As an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa, Elisha Smiley (BBA accounting ’01; MAc accounting ’02) studied abroad in Dijon, France. It was a semester filled with learning to adapt, meeting new friends, and expanding her worldview, but perhaps most impactful was the connection she made to food. This connection helped to spark a career change from accounting to that of pastry chef and instructor.

Lauren Smiley (BA journalism and mass communication; Spanish ’05) is an award-winning freelance journalist (https://laurensmiley.contently.com/) based in San Francisco, California. Writing for publications such as WIRED, The Atlantic, and The New York Times, Smiley feels her study abroad experience in Guadalajara, Mexico, as an undergraduate at Iowa helped her build skills that contribute to her success writing in-depth magazine stories—namely navigating the arrival in a new community with grace and resourcefulness. We caught up with Marion, Iowa, native Smiley to learn more about her study abroad experience and how it shaped her personally and professionally.

The generosity of Drs. Joel and Sandra Barkan led to the creation of a scholarship for undergraduate students to study abroad in non-Western countries. Both Sandra (PhD comparative literature ’84), formerly comparative literature professor and associate dean of the Graduate College, and her late husband, Joel, political science professor, had distinguished careers at Iowa and helped to infuse international education on campus.

Deja Williams (BA journalism and mass communication ’20) reflects on the importance of her global internship in London—an experience that expanded her worldview and opened new doors to professional opportunities, including her current role as public relations coordinator at Cashmere Agency.

Virtual Homecoming is a chance to keep the Hawkeye spirit alive by sharing a "homecoming message" with the UI community, regardless of where you are in the world.

Join International Programs for the fourth installment in their Global Alumni Spotlight Series featuring Colombian novelist, writer, and University of Iowa Writing Program alumnae (IWP ‘11).  Pilar will talk with UI International Programs Associate Provost and Dean Russ Ganim about her experience at the University of Iowa International Writing Program, her writing projects and awards, thoughts on cultivating a successful writing career, and advice for aspiring writers.

International Programs continues its Global Alumni Spotlight Series featuring University of Iowa MS grad and former CFO of AIA China Shirley Hwei-Chung Shao.  Shao will talk with UI International Programs Associate Provost and Dean Russ Ganim about her experience at Iowa, thoughts on cultivating a successful career spanning the globe, and advice for current students/young professionals.

Join us for the first International Programs Global Alumni Spotlight Series of the fall semester featuring Dr. Alfredo Vergara (PhD '93, MS '90, BSE '86), CDC country director and Division of Global HIV and TB program director for Mozambique.

Earlier this summer, a dozen UI alumni from the Greater Bay Area of China, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine mega cities in Guangdong Province, attended a virtual get-together organized by Tuo (Tony) Liu (BFA ’13). During the event, the group heard news about their alma mater, talked about their current jobs, and shared their cherished UI memories.

Shuwen Li (BS neuroscience ’20) recently made donations to the University of Iowa Department of Biology and the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center Student Fund. “It’s a way to show my appreciation. I also want to contribute to the Hawkeye community as a proud member,” Li reflects on her decision to give back to her alma mater. 

International Programs will kick off the first in its Global Alumni Spotlight Series in a talk entitled "Hoops and Hawks: a conversation with Luka Garza." 2021 national player of the year, Luka Garza will discuss life in and outside of basketball and the enriching effects of international exposure and multi-cultural experiences. 

Tidjo Thierry Kuagbenu (BS actuarial science ’04) has enjoyed a successful career in a variety of corporations and locations across the world. He has fond memories of his time at the University of Iowa, including professors that had an impact on his educational experience.