Unlocking Global Opportunities: A Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships at the University of Iowa

International experiences offer invaluable opportunities for personal and academic growth. The University of Iowa (UI) recognizes the transformative power of study abroad and is committed to making these experiences accessible to all students. From enhancing your degree and standing out to employers to transforming you into a global citizen, the benefits of studying abroad are immense. Financial constraints, however, can sometimes deter students from exploring these life-changing possibilities. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the diverse funding opportunities available to University of Iowa undergraduate students seeking to study abroad.

The University of Iowa's Commitment to Global Education

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa is dedicated to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public. IP actively promotes internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. The office provides crucial support for international students and scholars, manages scholarships and assistance for students pursuing study, internships, or research abroad, and offers funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. Scholarship and grant support is a tangible expression of the UI’s commitment to increasing the number of students who study and conduct research abroad.

UI alumna Cathy Parrott's journey exemplifies the impact of study abroad. From her own transformative experience as a student to leading international programs for her students as an assistant professor of costume design, Parrott's story underscores the lasting value of global education. As she puts it, "I valued my experience abroad so much and would recommend it to any student or individual who is thinking about it."

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants

The Study Abroad office offers a limited number of need-based scholarships to study abroad program participants. Awards typically range from $250 to $4,000 for fall/spring semesters and $250 to $3,000 for summer/winter sessions, depending on the session and available funding.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must have submitted the current academic year’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to the University of Iowa.
Late applications will not be accepted.

Additional Opportunities:

Applicants who are current Federal Pell Grant recipients are strongly encouraged to apply for a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

The Leona Zaharis Scholarship: This scholarship provides financial awards for students studying abroad who are first-generation college students or students who are not first-generation college students but have graduated from an Iowa high school AND have federal eligibility for financial aid.

Read also: Comprehensive Work-Study Info

Global Access Ambassador Scholarship: The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship is open to all students who intend to study abroad and are designed to facilitate reflection on identity as it is shaped by culture, challenges overcome, or lessons learned. Scholarship recipients are expected to share their experiences upon return to the Iowa campus.

International Student Study Abroad Scholarship: The International Student Study Abroad Scholarship is open to international students enrolled at the University of Iowa that are participating in an approved study abroad program.

Application Process:

Complete the Study Abroad Scholarship application form.
Certify that all information contained in the application is true and correct.
Authorize The University of Iowa to release copies of the form and pertinent information to the scholarship selection committee.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Students applying for merit-based scholarships need only submit one application to be considered for multiple scholarships. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and potential.

Key Merit-Based Scholarships:

The Bedell World Experience Asia Scholarship: This scholarship is available for an eligible undergraduate student wishing to study in a geographical area where Japanese, Chinese, or Korean is the primary language. This competitive, merit-based scholarship is designed for undergraduate students who are native residents of Iowa. In addition to the merit component, successful applicants will also show demonstrated financial need.
The Carol A. Snodgrass Scholarship: This scholarship provides competitive, merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are studying abroad in Latin America or Spain. This competitive, merit-based scholarship is available for use during summer/winter sessions or academic semesters.
The Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M. McNulty Scholarship: The Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M.
The James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who study abroad in one or more of the following countries and territories: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or India. Students with majors in a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.
The Joel D. and Sandra Barkan Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who study abroad in various non-Western European geographical areas (also excluding Australia and New Zealand). Eligible undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking students may be pursuing study abroad in countries including sub-Saharan Africa, Asia (including Central Asia), Latin America, and the Middle East (including North Africa).
The Naomi Gunderson Scholarship for Foreign Language Study Abroad: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who are committed to developing advanced language proficiency. Students must have completed at least one year of language study prior to the application deadline.
The Richard J. Tyner Scholarship: This scholarship provides competitive, merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences majoring in a world language, political science, international relations, or international studies who are participating in a study abroad program or an international internship program through International Programs.
The Stanley Merit-Based Scholarship: This is a competitive, merit-based scholarship designed for undergraduate students who will study abroad.
The Stuart A. Lundquist Memorial Fund Scholarship: This competitive, merit-based scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who is majoring in French (first preference) or English (second preference) and studying abroad in France for at least one semester. In addition to the merit component, successful applicants should also show demonstrated financial need.

Application Requirements:

Statement of Proposed Study: In 750 words or less, describe the study abroad program in which you intend to participate and/or the independent study project you are planning to undertake, and explain how you expect your time abroad to contribute to your academic and personal goals.
Personal Profile: Write a narrative description of yourself, explaining why you believe you are a strong candidate for a merit-based study abroad scholarship. This statement should deal with your personal history, family background, intellectual interests, educational achievements, cultural opportunities to which you have been exposed, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you.
Two Letters of Recommendation. After entering your reference information, we recommend that you check back on the portal to ensure that the reference has completed the recommendation by the scholarship deadline. You can check the status by clicking on the “References” tab located at the top center of the portal screen. Please Note: • You (Applicants) are not able to view the information submitted by the reference.

Selection Process:

After the deadline, all applications will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Scholarship Committee.
At least three members will review each application independently.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome at the conclusion of the process. Note: It may take several weeks.

Global Internship Scholarships

For students seeking to gain professional experience abroad, several scholarships specifically target global internships.

The Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship: Established in 2022, this scholarship is designed for University of Iowa undergraduate students who intend to pursue an academic internship while embracing the cultural nuances and complexities of life abroad.

External Scholarships and Grants

In addition to UI-specific funding, students can explore external awards administered by organizations outside of the university. These include:

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: This scholarship supports students who receive Federal Pell Grants to study or intern abroad.
The Critical Language Scholarship: This program supports students studying critical languages.
The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship: FEA provides scholarships and resources to students planning to study abroad.
The CIEE offers a number of scholarships: based on various eligibility factors. Study Abroad Advisors will provide information during the advising process.
The SIT Targeted Honors Scholarship: is applicable to all School for International Training (SIT) approved programs. SIT programs offer topical, field-based coursework with research and independent study opportunities, allowing students to pursue their own interests.

Affiliate Program Scholarships

Students studying on UI-sponsored programs offered by affiliates may be eligible for additional scholarships. These affiliates include:

CEA Abroad: Students who study on UI-sponsored CEA Abroad study abroad programs in Prague, Czech Republic (summer or semester), or Florence, Italy will be eligible to receive an affiliate scholarship.
WorldStrides: WorldStrides UI-sponsored programs in South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand will be eligible to receive an affiliate scholarship.
USAC: USAC funding opportunities are available for students participating in a USAC program.

Scholarships Available Through Tippie College of Business

Tippie students have access to aid from both the Tippie College of Business and the university's Study Abroad Office. There are a variety of scholarships available through Tippie for global experiences, including virtual programs.

Robert G. Barker Study Abroad Scholarship: This scholarship can be applied to a study or internship abroad opportunity. It is designed for juniors and seniors with academic promise and demonstrated financial need.
Nancy Hauserman Global Scholarship: Named in honor of Professor Emerita Nancy Hauserman, these scholarships are designed to provide resources to those who might not study or intern abroad without financial assistance.
Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Scholarship for Study Abroad: This scholarship can be applied to a study or internship abroad opportunity. It is named for Des Moines business and community leaders Fred and Charlotte Hubbell.
Sassine Family Study Abroad Scholarship: Scholarships are awarded to deserving students with financial need who demonstrate an interest in language and international issues including historical, political, and cultural topics, and an interest in a career involving international business opportunities.
Trevor Schauenberg Global Internship Scholarship: This scholarship is named for Tippie Alum Trevor Schauenberg and awarded to support students' internships abroad through the Tippie Global Internship program.
Tippie International Programs Scholarship: Scholarships awarded to Pre-Business and business students participating in study and internship abroad experiences.

Additional Funding Opportunities

The CTGL student travel grant: is available for UI students to support travel associated with translation projects, translation-related research, or community engagement projects involving translation. While graduate students are eligible to apply, priority will be given to undergraduate students.
The Genevieve Davis Searle Scholarship: is available to undergraduate Spanish majors studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Start Early: Give yourself ample time to research scholarships, gather required documents, and write compelling essays.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to each specific scholarship, highlighting your relevant experiences and qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and goals. Be authentic, engaging, and specific.
Seek Feedback: Utilize the Writing and Communication Consultants for assistance with your scholarship essays. It’s free!
Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to deadlines, word limits, and formatting requirements.
Proofread Meticulously: Ensure your application is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Navigating the Application Process

Research: Explore the various scholarship opportunities available through the University of Iowa and external organizations.
Eligibility: Determine which scholarships you are eligible for based on your academic background, financial need, and program of study.
Application: Complete the required application forms, gather supporting documents, and write compelling essays.
Submission: Submit your application by the specified deadline.
Follow-Up: Check the status of your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

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