Hello from Dubai!

It’s been a whirlwind two weeks as Dimy Dorecsca (Tippie College of Business/IP) and I have been traveling through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar recruiting future Hawkeyes. Dimy and I have met with students from private international schools in a region that continues to astound through its dynamism and growth. Our trip started in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, where we attended NAJAH, a major recruitment fair held every year in the Middle East. It was amazing to see so many young people eager to learn about Iowa and pursue careers in the health sciences, business, engineering, and information technology, among other fields.

The same held true in Qatar, host of this year’s World Cup. We spent all of our time in Doha, which rivals the UAE in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship. Qatar is often overlooked in terms of international student recruitment, but given the enthusiastic response we received, it will be on our list for years to come. Dubai marked the last leg of our trip, which was bookended by the NAJAH event held there. All told, Dimy and I interacted with hundreds of students who see the U.S. as their primary destination for university studies abroad. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was the opportunity to visit schools with whom we had made contact during our initial trip to Dubai in March. Iowa now has friends among high school counselors and teachers who are ready to promote the Hawkeye brand at their institutions.

Assisting us in these endeavors are alumni in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Dubai who have graciously agreed to visit these schools, talk to students, and sing the praises of the Black and Gold. We are deeply grateful to these alumni, as well as to the UI Office of Admissions, for helping us make what will become a long lasting commitment to this part of the Middle East.

At home, IP proudly organized two symposia in October funded by its Major Projects grants. The first, Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Culture: Advocating for DEI in the Academy, was coordinated by the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Its focus was on how anti-racism and empowerment can be promoted in fields as varied as translation, music, foreign language pedagogy, and newspaper chronicles. The second symposium, the Korean Studies Research Network 2nd Annual Conference featured sessions on democracy and social justice, national politics in South Korea, and urban spaces in contemporary Korea. Both symposia were very well attended, and, as always, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Stanley UI-Foundation Support Organization for making these events possible. 

A very busy October was highlighted by Joan Kjaer’s UI Outstanding Staff Award where she was honored for decades of service to the university and IP. We applaud Joan for her grace, vibrance, and countless contributions to global education at Iowa.

As we move into November, IP is excited about all the activity we have planned around International Education Week. Our dear Joan will be hosting our World Canvass program on Monday, November 7, where IP will present its International Impact and Global Student Awards. World Canvass serves as a precursor to a large number of events we have planned for International Education Week, November 14-18. Please consult our website, listserv mailings, and social media posts for more information on what promises to be a tremendous lineup of activities showcasing Iowa’s role as a leader in global learning.

And as the season of Thanksgiving approaches, please let me express my warm appreciation to each of you for your loyalty and dedication to IP’s mission and its people.

With all best wishes,

Russ

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.