Authored by Amy Brewster

Anna Patty (B.A. journalism, Spanish ’03) isn’t afraid to dream big and take risks—characteristics that served her well not only at the University of Iowa, but also today as a business owner, as a community leader, and as a mother of four.

A demanding football schedule left Jake Gervase (BBA, finance and management ’18) doubtful he could incorporate a study abroad experience into his undergraduate career—that is, until he learned about global spring break opportunities. Gervase jumped at the opportunity to travel to Cuba through the International Entrepreneurship and Culture short-term study abroad course led by UI faculty members Dimy Doresca (UI Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center) and Jim Dreier (UI School of Music). Gervase plans to use his fifth year of eligibility to continue his UI football career during the 2018-2019 academic year. While doing so, he will be pursuing a graduate degree in sport and recreation management. We caught up with Gervase recently to learn more about his study abroad experience in Cuba.

Hometown Hawkeye Elle Wignall talks about the influence of her study abroad experience on her writing career.

Hometown Hawkeye Andrew Broderick talks about his path to the UI Physical Therapy program and how his study abroad experience as an undergraduate student confirmed his interest in physical therapy as a career.

Learn about Akash Bhalerao, undergraduate student from India, pursuing a BA in interdepartmental studies--studying social entrepreneurship and environmental restoration.

As an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa, Anna Patty (B.A. journalism, Spanish '03) had never been on an airplane. That all changed when she decided to study abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica, for an entire academic year. Nearly twenty years after her study abroad experience, Patty is now co-owner of Epiphany, a full-service marketing company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Patty recently took time to reflect on how her study abroad experience has shaped her career.

Anna Kroeger is witnessing preparations for Day Zero first-hand as a UI student studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. Kroeger, a student in the Tippie College of Business, is spending the Spring 2018 semester at the University of Cape Town through IES Abroad.

Learn about Clarisse Chia, undergraduate student from Malaysia, pursuing a double-major in actuarial science and mathematics.

Andrew Broderick (B.S. human physiology ’16) studied abroad in Newcastle, Australia, as an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. Now in the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of Iowa, Broderick took a break from his studies to share information about his study abroad experience, as well as advice for current UI students considering study abroad.

Elle Wignall (B.A. English ’13) studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, as an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. After graduation, she returned to Ireland for a nanny position in Cork, Ireland, before returning to Iowa to work as a business communications consultant at Wells Fargo in Des Moines. Below, Wignall reflects on the importance of studying abroad and the long-lasting impact it has had on her life and career.