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Mission

To develop and administer international study and exchange programs; provide leadership for initiating programs and responding to opportunities that enhance the objectives of internationalization throughout the university; coordinate programs that bring students from diverse backgrounds into contact with each other utilizing cultural differences as an education resource; provide opportunities for faculty to further develop international collaboration through research and teaching; serve as the principal liaison for international outreach activities to local, state, and regional organizations.

Vision

The University of Northern Iowa offers a world-class university experience that infuses an international perspective into both general education and professional studies. We believe personalized experiences on campus, in the larger community, and throughout the world enrich the perspectives of all members of the university community and prepare us for a lifetime of opportunities and challenges in a culturally diverse, dynamic, and interdependent world.

Meaning of Internationalization

We define internationalization in the same way as does UNESCO and the International Association of Universities. Internationalization is "a range of activities, policies, and services that integrate an international and intercultural dimension into the teaching, research, and service functions of the institution." [Knight, J. (1993). Internationalization: Management strategies and issues, /International Education Magazine/, /IX/ (1), 6, 21, and 22].

Statistics

• We host over 60 undergraduate and graduate exchange students per academic year
• We host approximately 10 visiting scholars per academic year
• We have exchange agreements with 57 universities around the world
• We offer more than 50 study abroad programs and internship opportunities in 27 countries
• We participate in the National Student Exchange with over 170 other universities across the nation