Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs (IP), recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. to promote the globally oriented work of the University of Iowa (UI). Here’s what he had to say about the meetings he held. 

What was the overall purpose of this trip? 

Washington is the prime locus of activity in the field of international education. The purpose of the trip was to promote the UI’s global strategic plan by attending the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) conference, connecting with donors and friends of IP, meeting with members of Iowa’s congressional delegation, and visiting the embassy of the Republic of Kosovo, a country with whom we have strong partnerships. 

You mentioned that you attended the annual conference of the AIEA. Could you give us some highlights? 

The conference focused on current trends in global education as they relate to international student recruitment, study abroad, and changes in governmental policies. It was especially helpful to learn about how the U.S. Departments of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Education are collaborating to promote and maintain the United States as the world’s top destination for higher education. 

The UI was recently designated a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Students, and you attended a reception in recognition of this achievement. What is the significance of the UI receiving this award? 

This is prestigious recognition of all the hard work by UI Fulbright Program Advisor Karen Wachsmuth, her team, and UI faculty to achieve student success on a global scale. It also underscores how Iowa students’ curiosity about the world translates into their pursuit of international careers. This type of affirmation builds on itself and bodes well for the future success of Iowa’s Fulbright applicants. 

You went to Capitol Hill and met with Iowa representatives Joni Ernst and Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Could you tell us about that visit? 

Our congressional delegation is very receptive to Iowa’s international objectives. We updated them on IP initiatives related to grant activity, international student recruitment, and Fulbright. We also discussed infrastructure and visa issues while expressing our thanks to the delegation for their overall support. 

You also met with Jane Schukoske, who serves as the academic liaison for the Sehgal Foundation.  Can you tell us more about that? 

The UI has benefitted from the generosity of the Sehgal Foundation for many years. Sehgal focuses on rural development in India, and operates out of Delhi, Des Moines, and Washington. Jane worked as the head of India Fulbright for eight years and has multiple connections throughout the subcontinent. Most of our Sehgal-related projects focused on water security, with Jane helping to coordinate programming with the UI’s College of Engineering. During the pandemic, Jane liaised with the UI College of Engineering to offer virtual internship opportunities to our students. At present, we are looking to expand the partnership beyond engineering and into fields such as journalism and mass communications, gender studies, and sustainability studies. 

You met with Kosovo Ambassador to the U.S. Ilir Dugolli. Iowa and Kosovo have a special relationship, dating back to 2003 when over 700 Iowa National Guardsmen and women were stationed there as part of a peacekeeping mission. Could you share more about the significance of this relationship and your meeting? 

Three UI colleges—education, law, and business—have enjoyed longstanding collaborations with institutions of higher learning in Kosovo. The partnerships center on research and teaching and have provided substantive interactions for both faculty and students. There are opportunities to expand these collaborations, and having such a willing partner in Europe’s youngest democracy is a huge bonus. It should also be mentioned that the UI maintains close ties with the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo in Des Moines, and this relationship was part of the conversation with Ambassador Dugolli.

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.