The Stanley Award for International Research is given annually to outstanding University of Iowa students in all academic fields to support research abroad, learning activities in international studies and international career interests. Meet our 2026 awardees.

Shefa’a T. Tawil, a University of Iowa alumna (BS psychology ‘25) from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Arabic this summer in Amman, Jordan.

International Programs at the University of Iowa will host the 13th Annual Fulbright Week, April 6–10, 2026, featuring virtual workshops and information sessions to launch the 2027–2028 Fulbright U.S. Student Program competition for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Fulbright Group Presentation Session will cover award types, application tips, and the campus application process. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and maximizing their chances of success.

Sean Hagan, a University of Iowa student from Coralville, Iowa, who will earn a BA in Russian and international relations this May, has been awarded a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Russian this summer in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Three 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.

The UI awarded dozens of merit-based scholarships for students studying abroad during the winter and spring 2026 semesters, support students studying in Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Japan, and more. These scholarships promote global learning and help students build intercultural and language skills.

Hear from current Fulbright recipients and get guidance from university faculty and staff on the application process for teaching, research, and study opportunities abroad. Open to juniors, seniors, graduate students, and alumni, the workshop aims to support UI students and alumni in securing this prestigious award, with past UI recipients recognized globally for their contributions.

After studying abroad three times, UI student Sean Keene launched 'Around the World in 80 Stays,' a podcast that shares stories from fellow Hawkeyes who have already taken the leap—and brought back insights to help others do the same.

With demanding course loads and tightly sequenced requirements, studying abroad can seem out of reach for many STEMM majors. But a recent event hosted by University of Iowa Study Abroad showed otherwise.

Upcoming events include workshops on the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), Boren Awards, and Stanley Awards for International Research, offering guidance on applications, funding, and essay writing.

Studying abroad is a transformative experience. We've gathered the top 10 questions frequently asked by students interested in studying abroad.