Join Life in Iowa at the Old Capitol Museum for a scavenger hunt on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Explore the history of the State of Iowa, the University of Iowa, engage with other students, and win prizes.

"As a first-generation student who had never left the country before, I was worried about how I would navigate this chapter in my life, but once immersed in another culture, you will be so glad you stepped outside of your comfort zone."

Jeffrey Ding (BA Chinese, BBA economics, BS political science ’16) seized international opportunities while at Iowa which led him to the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Now an assistant professor of political science at George Washington University, Ding offers valuable advice for Iowa students with global aspirations.

Nine University of Iowa undergraduates are pursuing internships abroad with support from the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship, established in 2022 by alumna Linda Baker. Recipients share their gratitude, detailing how their internships in countries like Chile, Ireland, and Australia are shaping their future careers and personal growth.

Dawn Thomas (MAT secondary English education ‘23) was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for 2023-24. Originally set to embark on her teaching journey in Israel, unforeseen circumstances led to the cancellation of her assignment. She is now serving as an English language assistant and English art assistant for students ranging from 3 years old through those in sixth grade, who speak Spanish and Gallego, in Galicia, Spain.

Out of thousands of applicants nationwide, 10 students from the University of Iowa (UI), all hailing from hometowns in Iowa, have been granted a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which awards the recipient up to $5,000 to study abroad. 

Five University of Iowa undergraduate students are able to study abroad thanks to support from the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, a fund that was established in 2022 by Cathy Zaharis (BBA finance ’82) in memory of her mother.

With support from the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides up to 10 $1,000 scholarships for the spring and fall semesters or academic year, and up to 10 scholarships for the summer and winter sessions.

Dean Ganim highlights our recent international student graduates and shares insights into his trip to Kosovo where, among other things, he and the Dean of the UI College of Pharmacy Don Letendre are helping to establish an Institute of Pharmacy at the University of Prishtina.

Meng Zhou, originally from China, earned his PhD in informatics from the University of Iowa and has embarked on a new role as an assistant scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Learn how to apply for a Gilman Scholarship from someone who has been there.

Spencer Cooper-Ohm, who received a BA in economics and English & creative writing from the University of Iowa in May 2024, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Kosovo for 2024-25.