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.

Join International Programs for a festive Fall Break Meal on November 25, welcoming community members and international students for this shared meal. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CST), attendees can enjoy a traditional holiday feast featuring turkey, vegetarian options, and classic sides in 1117 University Capitol Centre. This annual event fosters a sense of community, allowing diverse voices to come together and share in U.S. holiday traditions. Space is limited, so participants are required to register for their preferred time slot.

Lyu has served as the International Student and Scholar (ISSS) peer assistant for the last two years.

Gadag was one of four who received this award at the university’s first annual Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony.

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.

ISAB advocates for improving the international student experience and creating a campus environment more inclusive to international students.

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. 

Nanle Joseph Gusen, a PhD student enrolled in the UI College of Nursing, shares his inspiring journey, from his upbringing in Nigeria to his current role as a student leader on campus.

Learn more about Katherine Lyu, a junior from China majoring in creative writing and philosophy, through this Q&A piece.

A chemist by trade and originally from India, Skaria came to the University of Iowa in 2021 when she took up a postdoctoral scholar position in Daly Research Group.