The University of Iowa’s International Writing Program, in collaboration with Asia Society, at 6 p.m. Monday (June 14) will host a free online event to show support for writers — including IWP alumni — who were arrested or killed during a February military coup in Myanmar, long known as Burma.

It will take time for international-student enrollment to return to its normal frequency and volume, experts predict, as vaccines are doled out throughout the world.

Believe it or not, Anna Barker planned to read "War and Peace" months before the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. Throughout 2020, Barker, a professor of Russian literature at the University of Iowa, led three other readings to help guide those stuck at home through the ongoing global pandemic. Some of her former students following along with the "Paradise Lost" reading joked she needed to start a new project: "1812 days of 'War and Peace.' "

Rita Guzmán (18BBA) traveled from Iowa to Porto, Portugal, in fall 2018 to teach English for an academic year. She returned from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program with valuable skills that helped launch her career in international education.

Andrew Gordon is the seventh speaker in the Commitment to Internationalization lecture series. His talk, "Advancing Equity & Inclusion Through Global Engagement," will be on November 17, 2020, at 3:30 p.m., via Zoom. This lecture continues the conversation about the UI's vision and strategic themes for campus internationalization.

University of Iowa alumna, author, and artist A. Kendra Greene recently published her first full-length book, The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland’s Most Unusual Museums. Greene graciously took some time to reminisce about her University of Iowa experience as an MFA student in the Nonfiction Writing Program and graduate certificate student in the Center for the Book, as well as the impact of receiving a Stanley Award for International Research.

As we approach the turn of another decade, many reflect on closing chapters, and look optimistically towards new ones that may be beginning. For many students, 2020 is the end of college careers, and opening of occupational doors. With one short semester left of school, students find themselves relishing in the many accomplishments and milestones they attained during their four-year stay. One soon-to-be University of Iowa alumna, Alexia Sanchez, finds exceptional pride in her undergraduate achievements. Born in Mexico, raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Sanchez followed in her sister’s footsteps choosing to attend the University of Iowa to earn her bachelor of arts degree, double-majoring in political science and social justice with a minor in philosophy. With encouragement from their immigrant parents, the Sanchez sisters became first-generation college students.

In June, Ted Neal, associate professor of science education and former wildlife camp instructor, travelled to São Paulo, Brazil, to present his research on informal learning environments and immersive inquiry. Neal received funding to pursue international education from the University of Iowa’s International Travel Award. The grant supports international travel for research, creative activity, and active participation from university tenured, tenure-track, clinical, or research faculty members looking to travel internationally.

When Downing Thomas ends his tenure as associate provost and dean of International Programs at the end of the semester, he’ll be making two significant shifts in his life. Professionally, Thomas will return to teaching French literature as a professor in the Department of French and Italian in the College of Arts and Sciences, effective Dec. 31. The second significant shift in his life is personal. Thomas and his wife, Joy, are expecting a baby in December.

Each year, IES Abroad, the leading not-for-profit study abroad organization, recognizes a study abroad professional with the Volunteer of the Year Award. This year, IES Abroad proudly honored Doug Lee, assistant provost of International Programs at the University of Iowa, at the 2019 IES Abroad Annual Conference.

Hans de Wit is the sixth speaker in the Commitment to Internationalization lecture series. His talk, "Internationalization of Higher Education for Society, Moving Back from Competition to Co-operation," will be on November 7, 2019, from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in room 1117 of the University Capitol Centre. This lecture continues the conversation about the UI's vision and strategic themes for campus internationalization.

Lilian Sanchez, UI grad, is working for U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, a California Democrat running for president, to help the candidate connect with Latino voters in Iowa.