As COVID-19 evolved and progressed in the U.S. through 2020, many international students chose to return to their home countries and take a full course load of online classes. While they remain separated by the pandemic, the UI is committed to staying connected with its students no matter where they are.

International Programs is honored to present awards for International Parent of the Year to Manjit and Sharda Bahl and Luz Sarmiento and Gorky Fierro

The changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have impacted every person, every industry, every region, and every communal activity for nearly the whole of 2020. Even after the much-hoped-for vaccine is developed and distributed, some believe that life and work patterns have been forever altered. What comes next in the field of global education is the subject of the December WorldCanvass on the topic “Teaching and Learning Post-COVID.”  WorldCanvass will be held virtually through Zoom, from 5:30-7 p.m. on December 8.

Members and advocates of the international and immigrant community of Iowa City react to a Biden-Harris victory.

The University of Iowa and the Big Ten Academic Alliance are publicly opposing the proposed change that would require international students to go through a drawn-out submission and approval process to extend their stay while completing their programs.

Growing up in Kolkata, India, Aasthika Das had always assumed she would attend a university in India. That is until her sister, who is five years older, returned from her higher education studies in the U.S. and shared the style of education she received, how different it was from India, and the many opportunities that were available.

Initially enrolled as a PhD student in speech and hearing science, Venkitakrishnan soon added the AUD (clinical doctorate in audiology) program. “There are a lot of challenges that come with being a combined PhD and AUD student, but my department has helped me manage clinical schedules and teaching assignments and my research advisor has been very understanding, “ says Venkitakrishnan. “I love my department. I realize why it is ranked so highly as one of the best programs—my department has been really supportive of everything I have wanted to do.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement reveal cracks in U.S. institutions and a need to refocus our collective energy on human rights — especially when policies target vulnerable community members. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency’s announcement on July 6 revealed the federal government’s willingness to hurt international students.

Administrators object to 'harsh and unnecessary guidelines'

Hao Zhou wants to make films with LGBTQ+ themes—something he couldn’t do freely in his home country of China. At the University of Iowa, the MFA student has found a place that wholeheartedly supports his projects and goals.

Nafisa Kamal Ayntee spent her early years traveling throughout South Asia. Her father’s career as an agriculturalist, working to support a variety of NGOs, resulted in the family relocating multiple times. One significant move was to the Maldives when Nafisa was five years old. Not only was this a remarkable time due to the birth of her younger sister, it was also when Nafisa was first introduced to the English language

Growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Pedro Marra was an active youth who participated in many activities, including swimming, soccer, and tennis. With his parents, younger brother, and many extended relatives around him, he had a strong support network.