This fall, University of Iowa International Programs is offering a series of virtual information sessions and workshops for students interested in taking their language study or research abroad.
Students can learn more about the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and Stanley Award for International Research, including what each opportunity offers and how to prepare a strong application.
All sessions will be held on Zoom and require registration.
Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is a fully funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State that gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in intensive language learning and cultural immersion abroad.
Students interested in CLS can begin with an information session led by Dr. Karen Wachsmuth, associate director of international fellowships, and Sylvia Dean, international fellowships assistant, before attending one of two writing workshops focused specifically on the essays required for the application.
- Information Session: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (register here)
- Writing Workshop: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (register here)
Whether you’re just beginning to explore CLS or already working on an application, the sessions provide multiple opportunities to learn more about the program and strengthen your application materials.
Stanley Award for International Research
The Stanley Award for International Research gives UI students up to $2,500 to design and carry out international research or fieldwork projects.
Learn more about the award and the process of developing an international research proposal:
- Information Session: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (register here)
- Information Session: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (register here)
- Information Session: Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (register here)
The Stanley Award supports international projects across disciplines, giving students an opportunity to pursue independent projects and engage more deeply with global issues.
Recent Stanley recipients have taken their research around the world, pursuing projects that range from public health and archaeology to creative writing, translation, music, and mathematics, with destinations including India, Portugal, Argentina, Germany, Japan, and Romania.
The award is made possible through the Stanley-University of Iowa Foundation Support Organization (SUIFSO). Since its inception, SUIFSO has funded projects to promote public understanding and cooperative action on critical international issues across the university, including the creation of the Stanley Undergraduate and Graduate Awards for International Research.
For more information, visit our international grants and fellowships page.
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.