Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

International Flags students walking across bridge

Where words connect worlds

Open doors to global careers, cultural connections, and personal growth in our supportive, flexible learning community.

Apply Now Visit Campus Request Info

Why Iowa?

Explore languages, cultures, and writing to become a globally prepared, fluent, and versatile communicator.

Study Here

Language. Culture. Connection.

Empowering students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage globally through language and culture.

Language. Culture. Connection.

Expertise. Scholarship. Impact.

Advancing knowledge through multilingual research and cultural scholarship.

Expertise. Scholarship. Impact.

DWLLC_Bruce Nottingham Spencer_German_class

Innovative teaching and research

Advancing knowledge through globally engaged, interdisciplinary research in languages, literatures, cultures, and translation studies.

Innovative teaching and research

See yourself here

Open doors to a wide range careers, cultures, and global understanding through in-depth language study.

Visit

14

Areas of study

# 1

Public university for writing and communication

U.S. News and World Report

10 +

Languages

UNESCO

City of Literature

Write Your Story

Explore over a dozen languages, delve into fascinating cultures, and gain invaluable skills in critical thinking and communication. Our research-intensive environment and varied programs prepare you for global careers and meaningful engagement with the world.

Apply

News and announcements

International Programs welcomes three new faculty-directed affinity groups

Friday, September 4, 2026

Three new International Programs affinity groups are creating new opportunities for collaboration and global engagement across the University of Iowa (UI). The Southwest Asian and North African Studies Group (SWANA), the Food Studies Group (FSG), and the Global Exchange Network are the newest additions to International Programs' network of 12 affinity groups, connecting faculty, staff, and students around shared interests in research, teaching, and international engagement. To read more, click the title above!

Program offerings in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures open countless doors for students

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

With 14 areas of study in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, students have endless opportunities for success, at the University of Iowa and beyond.

CLAS's top stories from summer 2026

Thursday, August 13, 2026

CLAS's most popular articles from the summer of 2026 share a theme: people and ideas thrive with the right support. From humanities research funding to mathematics outreach, these stories show how expertise, mentorship, and community create new possibilities across CLAS and beyond.

View More News

Events

Stylistic Frontiers: Translation and Bad English - with Aron Aji and Sara Levine

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Dey House

This conversation on what constitutes ‘good’ and ‘bad’ English will investigate style and syntax with an eye towards how stylistic codes can be deployed as structures that reinforce power and control. It will also focus on literary translation as a frontier where those codes are challenged and reworked. Through examining these rules of writing, we will ask: whose rules? And to what extent does a writer need to abide by them? How can literary translation lead to new ways of envisioning our uses of English?

Japanese Program Career Information Session

Friday, September 18, 2026 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Phillips Hall

Join the UI Japanese program for an information session about opportunities for work and study in Japan, featuring a panel of alumni who are currently working in Japan or have recently returned.

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Spring 2027)

Friday, September 18, 2026 11:59pm

111 Church Street

The UI Obermann Center for Advanced studies is accepting applications for Spring 2027 Obermann International Fellowships. This program offers dedicated space, time, and funding for interdisciplinary scholars to collaborate on innovative research at the University of Iowa. Up to eight international fellowships will be granted every academic year. Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists...

Gilman - Study Abroad Scholarship Information Session

Monday, September 21, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Virtual

Join International Programs for one of several information sessions to discuss the process of applying for a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Applications are now being accepted for programs starting between Dec. 1, 2026 and Oct. 31, 2027 (winter 2026-27, spring 2027, summer 2027, fall 2027, and academic year 2027-2028).

The presenters of these sessions, Levi Bowman and Teresa Kout, will introduce you to the Gilman, coach you on how to fill out the application, and give insight as to...

View more events