Study abroad scholarships are crucial for enabling access to international education, fostering cultural exchange, promoting global understanding, and empowering students to pursue enriching experiences beyond the University of Iowa.
With the generous support from the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program offers up to 10 scholarships of $1,000 each for the spring and fall semesters or academic year, and up to 10 scholarships for the summer and winter sessions. This year, thanks to donations from One Day for Iowa, International Programs was able to award three additional scholarships for the summer 2025 session.
The scholarship is intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon their return to the UI campus.
Our summer 2025 awardees have chosen varied programs across the globe, each aligning with their academic goals and personal interests. From exploring the rich history and resilience of Spain to delving into the vibrant culture of Japan, these students are set to embark on transformative journeys. Meet the 2025 summer recipients:
Aayusha Adhikari, a third-year student double majoring in health and human physiology and ethics & public policy, from Bettendorf, Iowa, is studying this summer on the Exploring Major Determinants of Health in Spain program.
"I am really excited to spend time with peers from my department and Professor Carr to build connections that I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to build in a classroom setting. My professional goal is to find a way to contribute to society while zeroing in on the intersection between public policy and healthcare. I love traveling and being on the go, and this program has a packed itinerary where we will be exploring monasteries, public and private hospitals, the food culture in Spain, and so much more. Studying abroad is so important to me because I believe everyone should take the time to build skills to connect with different cultures as well as be confident that they can thrive in environments that they may not be used to."
Waad Abdella, a fourth-year biochemistry major from Des Moines, Iowa, is studying this summer on the CIEE Summer in Copenhagen program.
"I’m excited about immersing myself in a new culture, meeting people from around the world, and exploring a new environment. I chose my program in Copenhagen because I was also drawn to the scenic beauty of Scandinavia. The landscapes, clean cities, and cafe culture made Denmark feel like the perfect place to both study and enjoy everyday life. Studying abroad is important to me because it offers a chance to step outside of my comfort zone and allows me to grow both as a student and as a person."
Anna Besler, a second-year Spanish & secondary education double major from Dubuque, Iowa, is studying in Spain this summer on the Iowa Hispanic Institute program.
"I am most excited for the week of independent travel incorporated in my program. I will be required to travel around Spain, embracing the culture and language. As a Spanish major, I have always wanted to go to Spain. This will be my first time out of the country. The classes that are offered during this program all contribute to my major and allow for wonderful language immersion. Studying abroad is important to me because I want to provide a culturally accurate education to my future Spanish students. Studying abroad will provide me with an endless amount of knowledge to improve my future abilities as an educator."
Chloe Cheung, a third-year neuroscience major from Dubuque, Iowa, is studying this summer on the CIEE Tokyo Summer Global program.
"I'm most excited about immersing myself in a completely new culture for the first time and meeting new people from different backgrounds. My father is Chinese, and I’ve always been curious about exploring Asia and experiencing a culture that feels personally meaningful. Tokyo felt like the perfect fit; it’s rich in tradition, yet cutting-edge in technology and innovation. I believe some of the most powerful learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Being in a completely new environment feels like the perfect chance for a fresh start and personal growth."
Maathir Elsheikh, a fourth-year public health major from Coralville, Iowa, is studying in Costa Rica this summer on the Maternal Health in Migrant Communities program and in Denmark on the CIEE Summer in Copenhagen program.
"I’m most excited to step out of my comfort zone and experience daily life in Copenhagen. From biking through the city to trying new foods and exploring Danish culture, I’m looking forward to living somewhere completely different from what I’m used to. I picked this program because it offered the perfect mix of structure and independence. Copenhagen has always interested me because of its design, lifestyle, and the way people balance work and life. I liked that the program encourages cultural exploration and offers support while still giving students freedom to grow on their own. As a public health student, I believe understanding different health systems, cultures, and ways of thinking is essential to being effective and empathetic in the field."
Noura Ibrahim, a second-year public health major from Iowa City, Iowa, is studying in Costa Rica this summer on the Maternal Health in Migrant Communities program.
"I’m most excited to immerse myself in a new culture, learn directly from communities and professionals working with migrant populations, and gain a deeper understanding of maternal health challenges in a global context. I chose this program because it focuses on both an area of public health I’m passionate about and populations that are often underserved. The hands-on learning experience, cultural immersion, and focus on social determinants of health really stood out to me. Studying abroad gives me the chance to see public health in action from a global perspective and to grow both academically and personally.”
Mytika Mayberry, a fourth-year public health major from Ankeny, Iowa, is studying this summer on the SIT Kenya Internship Public Health program.
"I am most excited about seeing the world. I've never traveled outside of the U.S., and this is an exciting opportunity. I picked out my program as an experiential learning opportunity to see firsthand what I can do with my public health degree before I graduate. Studying abroad is important to me because I want to work in medicine, and to be a great provider I need to have background experience in many diverse populations to make me a more empathetic and ethical provider."
Samsam Mohamed, a fourth-year bioinformatics major from Des Moines, Iowa, is studying this summer on the CIEE Summer in Copenhagen program.
"I am most excited about the new experiences that await me– the chance to meet new people, immerse myself in a different culture, and grow academically and personally. Believe it or not, my interest in Denmark began with an anime I watched a couple of years ago called Vinland Saga, which follows a young Viking and his journey of vengeance and self-discovery. This anime introduced me to the history of Vikings and sparked my deep fascination with the Nordic region and its complex cultural past. When I saw that my study abroad program offered a course on the history of Vikings and their Conquests in Europe, I knew this would be a perfect opportunity to explore more about the rich Nordic heritage and culture. By immersing myself in a different culture, I hope to develop stronger cross-cultural communication skills, greater adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for diversity—all of which are essential to both my future career and to becoming a well-rounded global citizen."
Mallory Mueller, a second-year nursing major from Tripoli, Iowa, is studying in Italy this summer on the CEA CAPA Florence: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA).
"I am most excited to experience daily life in Florence and fully immerse myself in Italian culture. I look forward to exploring historic landmarks, meeting new people from other universities, and gaining a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. I was drawn to Florence for its rich history, art, architecture, and vibrant local culture, which encourages exploration and connection. I chose the CEA CAPA Florence program because many of the offered courses aligned with my personal and academic interests. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom. Studying abroad is important to me because it allows me to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone, and grow in ways that a traditional classroom cannot offer."
Jacob (Jake) Roth, a third-year mathematics and education double major with a minor in music from Iowa City, Iowa, is studying this summer on the Senegal Education & Culture program.
"I'm most excited about travelling out of the country for the first time, and to experience a new culture! I picked this program because it is sponsored by the College of Education at Iowa, which I am a student of. Studying abroad is important to me because I think that if you have the opportunity to broaden your perspectives and experience something new, you should always make the most of it! For this program specifically, I hope to become a more well-rounded, culturally informed future educator. Experiencing education in a culture different from mine will help me do just that!"
Shefa’a Tawil, a fourth-year psychology pre-medicine major with certificates in writing and public health and minors in Arabic and music from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is studying this summer on the CET Jordan Summer program.
"Besides the language and cultural acquisition, my core reason for studying abroad, I am excited to be able to navigate an Arab country independently. I will be living in my own apartment which will be vastly different from living with a host family, therefore allowing me to experience independence in a different manner. I was thrilled to find out that Jordan has the largest climbing gym in the Middle East. I am so excited to be in this space as an Iowan climber, climbing for the first time internationally. My program was important because of the ability to study in Amman, Jordan — an important cultural and diplomatic site in the Middle East. Jordan has very similar traditions and culture to Palestine, which will allow me to reconnect with my own Palestinian roots. Studying abroad is important to me because it allows me to see the world from a different lens, while also strengthening my Arabic skills. One quote that has resonated with me recently is ‘The more languages you know, the more worlds you belong to,’ from Marta Dziurosz. Learning Arabic isn’t just about learning words; it’s about the ability to be a part of a new world and belong to that world. The study abroad experience is a key step towards my long-term goal of becoming a doctor within Doctors Without Borders in Palestine, where I hope to help change the world of many people through medical care and personal connection."
Ahriana Torres, a second-year psychology major from Sioux City, Iowa, is studying in Spain this summer on the USAC San Sebastian program.
"I am most excited to explore and learn within a new environment! I look forward to studying within the Basque Country of Spain, which I hear is beautiful and has a well-established, strong sense of community. I have lived in Iowa my entire life, and I am eager to become immersed in new traditions and lifestyles. I picked my program because of its emphasis on emotional intelligence, which I believe to be a pillar in studying psychology. Additionally, mental health and human behavior are topics that benefit greatly from diverse, global perspectives. I hope to gain skills and experiences that I can utilize throughout my professional, educational, and even personal development. In addition to the academic benefits, studying abroad is important to me in gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and customs. I look forward to experiencing the local traditions, cuisines, and connections while abroad. Getting to know diverse backgrounds will be helpful in opening my mind to different mindsets and practices that I may not have discovered otherwise."
Isabella Weber, a third-year linguistics, Spanish, and international studies triple major from Naperville, Illinois, is studying in Spain this summer on the Iowa Hispanic Institute program.
"I am most excited about my week of independent travel at the end of my study abroad session. I want to visit as many different areas as possible and meet up with some friends who are also studying in Spain over the summer. This independence will improve my self-reliance and planning skills for the future. I picked the Iowa Hispanic Institute because I know other students who had previously completed the program and had a wonderful experience. Also, I was encouraged by my research mentor, Dr. Becky Gonzalez, the leading faculty member on the trip. I also like that it takes place in Valladolid as opposed to some of the more popular, touristic locations in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, etc.). Studying abroad is a vital part of developing a global mindset and cross-cultural competency skills. As someone who aims to work internationally long term, studying abroad as an undergraduate will be extremely beneficial in exposing me to new ideas and opportunities, enabling me to think about cultural values and relationships more complexly."
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.