Access, Opportunity & Diversity Abroad

The University of Iowa Study Abroad office believes that our programs enrich students’ educational experiences and prepare them for the global society and workforce. We foster a diverse environment where every student can access transformative international opportunities and become culturally competent leaders. We are committed to providing the resources and support necessary for all students to succeed in their global journeys.

The following resources are intended to help facilitate the participation in study abroad of students.

For more information about UI efforts to create a welcoming climate for all students, visit the UI Access, Opportunity & Diversity website.

Scholarship Opportunities

The UI Global Access Ambassador Scholarship for undergraduate students supports the diversification of students who study abroad.

The Leona Zaharis Scholarship is for first-generation college students OR students who are not first-generation college students but have graduated from an Iowa high school AND have federal eligibility for financial aid.

Merit-based scholarships are available to students participating in study abroad programs that include travel, lasting for a semester, academic year, or which take place during the summer.

Need-based grants are available to students who are eligible for financial assistance, as evidenced on the UI Award Letter, and are interested in a study abroad program.

Learn more about scholarships for study abroad.

First Generation and Non-Traditional

Kayla Petry

Marketing major who studied in Spain

Kyra Lester

Finance and accounting double major who studied in Australia

Kayleigh Sutton

Elementary education major who studied in Ghana

University of Iowa Resources

Resources for First-Generation College Students: A University of Iowa website that has several helpful links to various resources on campus.

First Generation Iowa: A student organization for First Generation college students at Iowa.

TRiO Student Support Services: TRiO SSS serves 350 students at the University of Iowa who demonstrate academic need and are first-generation, or low income, or have a verified disability.

National and International Resources

IES Abroad: This is a program provider that offers funding opportunities specifically for diverse groups studying abroad. The site lists resources by country and provides some helpful guides for parents and students.

Diversity Abroad: Diversity Abroad community inspires, connects, and assists you in reaching your academic and career potential in our increasingly interconnected world.

Articles: First Generation: Diversity Abroad, Non-Traditional: Diversity Abroad

Disabilities Abroad

Josie Mbaye

Science education/environmental science major who studied in Chile

Kaitlyn Dwyer

Applied studies major who studied in Greece

Anna Horozewski

Psychology major who studied in Greece

University of Iowa Resources

Student Disability Services: Student Disability Services facilitates accommodations for University of Iowa students to support opportunities for those with disabilities.

Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence: The University of Iowa's center for students who are underrepresented in higher education offers a variety of services and resources.

TRiO Student Support Services: TRiO SSS serves 350 students at the University of Iowa who demonstrate academic need and are first-generation, or low income, or have a verified disability.

National and International Resources

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange: This website includes travel tips for specific disabilities, disability organizations, international opportunities and programs, funding resources, success stories, and blogs.

Mobility International - Personal Stories and Blogs: A "Personal Story" section can be can be found here organized by disability type, location, program type, and disability aids used abroad (guide dogs, wheelchairs, assistants, etc.) Also check out the "International Opportunities" section with disability information and resources listed by region and country, and this guidebook.

Transitions Abroad: Includes articles, international programs, tourism resources, organizations, and websites for disability travel.

European Disability Forum: A collection of initiatives aimed at disabled persons in Europe.

Wheel Chair Diaries

A student with cerebral palsy, discouraged from study abroad, makes a film about accessibility abroad.

LGBTQ Identity Abroad

Delany Orewiler

Psychology and French double major who studied in France

Kevin Drahos

Political science major who studied in Spain

Myah Bauman

Business analytics & information systems and marketing major who studied in Italy

University of Iowa Resources

Office of Student Life Cultural Centers: Includes information about the University of Iowa Cultural Centers: Afro-American Center, Asian Pacific American Center, Latino Native American Center and LGBTQ Center.

Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence: The University of Iowa's center for students who are underrepresented in higher education offers a variety of services and resources.

Pride Alliance Center: The Pride Alliance Center provides a welcoming home-away-from-home dedicated to social justice, cross-cultural education, safety, and inclusivity.

Queer Liberation Front: Spectrum UI (formerly called the University of Iowa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Union) is more than 30 years old, making it one of the oldest campus LGBTQ organizations in the US. In fact, it is the oldest state university LGBTQ organization that has been continuously funding and recognized in the U.S.

National and International Resources

U.S. Department of State: Advice, information, and additional resources that address international LGBTQ issues. Country-specific profile pages on this website include a "Local Laws and Special Considerations" section that frequently details safety considerations specific to LGBTQ travelers.

NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group: Includes general information about study abroad, country and region specific links, articles, study abroad programs, and scholarship opportunities

International Lesbian and Gay Association: A worldwide federation of 1,200 member organizations from 125 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights.

Race and Ethnicity Abroad

Margaret Huang

Public health and Spanish major who studied in Spain

Safeya Siddig

Marketing major who studied in England

Lindsey Pieper

Marketing major who studied in Greece

University of Iowa Resources

Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence: The University of Iowa's center for students who are underrepresented in higher education offers a variety of services and resources.

National and International Resources

Diversity Abroad: Gives an overview of the importance of diversity in study abroad and shares perspectives from students on their study abroad experiences.

PLATO: Links to organizations, resources, and scholarships that support academic advancement for underrepresented groups.

Travel Noire: Cultivated insights from a global community of Black travelers.