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. 

GE CLAS Core and Electives

Most study abroad locations offer coursework that will count towards the GE CLAS Core 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 GE CLAS Core courses, so please discuss this with your Study Abroad advisor. 

General electives can also be earned overseas. Study abroad gives you the opportunity to study topics not taught at UI or gain international perspectives on issues of interest to you. 

Foundation Courses

These courses must be completed at the University of Iowa. 

Global Perspectives Courses and World Cultures & Societies Courses 

Study abroad is an excellent way to fulfill these elements of the IS major. Courses taken in another country will provide you with unique perspectives and insights into the country’s culture and their world views. The knowledge you gain will provide you with distinctive viewpoints that will augment the instruction you receive in the UI classroom.  Take courses related to the host country’s culture in which you are studying (including art, music, history, cinema/theater, literature, politics, etc.) and it applies to your major! 

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 GE CLAS Core program. Study abroad programs are a great place to immerse yourself in continued language study or begin learning a new language. 

Optional Concentrations

Should you choose a concentration within the IS major, studying abroad is an effective means to fulfill these requirements. There are study abroad programs that focus on each of the available concentrations: Global Business and Communication, International Human Rights and Public Service, and International Sustainable Development. 

Capstone Course

This course must be completed at the University of Iowa. 

Internships

Consider taking advantage of an internship for credit while abroad; it is a wonderful way to gain international work experience and help ease the transition into post-academic life. Students can work with our Global Internships Director to find an internship tailored to their career objectives. Our office has a variety of full-time summer internships (8 weeks) with guaranteed placements all over the world.  Information for scholarships can be found on the Global Internship Funding page.

Courses

The major in international studies is flexible, combining core international studies coursework with courses drawn from the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. To ensure that students take courses from varied disciplines, a maximum of 12 semester hours from any course subject code may count toward the Global Perspectives and the World Cultures & Societies requirements. 

The International Studies major allows for flexibility to customize your coursework to specialize in one particular area of the world or around a central theme or to take courses from a wide variety of regions and themes—so choose a program that peaks your interests and goals! 

Many IS majors choose to study abroad on programs which allow them to immerse themselves in a country that speaks language they are studying. Since many IS majors are double majors, they often consider choosing a program that will also allow for coursework to also be completed in their other major. IS majors choosing to complete an optional concentration may wish to choose a program that specializes in that concentration. (However, that is not necessary.) 

Funding your Study Abroad 

Various scholarships are available for UI students planning to study abroad. Information about these scholarships is available on the Study Abroad scholarships webpage. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with a major advisor and a Study Abroad Advisor about financing their study abroad experience.

You can start your search with the recommended programs below, but feel free to browse our program database or contact Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for other possibilities. The specific programs recommended below may change, so check with your major advisor and Study Abroad for the latest updates.

If you're interested in a specific country that's not listed below or in our database, contact your Study Abroad Advisor for assistance.

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. Please see the specific program page on the Study Abroad website at international.uiowa.edu/study-abroad/programs.

Language Minors or Majors:

Review the corresponding major advising page for a specific language for suggestions on programs that focus on language learning, culture, and allow you to take major coursework in another language. These may apply to your language major/minor, IS World Language and/or IS World Cultures & Societies requirement. If your language is not listed, you can always reach out to UI Study Abroad for more guidance. 

Summer Internships: 

Our assistant director for Global Internships will help you navigate your options for full-time summer internships. IES summer internships in London, Dublin, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Barcelona, Santiago, Sydney, Shanghai, and Cape Town. CIEE summer internships in Seville, Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, and Tallin. 

Faculty-led 

We encourage you to visit our faculty-led program page to learn more about our short-term programs. These programs are led by renowned University of Iowa faculty and are offered during summer (3-6 weeks) or winter (2-3 weeks). Past program themes include writing, international business, education and culture, women’s empowerment, health sciences, and sustainability.

World Cultures & Societies or Global Perspectives

Japan

CIEE Summer Ancient + Modern Japan 

Summer

Students choose one or two sessions (6 weeks each) to live and learn in Kyoto. This program is great fit for students that are passionate about traditional Japanese culture. Students will enroll in classes offered at the CIEE Kyoto academic center. English-taught electives include Culture and Cuisine in Japan, Analysis of Japanese Culture, Japanese Theater, Religion and Society, Japanese Art History, and Modernizing Ancient Japan. 

South Korea

WorldStrides South Korea: Korea University
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Calendar Year, Summer

WorldStrides facilitates direct enrollment for students at Korea University, a prestigious private university in Seoul. Students can enroll in Korean language courses and English-taught electives across many disciplines. Relevant semester courses include Contemporary Korea, Global Korean Civilization I, Dynamics of Korean Society, and Contemporary East Asia. Relevant summer courses include North Korea: History, Politics, Society; Media and Popular Culture in Korea; Language, Culture and Society in Korea; and Korean Film and Society. 

Greece

Anatolia American University (AAU)
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer

Students directly enroll in Anatolia American University, a U.S.-accredited university in Northern Greece. Thessaloniki is the "road less taken," a culturally intact, small, diverse, youthful city that serves as the gateway to Southeastern Europe. Relevant courses for this requirement include Ancient Greek Art and Architecture; Thessaloniki: A City and its Inhabitants; Understanding Greek Life and Culture; and Topics in Twentieth-Century Greek History. 

Italy

USAC Viterbo

Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer       

Students are immersed in an Italian medieval city while studying Italian language, history, art, and Italian studies. Located two hours north of Rome, Viterbo offers an authentic environment. Semester students will enroll in one Italian language class. English-taught electives across sessions include Italian Culture and Society, Contemporary Italian Cinema, Music and Identity in Italy, Roman Civilization, Roman Art and Architecture, and Italian Art. 

Uruguay

USAC Montevideo

Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer, Winter 

Students are immersed in the capital city of Uruguay located in the Rio de de la Plata region and near Argentina. Montevideo has a thriving cultural scene and the highest quality of life in Latin America. Semester students can take up to two Spanish-language courses (optional). English-taught electives include Latin American Women’s Voices, Modern Latin American Society, Rio de la Plata- People and Culture, LGBTQ+ Rights in Latin America. In addition, you’ll find courses like Afro-Uruguayan Identity and Candombe; and Cultural History of Argentina and Uruguay during the summer and winter sessions. 

South Africa

SIT South Africa: International Relations in the Global South

Fall, Spring

Students arrive in Mozambique and then travel to Durban, South Africa to study the transition from the apartheid system to democracy. This program also examines South-South relations and political and social developments. Coursework includes International Relations in the Global South, Continental Geopolitics and South-South Relations, and isiZulu. After completing Research Methods and Ethics course, students complete either an independent study project or an internship.

International Human Rights and Public Service Concentration

Argentina

SIT Study Abroad Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

Fall, Spring

This program requires students to have completed 3 semesters of college-level Spanish and relevant previous college-level coursework. Spend a semester in Buenos Aires studying social movement and human rights through an intersectional approach. Coursework includes History and Human Rights in Argentina, Social Movement and Human Rights in Argentina, Spanish for Social Sciences. After completing Research Methods and Ethics course, complete either an independent study project or an internship.

Chile

USAC Santiago
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer

This program in Santiago, Chile offers academic coursework in Spanish language, Latin American Studies, and Anthropology. Students take a Spanish language course (Fall/Spring) and are able to select from a variety of courses. English-taught courses include Government and Politics in Latin America; International Human Rights; and Peace, Conflict and Democracy in Latin America. Students with higher Spanish proficiency may have access to additional courses taught in Spanish.

Germany

CIEE Berlin Open Campus

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

Students take courses in International Relations and Political Science in English while studying in Berlin. Courses are offered on a block schedule (two courses per six-week block), and students participate in two blocks for 12 semester hours or three blocks for 15-18 semester hours. Relevant courses for this requirement include Development, Poverty, and Human Rights; Migration and Mobility in a Global World; Jewish in Germany- Migration, Integration, and Identity; and Global Civil Rights.

Austria

IES Vienna 

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At the IES Abroad Vienna Center, enroll in the European Society, Politics & Culture program. In addition to one required German language course, choose from a variety of English-taught electives: The Culture of Immigration; The Wall: Borders, Violence, and Separation in the Contemporary World; Religion and Multiculturalism; Global Gender Policy: Studying Security, Peace, and Armed Conflict; and Supervised Public Service Internship Seminar. 

Kenya

SIT Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights

Fall, Spring

Students will explore coastal Kenya and northern Tanzania for a comparative study of healthcare systems. Learn Kiswahili and network with healthcare professionals and community-based organizations. Coursework includes Comparative Healthcare Systems, Health and Human Rights in Kenya, and Kiswahili. After completing Research Methods and Ethics course, students complete either an independent study project or an internship.

International Sustainable Development Concentration

Costa Rica

Eco-tourism and Culture in Costa Rica

Winter

This faculty-led, three-week winter break program in Costa Rica that explores the relationship between eco-tourism and culture. This three-credit World Language and Cultural Exploration course fulfills the 3+1 World Language general education pathway. Students will engage with Costa Rica’s local environments and cultural contexts through immersive, short-term study abroad experiences.

CIEE Ecology + Sustainability in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Fall, Spring

Spend a semester in the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica and develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Monteverde. Students enroll in 12-14 s.h. and take at least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability. Relevant courses include: Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Global Environmental Policy, and Sustainable Development in the 21^st Century.
 

Ecuador

SIT Study Abroad Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Fall, Spring

Students who participate in this program live like biologists exploring the Amazon Basin, the Andes Mountains, cloud forests, the Pacific Ocean coastline, and the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. Previous college-level coursework or background in environmental sciences or studies is required. Courses include Conservation and Sustainability Practices in Ecuador, Comparative Tropical Ecology, Spanish for the Natural Sciences, Environmental Research Methods and Ethics, and an Independent Study Project (ISP). The ISP provides an opportunity to study in greater depth an aspect of academic interest relating to the program.

Germany

USAC Luneburg

Fall, Spring, Summer

Germany is a leader in environmental innovation, and this city provides real-world context for sustainability studies with local initiatives for renewable energy, green urban planning, and ecological preservation. Luneburg offers an immersive environment for learning German. Semester students are asked to enroll in a minimum of two German language classes. English electives include Germany’s Green Revolution, Global Systems and Sustainability, Business Ethics and Sustainability, and Sausages to Sustainability: A Critical History of German Food.

Global Business and Communications Concentration

Austria

IES Abroad Vienna—Business, Economics & International Relations

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At the IES Abroad Vienna Center, enroll in the Business, Economics & International Relations program. Students enroll in one required German language course. Relevant courses include Europe in the Global Economy, International Political Economy & the New World Order, Intercultural Communication, International Business and Marketing in Central Europe, and Business Ethics. 

Italy

USAC Verona

Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer

The USAC Verona program requires that students take a six-week Italian language class at the beginning of the fall and/or spring semester, allowing for rapid language acquisition and cultural adjustment. Students then select from a variety of English-taught courses. Available courses include Global Political Economy, Intercultural Communication, Business Communications, Business Ethics, AI, and Global Perspectives, and International Marketing. 

Spain

CIEE Seville International Business & Culture
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

Through this unique program, students study in Seville with the support services of CIEE while enrolling primarily in courses at a local university, Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO). After completing an intensive Spanish course in beginning through intermediate levels at CIEE, students can choose from a wide variety of courses taught in English at UPO. Studying alongside other international students or local students at UPO, participants can take business-related courses such as International Marketing, Business Ethics, International Business Communication, Intercultural Communication, and The Global Economy. 

Argentina and Chile

IES Abroad Multi-Location - Business & Economic Development in Latin America

Fall, Spring

This program takes places in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile. Students will enroll in courses that focus on globalization, economic growth, and culture. The program also includes a week-long trip to Peru. Relevant courses include Economic Development in Latin America, Business Strategies in Latin America, Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations, and Chilean Identity: History and Society.