The College of Education is known for its engagement across the globe. This dedication to studying abroad is exemplified through research, collaborative international teaching experiences, and community service.
The College of Education is pleased to support the ongoing study abroad and global engagement of its community through a variety of programs. More recently, the college seeks to expand its opportunities to travel and learn abroad. By studying abroad, our students can better understand who they are in the world, can forge new relationships built on mutual goals of peace and equity, and can bring their experiences in the world to their classrooms and future work as educators. The global education and study abroad initiatives through the College of Education offer experiential learning courses and experiences around the globe.
Travel and Study Abroad
Upcoming: India
India Education and Culture
Dates: Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 14, 2027
Applications open August 2026
Program description:
Taking place in Puducherry (Pondicherry) students will be immersed in cultural and community-based learning, where they will explore K-12 and postsecondary special education in India. The course will also explore in-country service delivery systems for individuals with special needs in India. Group meetings will take place daily following school and site visits to discuss experiences with their instructors: clinical assistant professor Dr. Ashley Rila and director of UI REACH, Bill Loyd.
Interested? CLICK HERE
Upcoming: Dominican Republic
Education and Culture
Tentative Dates: Winter Break, January 2027
Travel to Santo Domingo to teach English and learn about the education ecosystem in a middle-income developing country. You will learn about formal and non-formal educational opportunities, the public school system, and barriers and opportunities for development in the DR. As a zero s.h. course, this is a non-credit bearing program.
Applications Open Aug. 27 - Sept. 17, 2026
Interested? CLICK HERE
Upcoming: Senegal
Tentative Dates: June 2027
Travel to Dakar, Senegal, a vibrant West African nation on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll explore schooling and curricular models in a largely francophone education system, along with cultural and community-based learning in other local languages. Along with this, you'll experience and play music, learning about its place in Senegalese history, society, and culture.
Applications open January, 2027
Interested? CLICK HERE
Study Abroad Student Experiences
Current K-12 Educators
Dominican Republic Global Education Initiative for K-12 Educators
Consider participating in the University of Iowa College of Education's Dominican Republic Global Education Initiative for K-12 Educators! The program will run March 13-20, 2027 (spring break).
This is a program provides participants opportunities to learn about the education ecosystem in the Dominican Republic, understand formal and non-formal education opportunities, public school system, barriers and opportunities for development during this week-long student abroad designed for K-12 educators. There is no language requirement to attend, though you will have opportunities to use your Spanish!
Interested in participating in the Dominican Republic trip? Please fill out this interest form. The application opens on September 1.
Questions? Email amira-nash@uiowa.edu.
News
In the news: Art Education student featured by UI’s International Programs
Mawuena Morgan, a third-year art education and art major who is studying this winter on the Women's Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program, was the recipient of a Global Access Ambassador Scholarship.
Growing Global
The College of Education’s Global Education Initiatives continue to strengthen existing partnerships and create new opportunities for students and faculty, including programs in Costa Rica, Finland, Ghana, the UK, Japan, Kosovo, and Norway, among other collaborations.
International education leader lauded
Alumna Amira Nash, a doctoral student focusing on teaching and learning: literacy, culture, and language education, and associate director of partnerships and programs in the Baker Teacher Leader Center, is a recipient of the 2023 Global Student Award.
Questions? Contact:
Amira Nash
Associate Director, School Partnerships & Global Education Initiatives
319-467-4809
amira-nash@uiowa.edu