At least two 2019-20 Fulbright Scholars returned home after the program asked them to evacuate amid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Both returned to the U.S. unemployed and uncertain about what the future holds for them.

Alyssa Gersony, who will receive an MFA in interdisciplinary studies (choreography and intermedia performance) from the University of Iowa this May, is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research Arts grant in dance to Latvia for 2020-21

The coronavirus pandemic dominates the news these days, and for good reason. Government and public health officials are holding press briefings as well as pushing out information via media outlets and social media channels to educate the public about the pandemic. But many of these sources of information are out of reach for members of refugee and immigrant communities for whom English is limited.

Mark Schoen, who will receive a BS in economics and a BA in studio arts from the University of Iowa this May, is the winner of a Fulbright Study/Research grant in economics to Indonesia for 2020-21 (photo credit: Bella Volfson)

Ghazi Kayali, PhD, MPH, is part of a global network of scientists dedicated to researching novel viruses transmitted between animals and humans. He earned his doctorate degree in epidemiology from the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2008.

Writing Your Way Into The World Workshops

Would you like to teach English, study, or do research abroad for an academic year at no cost? Join International Programs staff, new UI grantees, and recent UI Fulbright alumni for a week of virtual events to help you learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program! The sixth annual Fulbright Week will take place April 13-17, 2020. Each session will provide different information and will have a Q&A period. All levels of undergraduate and graduate students are welcome! 

“I do grieve for the experience,” says Knights. “It’s the little things – walking into Catlett Hall and seeing someone you know, spending time with friends, the campus environment…I miss the atmosphere of the whole place.”

In an effort to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, the University of Iowa transitioned to online teaching for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester. As a result, all UI students shifted to virtual instruction on March 30. We checked in with Hanxi Tang, international student from Beijing, China, about her transition to online courses.

As an aspiring physician, Tang is inspired by what she sees at UI Hospitals & Clinics—particularly during this unprecedented pandemic. “I see healthcare professionals that work hard and long shifts and yet always display a positive attitude. Compared to what other healthcare professionals are doing around the world at this time, what I am doing is really little, but I am happy to make a small contribution to the global effort to prevent the spread of the virus.”