IES Freiburg European Union program mainly because of the abundant travel opportunities that were part of the program as academic trips. During those trips, to places ranging from Paris to Bulgaria, I learned so much and made memories I will cherish forever. I made the right choice!
It was an incredible honor to be recognized and receive this scholarship, and it made this tremendous semester possible. I have learned so much, met so many great people, and grown so much as a person. This scholarship helped make it possible. Thank you, Mr. Tyner!”
Katelyn Trimble is a junior double majoring in political science and theatre arts with a minor in human rights. Trimble is studying abroad on the IES Abroad Freiburg Summer - European Union: Politics & Economics program in Germany in summer 2026.
“I chose the IES Abroad European Union Summer study abroad program because of the field trip opportunities while having a home base in Germany. I’m very excited to visit Strasbourg, France, where my class will visit the European Parliament, as well as Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Study abroad is important to me because of the experiences and opportunities I will have academically. I’m looking forward to learning about history, politics, and government relations from another perspective.
The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship means so much to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel and connect with students from around the globe while gaining an education and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.”
Tanvi Khadiya is a senior double majoring in marketing and international studies with a certificate in Arabian studies. Khadiya is an honors student completing an internship abroad on the IES Internships Vienna program in Vienna, Austria, in summer 2026.
“As a marketing and international studies student, I was looking for a meaningful way to combine my areas of study. I chose to complete an internship abroad because I want to pursue a career abroad, and this program gives me the opportunity to gain professional experience with additional support.
It was important for me to be in a location where the business culture is more formal. Vienna is also a city with a long and rich history and serves as a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe. I want to learn more about politics and business in Central Europe, a region I have not visited before.
Receiving the Richard J. Tyner Scholarship allows me to pursue life-changing opportunities like this internship abroad. It also reaffirms that international education continues to be encouraged and supported, which I believe is incredibly important. I’m grateful for the support this scholarship provides as I expand my horizons and explore the world.”
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.