“We had insightful discussions about life in London, the differences in work environments between the U.S. and the U.K., and how alumni navigated their early careers in a new country.”

“If you’re considering studying abroad, don’t be afraid to take opportunities and make the most of them and apply for the amazing funding options Iowa offers.”

"Living with a host family was my key to feeling connected to Costa Rica. It was so reassuring to have fantastic advice from locals and to know that, at the end of the day, there was someone I could talk to about my adventures."

“I hope to inspire students through my experiences and motivate them to study abroad in non-Western countries through programs that will challenge their beliefs and excite them to learn.”

Meet the 2025 spring recipients. From exploring the rich history and resilience of Ireland to delving into the vibrant culture of Argentina, these students are set to embark on transformative journeys.

The scholarship is intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon their return to the UI campus

Studying abroad is more than just hitting academic goals—it's about living the experience. In this personal reflection, Elizabeth Von Loh shares how everyday moments during a study abroad program in Ireland became rich story material, from walking the streets of Dublin at dawn to witnessing local traditions.

"As a first-generation student, studying abroad made me realize the importance of global experiences and my education."

"My advice is to ask as many questions as possible to all of the resources that you have available and go for it. I applied for every scholarship I could and once that was figured out, I went with an open mind that change is good, and I needed to give it a chance."

"There is no doubt in my mind I have grown tremendously as an individual over this past semester. No matter how hard I try, words cannot illustrate the importance."

"Studying abroad allowed me to experience my identity in a new and exciting way. As a Black African American man who has grown up in predominantly white towns, I was intrigued to see what it would be like where the majority is African."

"Reflecting on my time in Valladolid, I can confidently say that I have changed significantly as a person. The experiences I had during these six weeks will forever stay with me as I begin my last year of undergrad."