Why Iowa?

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

Language. Culture. Connection.

Expertise. Scholarship. Impact.

Innovative teaching and research

See yourself here

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

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN DEAF COMMUNITY

14

Areas of study
korean conversation class

# 1

Public university for writing and communication

U.S. News and World Report

10 +

Languages
languages on chalk board

UNESCO

City of Literature
German class

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.

News and announcements

Associate Professor of Instruction Jan Steyn Recognized with Hubbard-Walder Award

Thursday, March 26, 2026
The University of Iowa Council on Teaching has chosen Jan Steyn as one of the five 2026 recipients of the Hubbard-Walder Award for Excellence in Teaching! The award is given to those who have demonstrated excellence in various areas of university teaching (undergraduate, graduate or professional, classroom, one-on-one) and have contributed to curriculum and/or program development. Click the title above to read more!

Translation MFA students win national and international recognition

Monday, March 16, 2026
From 2025–2026, five students from the department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures' translation MFA program have received prestigious recognition from PEN America and the American-Scandinavian Foundation for their work.

Critical Language Scholarship winner Sean Hagan to study Russian in Kyrgyzstan

Thursday, March 12, 2026
Sean Hagan, a University of Iowa student from Coralville, Iowa, who will earn a BA in Russian and international relations this May, has been awarded a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Russian this summer in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Events

Arabic Cultural Hour promotional image

Arabic Cultural Hour

Thursday, April 9, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Phillips Hall
Join the UI Arabic Program for Arabic Cultural Hour! We have set up a number of exciting activities to explore the cultural practices behind Arabic and their relationship with the language. These activities include traditional crafts, cooking, movies, and more. Alongside each activity we will practice our in-class vocabulary and learn new terms to describe the activity.
Mona Kareem - Translation as Performance Space: Octavia Butler's Kindred in Arabic promotional image

Mona Kareem - Translation as Performance Space: Octavia Butler's Kindred in Arabic

Thursday, April 9, 2026 8:00pm
Phillips Hall
Mona Kareem is a poet, translator, and literary scholar. She is the author of four poetry collections, selections from which were published in English as I Will Not Fold These Maps. Her translations include Ra'ad Abdul Qadir's Except for This Unseen Thread, Octavia Butler's Kindred, and Ashraf Fayadh's Instructions Within. She teaches Arabic literature at Washington University in St Louis.
13th Annual Fulbright Week - Faculty and Student Alumni Panel Info Session  promotional image

13th Annual Fulbright Week - Faculty and Student Alumni Panel Info Session

Friday, April 10, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Virtual
Would you like to teach English, study, or do research abroad for an academic year at no cost? Join International Programs for a week of virtual workshops and information sessions to kick off the 2027-2028 Fulbright U.S. Student Program competition!
Samuel Huneke, "I Will Not Abandon You" promotional image

Samuel Huneke, "I Will Not Abandon You"

Friday, April 10, 2026 3:00pm
MacLean Hall
Author and Historian of Modern Europe to speak on his book I Will Not Abandon You.
View more events