About Us
The Study Abroad Center, a unit within the Office of International Programs, helps UNI students plan
for and participate in a study abroad experience. This is the place where
students may begin their search for an educational experience abroad that fits
their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Study Abroad Center at the University of Northern Iowa is to provide service and leadership in international education to UNI students, faculty, staff, community, and the state of Iowa. The Study Abroad Center encourages students to travel and study abroad to enrich their life experiences, which effectively prepare professional careers that transcend cultural and political boundaries; provides UNI faculty with resources and support to develop and deliver study abroad opportunities for UNI students; assists and empowers the community to create global opportunities for UNI students overseas in order to shape their views as global citizens.
Vision Statement
The staff of the Study Abroad Center at the University of Northern Iowa is committed to effectively engage in promoting and supporting activities overseas for UNI students, faculty and staff in order to make UNI a global campus. These activities include international study, research, program development and evaluation, internships, language study, and service learning abroad.
The University of Northern Iowa offers a variety of programs abroad for its students.
These programs combine rigorous academic study with a cross-cultural learning experience in a foreign environment.
Programs are offered in collaboration with foreign institutions and UNI academic
departments.
We promote the concept of education abroad, be it study abroad, work abroad,
internships, or volunteer options. We work with academic departments, administrative offices, and other units within the University to help students earn credit through study abroad while continuing to make progress toward their degrees.
More specifically, this office:
Serves as an advising center and information clearinghouse on a variety of
UNI program options. Also serves as an advising and information center for
education abroad programs sponsored by other U.S. universities, international
organizations, and private agencies.
Administers the Study
Abroad Scholarship program and provides information on
other funding opportunities--financial aid, scholarship, and grants--for
undergraduate and graduate students. The coordinator also serves as the
campus advisor for the Fulbright Student Program and the NSEP (National Security
Education Program).
Manages the outbound component of many institutional exchange agreements and
works cooperatively with partner institutions and organizations in a number of
countries.
Collaborates with Iowa State University and the University of Iowa and
jointly administers the Iowa Regents semester programs. Prepares annual report
for the Board of Regents of Iowa on International Activities and Study
Abroad.
Assists individual faculty members and academic departments in the
development of new academic program initiatives abroad, assists in the
preparation of students for such programs, and assists with the evaluation of
these programs.
Recommends policies and procedures regarding the administration of such
programs to the Academic Affairs Council, most recently on health and
safety.
Publishes and disseminates information about study abroad opportunities to
the university community and to parents of students. We sponsor programs,
workshops and an annual International Opportunities Fair as a means of
publicizing such opportunities.
Issues the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC provides
students with a basic form of insurance--most specifically with emergency
evacuation and repatriation coverage--along with the right to have student
discounts on international travel and related services.
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