Being immersed in a different culture while studying abroad is one of the most beneficial opportunities for International Studies majors. Study abroad can give you firsthand experience and new perspectives as you study the complex connections between culture, politics, art, economics, and society. Due to the multidisciplinary approach of the International Studies major, you can spend up to an academic year abroad without delaying graduation.

Study Abroad is the perfect fit for your International Studies major as it is easy to find courses that apply to your degree requirements.  In addition, you can take GE CLAS Core courses, explore general electives in subjects that interest you, or immerse yourself in language study and internships. From short-term, faculty-led programs to full-year enrollment at an international university, there are plenty of opportunities to earn credit toward your degree in International Studies.

After reading through this MAP, visit our First Steps page to learn how to get a study abroad advisor and learn the basics of our available programs. Ideally, you should begin to plan your study abroad experience at least two semesters in advance of your departure date. Be in touch with a Study Abroad advisor and your advisor in International Studies early in the planning process. 

Timing

First Year

Your initial year is best spent at UI taking International Studies (IS) foundation courses, beginning a language, or working on GE CLAS Core requirements. Such courses help you develop an international studies skill set and understand its applications for global issues and future travel and employment.  

Second & Third Years

This is an excellent time to participate in a study abroad program to complete GE CLAS requirements, begin or continue your language requirement, or satisfy IS major requirements.

Fourth Year

Senior year can be another great time for a study abroad experience—just work closely with your academic advisor to make sure that all remaining degree requirements can be met while abroad. IS majors completing an honors thesis should plan to spend at least one semester of their senior year on campus. 

Academics

General Education Program

Most study abroad locations will offer coursework that will count towards the General Education requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requires that all majors acquire either fourth-semester competency or the departmental equivalent in a world language. If you need to complete your world language requirement, you could consider studying abroad to immerse yourself in a language and complete this requirement in as little as one semester. Study Abroad approves GEP courses, so please talk to an advisor in the Study Abroad office.

Foundation Courses

These courses should be completed at the University of Iowa. It is sometimes possible to take foundation courses abroad, but the overseas course must be a direct equivalent to the UI course offered by the relevant department. (Note: Most of the courses approved for the International Studies major foundation also fulfill general education requirements.)

Track Courses

Study abroad is an excellent way to fulfill these elements of the IS major. Classes offered by our partner universities will provide you with a perspective on your field that is unique to the country and culture where you are studying, and that will augment the perspectives you receive in the U.S. classroom.

World Language

The International Studies major requires two semesters of world language study beyond what is required for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences general education requirement. Study abroad programs are a great place to begin (or continue) language immersion.

Programs

You can start your search with the recommended programs below, but feel free to browse our program database for other possibilities. The specific programs recommended below may change, so check with your major advisor and Study Abroad for the latest updates.

All students who study abroad must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Each program listed has coursework taught in English unless otherwise stated. In addition, each program has specific eligibility requirements that may include GPA, prerequisites, and/or class standing. For more information about the program, click on the button below the program description.

Geographic Tracks

East Asian Studies

Ewha Womans University Exchange

Students of all genders are welcome to study at the world's largest female educational institute and one of the top universities in Korea for a semester, academic year or  calendar year. Participation in this program does not require any prior knowledge of the Korean language, as there is a diverse course offering in English, but the program offers Korean Language courses as well.

European Studies

Germany

Academic Year in Freiburg
This consortial program with the Universities of Wisconsin-Madison, Michigan, and Michigan State offers students the opportunity to improve fluency in the German language while taking a blend of program classes and regular German university classes.

University of Dortmund Exchange
The University of Dortmund exchange offers UI students a unique blend of courses that combine language and culture courses with academic work in their major and minor subjects.

France

CIEE Paris Open Campus
The Contemporary French Studies Program at the Paris Center for Critical Studies combines an interdisciplinary academic program on contemporary French society and culture with the opportunity for students at intermediate level French to quickly develop language skills.

Greece

Anatolia American University Program
This semester or academic year program offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses in Greek language, Business and Technology (Computer Science & CMIS) and Arts and Sciences (English, History & International Relations, Psychology, Philosophy and Social Sciences) while studying at the American College of Thessaloniki. The campus primarily hosts Greek students as well as international students from other European countries.

United Kingdom

Iowa Regents Semester in Wales
The Regents Semester in Wales offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study for a semester at a British university. Students are integrated academically and socially with their British peers at the University of Wales-Swansea. The program begins with a three-week course on British life and politics, after which students enroll in regular courses offered by the university.

Iowa Regents Semester in Scotland
This semester or academic year program offers undergraduates the opportunity to enroll in a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines at the University of Edinburgh, one of the finest universities in the United Kingdom in one of Europe's most exciting cultural centers. Students are fully integrated academically and socially with their Scottish peers.

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

USAC Studies in the Czech Republic

This program offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses in a variety of disciplines related to Czech and to Central and Eastern European studies. No prior Czech language study is required, and most classes are taught in English. The program is administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI students earn resident credit.

Latin American Studies

CIEE Buenos Aires Community Public Health

This program for advanced Spanish students with strong language skills offers a unique opportunity to students by combining classroom coursework with field work. It is designed to expose students to the social inequities that impact health in various parts of Argentina and the challenges facing the global health arena along with the variety of solutions being implemented locally. Participants join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. UI students earn resident credit.

USAC Montevideo (Uruguay) Program

Thematic Tracks

Global Resources and the Environment

Iowa Regents Semester in Cork
This semester or academic year program offers students the opportunity to enroll in a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines at the University College Cork, one of the oldest universities in Ireland. Students are fully integrated academically and socially with their Irish peers.

Lancaster University Exchange
Direct enrollment at the University of Lancaster in England is particularly suited to students prepared to take upper-level coursework in both their major and/or a secondary field of interest.

USAC Heredia Program
This program offers three diverse academic areas: Spanish language, ecological studies, and Latin American studies. All USAC classes and offices are located on the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA) campus. Courses include Climate, Global Change, and Society; Water in Tropical Landscapes; Introduction to Conservation Biology; Introduction to Tropical Plant Biodiversity; and Introduction to Tropical Ecology.

CIEE Monteverde Tropical Ecology and Conservation Program

This program offers a combination of science courses taught in English, a Spanish language course at various levels, and travel to diverse ecosystems. Participants join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. UI students earn resident credit on this program.

Global Health

CIEE Summer Community Public Health

Programs in Argentina and Dominican Republic combine coursework on issues that developing nations face in providing sustainable healthcare with a community service practicum (during which students work in government sponsored clinics or other public health-focused non-governmental organizations) or field research (guided by local public health practitioners and academics).

Child Life Experiential Learning Program

This program is a three-week, faculty-led course based in Cape Town, South Africa. Students will have the opportunity to work with the Red Cross Children's Hospital, Maitland Cottage Home, and the Sarah Fox Convalescent Hospital. Students interested in health and child life are welcome to participate, regardless of major or skill level.

International Business

Australia

Regents Semester in Australia
The University of Tasmania offers Iowa students a broad array of courses in the arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, architecture and engineering.

Greece

Anatolia American University Program
This semester or academic year program offers students the opportunity to enroll in a courses in Greek language, Business and Technology (Computer Science & CMIS) and Arts and Sciences (English, History & International Relations, Psychology, Philosophy and Social Sciences) while studying at the American College of Thessaloniki. The campus primarily hosts Greek students as well as international students from other European countries.

Ireland

Iowa Regents Semester in Ireland
This semester or academic year program offers students the opportunity to enroll in a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines at the University College Cork, one of the oldest universities in Ireland. Students are fully integrated academically and socially with their Irish peers.

Italy

USAC Turin Program
The program offers a high-quality educational experience in three diverse academic areas: business, architecture, and Italian studies. A 3 s.h. internship is also available.

Spain

USAC Bilbao Program

This program offers a high-quality educational experience in two diverse academic areas: international business and Spanish Language studies. A 3 s.h. internship is also available.

United Kingdom

Iowa Regents Semester in Wales
The Regents Semester in Wales offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study for a semester at a British university. Students are integrated academically and socially with their British peers at the University of Wales-Swansea. The program begins with a three-week course on British life and politics, after which students enroll in regular courses offered by the university.

International Communication & Information

Iowa Regents Semester in Wales
The Regents Semester in Wales offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study for a semester at a British university. Students are integrated academically and socially with their British peers at the University of Wales-Swansea. The program begins with a three-week course on British life and politics, after which students enroll in regular courses offered by the university.