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

studying abroad in Ghana

Upcoming: Ghana

Ghana Education and Culture 

Tentative Dates: June 3-17, 2026

The College of Education sponsors a 15-day summer course in Ghana designed to provide students with an international experience. Students explore teaching issues through class room visits, guest lecturers, and field trips.

Applications open December 2025

Interested? CLICK HERE

areal photo of Iceland coastline

Upcoming: Iceland

Iceland Education and Culture 

Tentative Dates: July 9-16, 2026

Following the Spring 2026 EDTL:4096:0008 course: The Iowa Idea at Great Heights: Iceland Solar Eclipse High-Altitude Ballooning Project, this zero s.h. course will travel to Iceland for one week. Students majoring in art, art education, engineering, the sciences, and science education who will have completed the Spring 2026 EDTL:4096 course are invited to apply. 

Applications open NOW through November 19, 2025

Photo of historic, castle-like building in India

Upcoming: India

India Education and Culture 

Tentative Dates: Winter Break, Dec. 2026-Jan. 2027

Applications open August 2026

Program description coming soon! 

Interested? CLICK HERE

studying abroad in the Dominican Republic

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. This 3 s.h. course will be offered for elective credit.

Applications Open August 2026

Interested? CLICK HERE

streets of Senegal

Upcoming: Senegal

Tentative Dates: June 2027

Travel to Dakar, Senegal to be introduced to francophone Africa. You will explore of variety of schooling and curricular models and will be immersed in cultural and community-based learning. You will learn about Senegalese history, society, culture, and educational institutions.

Applications open January, 2027

Interested? CLICK HERE

Study Abroad Student Experiences

Current K-12 Educators

Dominican Republic Global Education Initiative for K-12 Educators

Dominican Republic: Education, Culture, and Society A 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 14-21, 2026 (spring break). 

This is a program provides participants opportunities to learn about the education ecosystem in a middle-income developing country, 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!

This program offers the opportunity for Iowa educators to earn three Iowa Licensure Renewal credits for license renewal.

Click here to access the application link

The application window is July 1 -- August 1, 2025

If you have any questions, please contact Amira Nash at 319-467-4809 or amira-nash@uiowa.edu.

Skyline of Santo Domingo

News

IMU foot bridge with several colorful international flags flying

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. 

 30 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA EDUCATION.UIOWA.EDU 31 GLOBAL EDUCATION COLLEGE OF EDUCATION University of Iowa students work in groups with Costa Rican middle school students learning English

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.

Amira Nash stands outside of the Lindquist Center.

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