What began as an opportunity to study dance in Latvia for a year has evolved into an ongoing international platform for Iowa alumna Alyssa Gersony — one that is expanding the real-life impact of dance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. 

Jeffrey Ding (BA Chinese, BBA economics, BS political science ’16) seized international opportunities while at Iowa which led him to the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Now an assistant professor of political science at George Washington University, Ding offers valuable advice for Iowa students with global aspirations.

Dawn Thomas (MAT secondary English education ‘23) was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for 2023-24. Originally set to embark on her teaching journey in Israel, unforeseen circumstances led to the cancellation of her assignment. She is now serving as an English language assistant and English art assistant for students ranging from 3 years old through those in sixth grade, who speak Spanish and Gallego, in Galicia, Spain.

The value of studying abroad while at college extends beyond the classroom and has the potential to pave the way for an exciting international career.

About 100 people gathered to celebrate the International Student Advisory Board and express gratitude to outstanding individuals and teams whose hard work and efforts have enhanced the experiences of international students at Iowa.

Shuhita Bhattacharjee received her PhD in English from the University of Iowa in 2015. Now working as an assistant professor of English literature & gender studies in India, she reflects on her time at Iowa and working in higher education.

Walid Rachedi initiated a collaboration between Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program and Paris 8 University’s MFA Program in creative writing, which went from virtual exchange to nonfiction podcast in English and French.

Erik Snider (MA sports, health, leisure, and physical studies ‘96; BA journalism and religious studies ‘94), a leader in global public relations, will join International Programs on January 24 in this virtual talk as part of our Global Alumni Spotlight Series.

Three decades ago, Melissa Ferrin (BA political science and Spanish ’95) participated in a study abroad program in Chile as a language learner. She currently teaches English at a small engineering school in Mexico called Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca (UTM).

Richard “Dick” J. Tyner (BA French, political science ’70) established the Richard J. Tyner Scholarship to support undergraduate study abroad students in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences majoring in a world language, political science, international relations, or international studies.

University of Iowa alumna and recipient of the UI International Impact Award in 2020, Sarah Lande (BA and MBA) is a true global Hawkeye. She shared details of her reunion with Mr. Xi during his recent visit to the U.S.

Since graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 2002, Jason Lammer, an Iowa City native, has been living and working abroad for almost two decades as an English language educator and business owner.