Main navigation
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):
The SALAM program in Oman offers a fully funded intensive Arabic language program. This summer program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to delve deeper into their study of Arabic as well as learn more about the history and culture of the Sultanate of Oman.
Chinese
The University of Iowa offers the Iowa in Tianjin study abroad program. This is a high quality, affordable program specially designed by the School of Languages and Culture at the Tianjin University of Technology (TUT) for students who have successfully completed 1–3 years of Chinese language study at The University of Iowa. This program provides students with a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, combining classroom instruction with field trips, language partnerships, and extracurricular activities. The program operates during fall and spring semesters. The Iowa in Tianjin summer program is an eight-week program including an intensive language course, Chinese area studies, and a practical course in Chinese folk art.
The CIEE Intensive Chinese Language program is designed to enable intermediate and advanced language students to increase their Mandarin proficiency while exploring Beijing’s role in the greater Chinese society. Peking University in Beijing, China, is one of the oldest and most recognized intensive Chinese language programs. The Peking University Center for Teaching Chinese houses over eight different language levels and many other elective courses that benefit the specific needs of each student.
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 Critical Studies Program and the University of Minnesota’s program at Paul Valéry University in Montpellier. 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, provides a year of study for undergraduates at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in Freiburg, Germany. Following a four-week intensive language program in September, students take a combination of special program classes and regular German university courses. Organized field trips give students a broad perspective of German culture, while vacation periods permit extensive travel throughout Europe.
The University of Iowa also offers exchange programs with the Universität Dortmund and business-oriented programs in Frankfurt and Vienna. Study abroad scholarships are frequently available.
The USAC Lüneburg program is ideal for students interested in learning the German language and focusing on European Studies—specifically Germany's role within the European Union. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, 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 The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) 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.
Korean Language Flagship Center — The primary purpose of the KLFC is to produce a critical mass of advanced foreign language speakers with advanced proficiency.
Korea Foundation — Korea Foundation provides many opportunities for students to study Korean-related topics both in Korea and abroad. It also posts lot of information about reading materials and references to Korean studies.
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
- Kanda University of International Studies (Chiba)
- Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (Nagoya, Aichi)
Recommended Summer Programs
- Summer Courses in Japanese: International Christian University (Mitaka, Tokyo)
- Hokkaido International Foundation Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program (Hakodate, Hokkaido)
- Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (Kyoto)
- CJS Summer Program: Nanzan University (Nagoya, Aichi)
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
We provide many opportunities for our students to learn Russian during summer intensive courses in Moscow, Sankt-Petersburg, Vladimir.
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.
How do I get an internship?
- Begin looking 4-6 Months in advance–Start your internship search well in advance to give yourself enough time to research opportunities, apply, and secure a position. Use our internship opportunities list to access some interesting internship opportunities.
- Talk to your advisor–Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your interests, career goals, and potential internship opportunities. You can also meet with a Career Coach at the Pomerantz Center. They can provide guidance on finding relevant internships and offer valuable advice on the application process.
- Decide when you will do your internship–We encourage students to complete internships before the spring semester of their 4th year. Consider your academic schedule and personal commitments to determine the best semester to pursue an internship. Some students may choose to intern during the summer while others may opt for a semester-long internship during the fall or spring.
- Sign up for TRNS:3498–You will need to register for the appropriate class and credit hours in order to get credit for your internship an complete your degree requirements. Check with your academic advisor to determine the requirements for earning credit and enroll in the appropriate internship class.
- Apply for the internship–Once you've identified potential internship opportunities, apply by submitting your resume, cover letter, and any additional application materials required by the employer. You can apply through the company's website, attend recruitment events, or reach out to advisors for assistance in finding suitable opportunities.
- Fill out the internship agreement form–After securing an internship, download and complete the internship agreement form. This document outlines the terms and responsibilities of the internship and is signed by you, your academic advisor, and your supervisor at the internship site. Make sure everyone involves has a copy of the agreement.
- Begin your internship–Start your internship on the agreed-upon start date and familiarize yourself with your responsibilities, the company culture, and your coworkers. Schedule regular check-ins with both your faculty advisor and supervisor to discuss your progress, address any concerns, and set goals for the internship. We recommend that you schedule check-ins with your faculty advisor after the first week, 3-5 weeks in, and at least one week before completion.
- Complete the final assignment–To receive academic credit for your internship, complete the final assignment as outlined by your faculty advisor. This could include a reflective paper, a presentation, or a portfolio showcasing your work and accomplishments during the internship. Make sure to submit the assignment by the specified deadline to fulfill the requirements of the internship program.
If you have any questions about this process or about the internship requirement in general, contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu or your academic advisor.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary work experience provided by an organization to a student. It's a hands-on opportunitiy for students to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom to real-world situations within their field of study. Internships can vary in duration, from several weeks to several months, and can be either paid or unpaid.
Completing an internship is highly beneficial for students for several reasons:
- Gain real-world experience–Internships provide students with practical experience in their chosen field, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. This experience is invaluable for understanding how concepts learned in the classroom translate to the workplace.
- Explore career paths–Internships offer students the opportunity to explore different career paths within their field. By working in various roles and industries, students can gain insight into what type of work they enjoy and what career path they want to pursue after graduation.
- Build professional networks–Internships enable students to establish connections with professionals in their field. Building a network of contacts can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable insights into the industry.
- Enhance skills–Internships allow students to develop and enhance important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are essential for success in any career and are often best learned through hands-on experience.
- Boost resume–Having internship experience on a resume can significantly enhance a student's marketability to future employers. It demonstrates to potential employers that the student has practical experience, initiative, and a commitment to their chosen field.
- Increase job opportunities–Many employers use internships as a recruitment tool. Students who perform well during their internship may be offered full-time employment upon graduation, either with the same organization or through referrals to other companies.
Overall, completing an internship provides students with a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world, ultimately enhancing their employability and setting them up for success in their future careers.
If you have questions, please contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu.
Where can I look for an internship?
The following list is a good place to start looking for internships opportunities. This list is not exhaustive, however.
- GlobalTies Iowa
Are you globally minded? Do you enjoy meeting people from around the world? Are you passionate about cultural exchange and citizen diplomacy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a position at GlobalTies Iowa may be right for you! - Iowa International Center (IIC)
The IIC connects Iowans with people from around the world to create a welcoming and prosperous community. They do this by removing language barriers, reducing biases, and offering international exchanges through a variety of services. - Center for Higher Education Linguistics and Translation (CHELT)
The CHELT is deeply social-justice oriented in its goal, as CHELT recognizes that racial and ethnic discrimination is often amplified by or shrouded in linguistic discrimination. As a result, CHELT seeks to liberate minoritized language populations by improving the language structure of higher education, mitigating the longitudinal effects of racial and ethnic discrimination in our society. To request internship information, fill out the "Talk to CHELT" form after following the link above. - Immigrant Welcome Network (IWN)
The mission of the IWN is to empower and support new immigrant and refugee families in Johnson County, Iowa by providing temporary housing and comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of resettlement. They aim to promote self-sufficiency and integration through connecting families with resources such as job opportunities, education, healthcare, and permanent housing. - Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
The mission of DVIP is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy services to victims/survivors, focusing on immediate and long-term safety, empowerment, dignity, and hope. In collaboration with the community, they strive to end domestic abuse through education, accountability, and social justice. - Open Heartland
Building relationships is what Open Heartland is all about. A community is most potent when there are positive relationships between all community members. Currently, they support over 300 families that have immigrated from Mexico and Central America who now reside in the community's most vulnerable apartment complexes and mobile home communities. They want to help these families become fully immersed in the community and give their kids the best opportunities in life - which is why they came here in the first place - and it is essential to make sure their basic needs are met, like food, shelter, and safety. - Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing critical legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans who have nowhere else to turn. - Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
The Center for Worker Justice unites low-wage workers across race, ethnicity, and immigration status to build power and address the root causes of poverty. TranslationPal
Located in Iowa City, TranslationPal translates documents from multiple languages into English.If you have questions, please contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu.
Internships resources and funding
- Pomerantz Career Center internship information
- Virtual/remote global internships (UI International Programs)
- Virtual student federal service Internships
- 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
LLLC opportunities
- 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
Other UI department opportunities
- RHET:2090–Conversation Center
- GHS:4001–Student Team Projects with Community Health Initiative, Haiti
- Child Life Experiential Learning Program –South Africa
- WRIT:2100–Iowa Youth Writing Project –Iowa City
- International Entrepreneurship and Culture–Belize
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.