From a competitive pool of more than 100 applicants around the country, four UI students have been selected by IES Abroad to share their unique, first-hand study abroad experiences with the world as IES Correspondents for Summer 2018:
Aida Mengistu – photo correspondent
Cape Town Summer Internship
"Hello! My name is Aida Mengistu and I am from Sioux City, Iowa. I am currently in my third year at the University of Iowa pursuing a double major in health & human physiology - with a focus on health promotion - as well as a global health studies major and an anthropology minor. I absolutely love to travel and experience new cultures and traditions! I tend to express myself through my photography, whether it be through the warmth of a morning sunrise or the interactions between people. I also enjoy music, movies, and the performing arts. Fun fact, I am originally from Ethiopia and have traveled twice before to visit my extended family members over the summer!"
Christina Hui – writing and photo IDEA correspondent
Dublin Summer Internship
"I am an ambitious marketing major at the University of Iowa with the dreams of pursuing a career in the cosmetics industry. During my free time, I enjoy taking Instagram worthy photos, drinking overpriced iced coffee, watching investigative journalism shows, and lifting heavy weights at the gym. While interning in Dublin, I hope to gain real-life marketing experience, explore all the major foodie locations and demonstrate my leadership abilities regardless of my skill levels."
Brandon Prather-Huff - writing and photo correspondent
London Summer Internship
"Photography is meditative for me, one of the few de-stressors where you don't have to recuperate afterward. Walking around with a camera forces me to look for the interesting details in my environment. Gone are cellphones and notifications, gone are my stresses of class and work. Suddenly my mind is concerned only with creating beauty and interest out of the pieces of my surroundings. I am the most excited to meet all the interesting people who are studying abroad with me and are already in the places I will go."
Hannah Webster – writing correspondent
Rome Summer Internship
"I am a 20-year-old pursuing a career in journalism at the University of Iowa. I thrive off of quoting The Office, making people laugh, and love puns and pizza (obviously). Overall, I'm excited for the Rome experience, whether it's working in a Rome office, eating my first Italian gelato, or trying to communicate to the Italians, I cannot wait to be immersed in a new society that I'm not familiar with and learn how to navigate through Italy, and other places."
From pre-departure packing tips to reviews of favorite restaurants, and everything in between, Correspondents will collaborate with IES Abroad staff to capture authentic written content, photos, and video footage from their host countries.
Discover their journey abroad, along with other students’ stories by visiting https://www.iesabroad.org/blogs.
About IES Abroad
Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a global, not-for-profit academic consortium of more than 250 top-tier American colleges and universities. IES Abroad provides premier study abroad and internship programs around the world through IES Abroad, IES Internships, and IES Customized & Faculty-Led Programs. With more than 140 study abroad programs in 34 locations worldwide, the organization creates authentic global education opportunities for more than 7,000 students annually. IES Abroad has more than 125,000+ alumni who have benefited from studying in IES Abroad programs since its inception, and offers $5 million in scholarships and financial aid.
For more information, visit IES Abroad.