International Programs has over 200 study abroad programs in 49 countries. There are programs on every continent except Antarctica. It can feel overwhelming with so many options, so it is recommended that you take some time and think about what you want out of the study abroad experience personally, academically, and professionally. By understanding yours goals and objectives, you can narrow down your choices.

International Programs has semester-long programs for the fall and spring, academic year programs, summer programs of varying lengths, and winter session programs. Some programs also run over spring break or in May, shortly after the end of the spring semester.

This is a question that you must answer for yourself in consultation with your academic advisor. For some majors, a summer program may work best, and for others it may be a fall semester program.

International Programs has been tracking this statistic since 2010, and students who study abroad have a 32% higher probability of graduating in four years than students who do not study abroad. Students should work closely with their academic advisor(s) to plan for successful completion of all academic requirements - both on campus and abroad.

You can find a program abroad in which to earn credit towards almost any major. However, some students take courses abroad that focus on minors, certificates, general elective requirements, and general elective credit. For major-specific programs you can look at our MAPS (Major Advising Pages).

All credit from UI-sponsored study abroad programs will transfer back to the University of Iowa, at least as general elective credit. You need to work with your academic advisors and your study abroad advisor to determine how courses taken abroad can fulfill degree requirements.

Yes! Please speak with UI Honors as to how this process works.

Yes! International Programs offers internships. Find out more about on-site international internships.

Yes! Many study abroad programs allow students to complete an internship for academic credit while also taking courses. Depending on the program, the internship may replace part of a student's coursework or be completed in addition to regular classes during a semester or summer term.

Students interested in these opportunities can search for programs with the internship feature in our program database.

Learn more about global internships.

Yes.

This is especially common on semester programs. Students often combine courses that fulfill major requirements, general education requirements, minors, certificates, and/or electives.

For example, a student might take:

• One or two courses for their major
• One general education course
• One or two electives

Our office works closely with academic advisors to maximize course applicability whenever possible. If a course can satisfy more than one requirement (for example, both a Spanish major requirement and a general education requirement), we work to have it approved appropriately. 

Both majors have opportunities to study abroad, though planning early is especially important. 

Education students can complete:

• General education coursework
• Minor coursework
• Electives
• Endorsement-related coursework
• Student teaching abroad

Engineering students often find the greatest flexibility during:

• The summer after their first year
• The fall semester of their sophomore year

Engineering students may also participate in global internships that provide valuable international professional experience and academic credit. 

There are many factors that determine the cost of studying abroad. The type of program, the duration of the program, and the destination are the largest elements when calculating the cost. Most program websites have a “Cost Sheet” available. These Cost Sheets show best estimated costs for the program.

Yes! The Study Abroad office awards about $600,000 a year in scholarships and grants. There are merit scholarships, need-based grants, global internship scholarships, and program-specific awards. Our scholarship page has all the details. Additionally, UI colleges (College of Engineering, Tippie College of Business, College of Public Health, etc.) have scholarships specifically for study abroad.

Yes! All federal financial aid is applicable towards study abroad. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if there are specific questions about your specific aid package.

Yes! UI admissions scholarships can be used to study abroad as long as you study abroad during the same session that your scholarship is applicable for here on campus. So, if your scholarship is for the fall and spring semester, if would be applicable to study abroad during a fall or spring semester. However, if you decided to study abroad during the summer and that scholarship is not applicable towards summer classes on campus, then it would not be applicable towards study abroad.

Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more details.

Students should plan for additional expenses such as:

• Personal spending
• Independent travel before, during, or after the program
• Groceries and cooking expenses
• Meals not included in the program
• Local transportation
• Cell phone/eSIM costs
• Passport fees (if the student does not already have a passport)
• Visa fees (if required)

Students should review the program cost sheet carefully and budget for discretionary spending based on their lifestyle and destination.