Jeff Lai, recipient of the 2024 Global Student Award and a PhD candidate in higher education from Taiwan, is redefining international education at the University of Iowa. In this Q&A, Lai shares his insights on social justice, intercultural collaboration, and his vision for a transformative approach to learning and community engagement.

Discover how Fascha Aryasa, a 2024 Global Student Award recipient and data science major from Bali, Indonesia, is transforming international education at the University of Iowa. As president of the International Student Advisory Board, a mentor, and an international student ambassador, she advocates for international students, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters global connections on campus. Learn about her leadership journey, her passion for intercultural communication, and how her international experiences are shaping her academic and career goals.

The Global Student Award recognizes one undergraduate and one graduate student who are leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. The 2024 winners are Fascha Aryasa and Jeff Lai.

The Global Student Award recognizes one undergraduate and one graduate student who are leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. The award was established by International Programs and the Division of Student Life in 2019.

Amira Nash, a PhD student from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a recipient of the 2023 Global Student Award, which recognizes one undergraduate and one graduate student who are leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad.

Katherine Lyu is a recipient of the 2023 Global Student Award, which recognizes one undergraduate and one graduate student who are leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. Lyu is an undergraduate student from Xiamen, China, majoring in English & creative writing. 

As part of the University of Iowa’s annual celebration of International Education Week, International Programs will host a WorldCanvass program to present both the International Impact Award and the Global Student Awards for 2023.

Ryann Hubbart, a double-major in international studies and economics and a double-minor in Arabic studies and history, is a recipient of the 2022 Global Student Award.

Frankline Matanji, a PhD student in mass communications with a focus in international/development studies, is a recipient of the 2022 Global Student Award.

Nicholas Stroup is a recipient of the 2020 Global Student Award, which recognizes current University of Iowa students who are emerging leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. The award is given to two students annually—one to a student who has made significant efforts toward campus internationalization, and another to a student who is furthering globalization through their international research or study abroad program. The award was established by UI International Programs in 2019.

Mishma Nixon is a recipient of the 2020 Global Student Award, which recognizes current University of Iowa students who are emerging leaders deeply engaged in international education on campus or abroad. The award is given to two students annually—one to a student who has made significant efforts toward campus internationalization, and another to a student who is furthering globalization through their international research or study abroad program. The award was established by UI International Programs in 2019.