FAQs
WHAT IS EDUCATION ABROAD?
Education Abroad encompasses all international experiences. This includes learning in a traditional classroom setting at a foreign university, to traveling with a UIU faculty member for 1-2 weeks on a faculty-led program. Education abroad also includes any international service and internship projects. Students on these experiences may, or may not, receive academic credit.
At UIU, we offer four categories of studying abroad that allow our students to gain academic credit while traveling internationally. These categories include UIU's international campuses, UIU's faculty-led programs, exchange partners, and affiliate partners. You can read more about these options under the Types of Programs tab.
WHO SHOULD STUDY ABROAD?
All Upper Iowa students are welcome to apply to a study abroad program. We work to meet the schedule needs of student athletes, students that work throughout the academic year, and those that are highly active on campus. Please check the eligibility requirements to ensure that you meet the GPA and Academic Standing status necessary.
WHERE, WHEN AND WHAT CAN I PARTICIPATE IN?
At Upper Iowa University, we have more than 200 exchange and UIU run programs available to our students. This includes a wide variety of locations. We also have affiliate partners. This broadens our offering even further to encompass virtually any program that a student might be interested in.
Programs vary in length from 1-2 weeks, up to a full academic year in length. Typically participation in an exchange program occurs after the student's first academic year at Upper Iowa University. It is recommended to meet with the Education Abroad Coordinator as quickly as possible to best plan for your international experience.
By planning for your experience, you will typically have more flexibility with the courses that you can take abroad. This can range anywhere from general education credits, to upper-level core classes. It is best to discuss your options with your academic adviser to create a good academic plan that incorporates your study abroad experience.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
The majority of our programs offer courses with English as the language of instruction. This allows you to
experience the local culture, while being able to maintain your level of academic success. There are some programs that allow for a combination of language learning and course work related to your degree plan. There is also the option to participate in a program with the focus of language development / improvement.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Upper Iowa University works to offer programs that are affordable to our students. Costs will vary depending on the program that is selected. There is some information about the difference in program costs on the chart found on the Types of Programs tab. Check the Scholarships and Financial Aid page to see which aid will apply to the programs that you are interested in.
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
You can reach out to the Education Abroad Office at:
Phone: 563-425-5831
Office: 2nd floor of the Student Center, in the Student Life suite
