The number of international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities last year saw its biggest increase in 35 years — an uptick reflected in Iowa, which experienced an 8 percent bump in foreign students and saw a $351 million economic impact, a study shows. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa host the most international students in the state, both ranking in the top 50 nationally out of 1,485 higher education institutions, according to a new 2015 Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education.

One student is coming to terms with his sexuality halfway across the world. “In my hometown, there are some gay people I know. They never told others they are gays. They do not want to show their sexualities to others, so they pretend to be straight,” said University of Iowa student Shanyi Shang.

Masked by pseudonyms and anonymity, social media is often viewed as an attractive way to express one’s feelings candidly. But the same technology that allows users to share ideas and constructively engage with others too often devolves into a toxic, often hurtful environment. As social apps like Yik Yak, which allow users to anonymously share their opinions about anything and everything with those nearby, continue to gain popularity at the University of Iowa, many Asian-identifying students have found themselves the subject of racist and xenophobic messages.

Every year, International Programs - in conjunction with Study Abroad and International Student and Scholar Services - hosts a number of contests open to our returned study abroad and international students. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners in each category. The deadline submission to the photo and video contests is October 31, 2015. Submit your entries today!

Introducing the ISSS International Parent of the Year runners up for 2015, Ms. Ying Pan and her sister Ms. Hong Pan of China.

From the intimate to the ordinary, life in this Midwestern college town is changing. The iconic Hamburg Inn, the diner where presidential candidates have stumped for decades, still dishes up its famous "pie shakes." But take a closer look: Bubble tea shops outnumber Starbucks 3 to 1, and nearly 1 in 10 students at the University of Iowa hails from China.

Introducing the ISSS International Parent of the Year winners for 2015, Mr. Hameed Nada Hammad and Mrs. Lameeah Bunyan Jabal of Iraq.

The 2015 International Student Support and Integration Report, prepared by the University of Iowa International Student Committee, is now available. Covering the period from 2008-2015, the report assesses the growth and effectiveness of programs and initiatives related to international students on the University of Iowa campus.

China has about 100 million children learning English, and a pair of University of Iowa students have started a new business to help them. Western Wise started offering real-time English language tutoring services for children in China over the Internet in February and has today about 25 clients, nine tutors, and a total of 10 employees. The business, which is headquartered in the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL) student-owned business incubator, is owned by Emily Roberts, a senior majoring in Spanish and finance, and Chen Cui, a doctoral engineering student.

University of Iowa has had a booth for years, often used as a recruiting center and Hawk Shop, but this display stands apart. For the first time, it was designed and constructed by UI 3D design students.