What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students "learn by doing" and by reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, hands-on laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad, undergraduate research, and studio performances.
The Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures Program encourages students to participate in experiential learning which builds global knowledge and skills. Some students will study, do research, volunteer, or intern abroad. Others will become involved with organizations across the United States or in our local communities which are addressing global issues. There are many resources available to help students find opportunities which fit their interests and goals.
Study abroad opportunities
The Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures strongly encourages study abroad as a means of cultural and linguistic immersion and typically recommends the junior year. Please see the Office of Study Abroad for information about programs, scholarships, and health and safety abroad, and consult with the departmental study abroad advisor in order to plan coursework.
Arabic
There are many exciting opportunities and destinations for students of Arabic to study abroad:
The SIT program offers students the opportunity to combine rigorous language study with courses on history, international relations, and media in the region. Students enjoy a rich culturally immersive experience with home-stays hosted by local families. Students can choose to study abroad in either Amman, Jordan or Rabat, Morocco:
SIT Program (Amman, Jordan):
- Jordan Intensive Arabic Studies
- Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East
- Refugees, Health , and Humanitarian action
SIT Program (Rabat, Morocco):
Chinese
Students studying Chinese can reach out to UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) to learn about available program options.
French
Many of our majors and minors who study in France choose to join the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) programs in Lyon and Pau . Other options for semester- or year-long study opportunities in France include the Council on International Education (CIEE)’s Paris Liberal Arts Program. All of these programs provide University of Iowa residency credit.
German
The Academic Year in Freiburg program, which is supported by the University of Iowa, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University, offers students the opportunity to study abroad in Freiburg, Germany for full academic year. Students will improve fluency in the German language while taking classes with both local and international students while enrolled at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg and other local institutions. Organized field trips give students a broad perspective of German culture, while vacation periods permit travel throughout Europe, or really getting to know Germany!
The Dortmund University Exchange allows students to fully immerse in German culture by enrolling with their local peers at Technische Universität Dortmund for the summer, spring semester, or full academic year. Students studying business can enroll in English-taught courses at Vienna University of Economics and Business in Vienna, Australia through the Vienna Exchange Program.
The USAC Lüneburg Program is ideal for students interested in taking intensive German language and European Studies courses. Through formal coursework, built-in excursions, and optional homestays, students can greatly expand their language skills and knowledge of German society. Lüneburg offers students the quality of life of a smaller community without sacrificing the cultural resources and activities of a large metropolitan city. Lüneburg is also only 30 minutes away from former East Germany, providing a unique vantage point from which to study the dynamics of reunification.
International Studies
Though it is not required for the International Studies degree, many International Studies students study abroad. There are winter/summer programs, programs during fall/spring semesters, and even year-long programs. International Studies students have studied all over the world; in countries such as Turkey, Chile, Morocco, Scotland, South Korea, Ghana and many more. Students who work closely with the International Studies Academic Advisor easily find study abroad coursework which fits nicely into the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
Italian
There are many exciting opportunities and destinations for students to study in Italy. Students of Italian frequently choose to join the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) program in Viterbo and the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) in Rome. The USAC and IES programs in Viterbo, Rome and other Italian cities offer the opportunity to combine language study with courses in various areas, including anthropology, art, business, fashion, education, film, history, and Italian studies. Other options for semester- or year-long study opportunities in Italy include the Wells College Florence program at the Lorenzo de Medici International Institute.
Korean
The University of Iowa partners with WorldStrides to offer students the opportunity to study at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. Students will take courses at the local university in a variety of areas related to their field of study, including business, communications, education, engineering, humanities, social sciences, international studies, physical sciences, and art. Six levels of Korean courses are also offered each semester.
The Korea University Exchange program offers students the opportunity to study in Korea for a semester, or academic year. Students with a wide variety of majors can find courses that align with their academic goals.
The Ewha Womans University Exchange program offers students of any gender the opportunity to study at the world's largest female educational institute and one of the top universities in Korea for a semester, academic year, or calendar year. Students with a wide variety of majors can find courses that align with their academic goals.
Japanese
Students studying Japanese have access to various study abroad possibilities around Japan, including the two UI Exchange Programs (semester or academic year) and other recommended summer programs.
UI Exchange Programs – Semester or Academic Year
Recommended Summer Programs
Study abroad scholarships
Students planning to study abroad in Japan are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships, such as follows:
- UI CAPS Study Abroad in Asia Scholarship (for Spring, Summer, and Fall)
- UI Stanley Summer Scholarships (for Summer)
- Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
- Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
- Critical Language Scholarships
- Freeman-ASIA Awards for Study in Asia
How to Plan for Study Abroad
- Interested students should contact Study Abroad Advisor Ana Jimenez at International Programs to learn more about the programs and how to apply, and Professor Yumiko Nishi in the Japanese Program to discuss course registration, credit transfer, and other details.
Russian
Students studying Russian can reach out to UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) to learn about available program options.
Scholarships are available for study abroad programs sponsored by The University of Iowa. For more information on scholarships and funds available to help cover the costs of travel, in addition to application procedures, contact Study Abroad.
Study abroad resources
Go abroad for free
Internship opportunities
Internships are supervised practical experiences related to a student's course of study. By completing an internship, students build their skill set and their resume. Some internship resources and funding opportunities can be found below.
- Pomerantz Career Center internship information
- A great place to start in the search for an internship.
- Virtual/remote global internships (UI Study Abroad)
- Immerse yourself in a new culture, acquire skills, attain personal growth, explore possible career paths, prepare for future job placements, and develop language skills.
- Center for Advancement fundraising and development internships
- Kenneth J. Cmiel Funded Human Rights Internship Program
- International Institute of Business (IIB)
- Tippie College of Business Global Experience
- The Washington Center Internship Program
- International Writing Program
- Hawkeye Experience Grant
Internships for Italian majors
Requirements
NOTE: The Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures is in no way responsible for, nor has control of, the content of any external websites nor do we endorse any commercial products, services or websites. You should always research any opportunity thoroughly.
Engaged learning-leadership, service learning, student organizations, volunteering, and more
- IS:3012–Community Engaged Learning in International Studies is offered every spring semester. This course partners with the Refugee and Immigrant Association (RIA), an Iowa City non-profit created by refugees and immigrants from African nations.
- Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity UI Leadership Training
- Hawkeye Service Breaks
- Iowa N.E.W. Leadership Institute
- Leadership, service, and civic engagement
- Office of Community Engagement
- Volunteer and service learning opportunities/Pomerantz Career Center
- UI student organizations
- Student organizations, events and programs through UI International Programs
- International organizations in Iowa
- Office of Community Engagement
Opportunities with international organizations in Iowa
There are many ways for students to do international work in Iowa City or in other communities within the state/region. Students can explore individual websites for possible volunteer and internship opportunities.
University resources
Undergraduate research
Gain hands-on experience by participating in the research and creative discovery of faculty and staff.
Internships
Build on-the-job experience while connecting and networking with professionals in your field.
Study abroad
Enhance your degree, stand out to employers, shape your own perspective, and transform into a global citizen.
Community-engaged courses
Apply your academic skills and knowledge to help community partners solve real-world problems.