The University of Iowa’s virtual study abroad programs, which have run for a year and a half, provide students with the flexibility to travel online wherever without added costs.

During my anatomy course this past spring, my professor sent out an announcement that he would be leading an International Medicine Virtual Study Abroad Experience in the Dominican Republic (DR). I was curious because I have always wanted to study abroad, but hesitant that the virtual format would be awkward and boring.

In every measurable way, business is booming in Asia. It’s also a leading innovator in some of the most important arenas of the day: e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. The Tippie College of Business provided a unique study abroad experience that traveled four different locations in the Asia Pacific: Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. The adventure featured lectures from professors in each of the four locations, briefings from leading businesses in the region, and fun cultural activities.  

I was lucky enough to be a part of the remote-abroad hybrid class during 2021’s summer program here at the University of Iowa, and here are just a few experiences that I believe highlight what was an incredible experience for someone like myself.

Listen, I know how odd it sounds. All summer I received the same response and facial expression when I explained I was going to study abroad…virtually.

University of Iowa student Changhyuk (“Jason”) Yu hoped to incorporate a study abroad experience before his intended graduation in December 2021. COVID-19 travel restrictions led Yu to explore virtual study abroad options and the Summer 2021 course offering titled Virtual International Business in Italy caught his eye. The course offered a chance to learn more about the European Union and it also fulfilled two Tippie graduation requirements: an elective for his finance major and a Tippie RISE component.

An exciting lineup of summer virtual study abroad offerings attracted nearly 100 University of Iowa students. Course topics included international business in Italy, women’s empowerment in the Dominican Republic, and cultures of Spain. After reviewing the virtual study abroad course options, Emily Gumal chose Shakespeare’s England. She found it to be a great experience and would recommend it to other students. Learn more about Gumal’s experience.

University of Iowa student Brianna Bentler is a CEA MOJO Blogger and a Virtual Global Intern for an organization in Dublin, Ireland, during the Summer 2021 term. 

The Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa Study Abroad, and the CIMBA Italy Program, have been recognized as a finalist for the 2021 GoAbroad Innovation Award for Innovation in Online Programming for the innovative virtual study abroad course titled International Business in a Time of Disruption: Protectionism, Pandemics, and Political Fragmentation. 

Mid-way of dragging myself through the “COVID semester”, I found myself lacking meaningful academic experiences. I remember sitting in my room thinking of ways I could be more involved considering the circumstances of the global pandemic.

An archaeology dig in Sicily…performances of Shakespeare’s work…learning about Spain’s culture through conversations with Spaniards…all from the comforts of home. These experiences represent a small sampling of what students can expect from virtual study abroad course offerings this summer. The courses, led by UI faculty members, illustrate a bright spot of the COVID-19 pandemic—innovation through necessity. Student interest in learning about the world around them hasn’t diminished just because international travel isn’t possible at the moment. A growing group of faculty members has accepted the challenge to create virtual study abroad courses that allow students a rich learning experience—often featuring small-group discussions with in-country experts and scholars, hands-on cultural activities, livestreamed performances, and guided tours of historical sites.