"At first, I felt like an outsider but overtime I learned to accept that it is okay to feel like that and to keep in mind the reason why I decided to go there: I wanted to learn about other cultures and experience life outside the United States."

The Stanley Undergraduate and Graduate Awards for International Research are given annually to outstanding University of Iowa students for the pursuit of research and learning activities outside of the United States.

Learn how you can receive up to $30,000 for international research or study abroad while studying a critical language like Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, or Swahili.

Are you a student interested in a summer language program abroad, all expenses paid? Join International Programs for two virtual events to discuss strategies for putting together a successful Critical Language Scholarship application.

"Traveling has always been a dream of mine, but my family and I didn’t always have the resources to do so. That's why I am incredibly grateful for the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed me to go abroad for the first time in my life."

"One of the things I enjoyed most about my time in Barcelona was how truly lively the people were. Everywhere you walked there was music playing, people singing and dancing."

"The only advice I can give is DO IT, and if you can, DO IT ALONE! I was told by a friend who also studied abroad some time ago that I shouldn’t look around for friends to follow me because the friends will already be there, they will be friends that last a lifetime, and boy was she right."

Wieder, a third-year doctoral candidate in the French and Francophone World Studies program is a recipient of the 2024 Stanley Award for International Research. In the fall, Wieder will travel to Paris to conduct archival research for her dissertation.

Here are our top five things every Iowa student who wants to study abroad should take advantage of. 

The Peace, Charlie One World Scholarship at the University of Iowa was established by the late Dr. Charles W. Day. Since 2002, the scholarship has helped over 30 international students pursue studies and research in the U.S., reflecting Dr. Day's belief in the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences.

"Not only did studying abroad provide so many incredible memories and allow me to really push myself, but it also helped me redefine and better understand my personal and career aspirations."

"Your study abroad experience will be your own: it will be different from what you expect, but at least in my case, that was for the best. Do not be afraid to embark on this new journey because there is so much support for you. Studying abroad is so worth it."