“It is hard to describe the transformation that took place, but I can pinpoint the best part of it all in one word: empowerment. Physically, emotionally, and intellectually, I found out what I was made of.” Those are the words of one University of Iowa graduate, praising the enriching experience she had during her time studying abroad.

Another student called his study abroad experience in France “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made” and said if it were up to him, “it would be a requirement; nothing on campus can give you a similar experience or, in my opinion, a more valuable experience.”

• Why Choose Study Abroad Programs at Iowa?
• Opportunities for Study Abroad
• Credit
• Costs/Financial Aid
• Scholarships/Grants
• Health and Safety
• Check Out These Numbers
• For More Information

Why Choose Study Abroad Programs at Iowa?
It is possible to receive a well-rounded, invaluable education within the confines of Iowa City, but there are powerful lessons to be learned about being a global citizen in the 21st century—lessons that can be learned only by immersing yourself in other cultures and in other regions.

As those who have returned from study abroad experiences are quick to mention, it’s one thing to learn about other people in a classroom and quite another to interact with them directly on a practical, daily basis.

Students returning from studying abroad say they gained an important perspective on their own country by seeing it through the eyes of another country’s citizens. This can be enlightening later on, whether you’re doing business in that country, writing about its economy, teaching its citizens, or working with its scientists on international projects.

Students also describe the study abroad experience as transformational. They return with confidence and a greater understanding of themselves. Many say they become better students because of their experiences abroad. The world seems larger and full of opportunity; at the same time, the world seems smaller and more familiar.

Opportunities for Study Abroad
Through the UI Office for Study Abroad, you can find your place in the world. The opportunity to encounter another culture directly is one of the richest educational experiences available to UI students. Studying abroad is increasing in popularity; according to the latest available surveys, nearly 20 percent of UI graduates have studied abroad.

The University actively encourages students to study abroad and sponsors more than 150 study abroad programs in more than three dozen countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

Recent additions to the lineup of UI study abroad offerings include a summer program on politics and foreign affairs in Russia, a winter session program centered on social entrepreneurship in India, and a semester exchange program at Charles University in the Czech Republic.

Summer, semester, and academic-year programs and exchanges complement and extend the University’s academic programs across the curriculum. The programs enrich education at Iowa by giving students access to international faculty, distant sites for fieldwork and research, and courses not available here.

Students with majors ranging from accounting to women’s studies participate in study abroad each year. Your academic and personal goals should determine what, where, when, and how long you study abroad.

Credit
Students may satisfy major, minor, certificate, or General Education Program requirements while studying abroad, or they may simply earn elective credit. Plan your experience carefully, and you won’t fall behind your four-year graduation plan.

Costs/Financial Aid
Although costs vary considerably by program and location, the
University works to keep study abroad financially accessible. Some programs cost little more than staying on campus to study. The Office for Study Abroad has current information on program fees. In general, any financial aid that you receive may be applied toward the cost of studying abroad. Financial-aid packages are adjusted to reflect the costs of particular study abroad programs.

You will be eligible to receive financial aid (except work-study) if you enroll in a program sponsored by an accredited U.S. or eligible foreign university and continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree.

Scholarship/Grants
Several merit-based scholarships supporting undergraduate study and research abroad are available. They include Presidential Scholarships for Study Abroad; International Studies Scholarships; Naomi Gunderson Scholarships for Foreign Language Study Abroad; Iowa City Rotary Club International Scholarships; and Stanley Undergraduate Scholarships for International Research/Fieldwork.

Students with financial need also may apply for need-based study abroad grants.

The Office for Study Abroad has complete, up-to-date information.
Note that scholarship deadlines often are earlier than program deadlines.

Health and Safety
Safety and security issues play an important role in the planning and implementation of all UI study abroad programs. The University believes that study abroad is a sensible option for students in a number of locations around the world. Students (and parents) are encouraged to visit the Office for Study Abroad web site for more information about safety issues.

Check Out These Numbers
During 2007-08, more 853 UI undergraduates studied abroad.

• Less than 1 percent were first-year students
• 9 percent were sophomores
• 36 percent were juniors
• 54 percent were seniors
• They had an average grade-point average (GPA) of 3.28
• They represented 64 majors
• They traveled to 59 countries, with the highest concentration of travelers—57 percent—studying somewhere in Western Europe
• 42 percent spent a semester abroad
• 39 percent spent the summer abroad
• 6 percent spent an academic year abroad
• 13 percent participated in programs of three weeks or less

For More Information
Visit the Office for Study Abroad and explore a variety of possible programs. Talk with the office’s peer advisors about their experiences studying abroad. Meet with a study abroad advisor and discuss your plans with your academic advisor (and your parents). Start early, gather information about several programs, and choose a program that meets your academic and personal objectives.

For more information, visit the Office for Study Abroad, 1111 University Capitol Centre; call 319-335-0353; or e-mail study-abroad@uiowa.edu.