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.

Fascha Aryasa, a first-year computer science student from Bali, Indonesia, has become deeply involved in campus life in just a few short months.

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

In a celebration of perseverance, accomplishment, and their collective experiences, international students at the University of Iowa held an affinity graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 12.

When the plan to return to his homeland in Nigeria was interrupted by COVID-19, Ya’u Adamu decided to join the University of Iowa to start his doctoral studies in interdisciplinary human toxicology, which has been a great experience for him in many ways. Learn more about Ya’u.

After completing a bachelor's degree in dental surgery and a master's degree in health administration from Bangalore, India, Khyathi Gadag chose to apply to the University of Iowa after conducting comprehensive research on the university’s rankings, principles, and community. Learn more about Khyathi.

Established in Fall 2020 by the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), the iPeer Mentorship Program (iPeer) pairs new international students (mentees) with returning international students (mentors). As the only peer-to-peer mentorship program designed for international students on campus, iPeer aims to provide support to new international students for their transition in the first semester and personal development, as well as to empower them to become leaders on campus.

Ebenezer (“Eben”) Aidoo, PhD student in the UI Department of Communication Studies, had several admissions offers from other graduate programs, but chose the University of Iowa “…because of the outstanding teaching and learning resources available for graduate students, reasonable cost of living, stellar health insurance package for graduate teaching and research assistants, and the vibrant academic community in Iowa City.”

Onyeche Oche, PhD student in the UI College of Pharmacy, had several admission offers from other pharmacy programs, but chose the University of Iowa after meeting with faculty members, who Oche says, “…saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”

Divija Sharma, University of Iowa psychology major, spent the first year of her academic experience in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She made the most of her remote learning experience and is thrilled to be on campus this year, involved with student organizations, research, and learning about American football.