Why Study Abroad?
Gain cultural awareness.
As an aspiring media professional, it is important for you to appreciate the relationship between your own culturally informed communication methods and those of your increasingly global (and globally aware) audience. There are many ways of presenting the news and many ways of consuming it, and studying abroad provides a great opportunity to experience that diversity firsthand.
Many study abroad programs offer courses related to journalism and mass communication, as well as media-focused internships and faculty-led programs. While abroad, it is important to gain cultural awareness and observe how media is created and consumed in different environments.
University of Iowa students who participate in study abroad programs are 22% more likely to graduate within four years.
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SCRIPT Requirement
All programs designated as Study Abroad by the University of Iowa will fulfill the SCRIPT experiential learning requirement for students in the major; including global internships, faculty-led programs, and coursework abroad. Study abroad courses typically have a prefix of ABRD or INTL.
Where in the world?
Students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication have studied abroad all over the world, and we encourage you to explore your options through the University of Iowa International Programs office.
| Faculty-Led Programs | Global Internships | Coursework Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 weeks | 8 weeks | Semester |
| Travel in a group | Travel individually | Travel individually |
| Led by university faculty. Programs are typically offered only during academic breaks. | Providers match students with an internship and are guaranteed placement. In-person or virtual options. | Students are enrolled at a foreign university and study alongside local students. Variety of English-taught courses. |
Faculty-led Programs
The following faculty-led programs are relevant to students pursuing a career in journalism and mass communication. To learn more about all faculty-led options, view Faculty-Led Programs Abroad.
NEW! Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change (Salzburg, Austria)
This is a two-week, faculty-led program where students study a dynamic global media literacy curriculum. Summer 2026 applications due February 15, 2026.
NEW! Comparative Media Law on the Emerald Isle (Dublin, Ireland)
This is a 3-week, faculty-led program where students explore AI regulation, data privacy and freedom of the press in Ireland. Summer 2027 program information TBA.
American Media Production in Hungary (Budapest, Hungary)
Hungary has become one of the one of the main centers for American media production. During this program, students will travel to Budapest to gain experience in American film and television production.
Irish Writing Program (Dublin, Ireland)
This is a rigorous creative writing program requiring some talent, but most importantly, commitment and discipline. Its goal is to help aspiring writers become better at their craft.
Global Internships
International Programs has done the work for you! The University of Iowa partners with reputable providers to send students around the globe for guaranteed placement in an internship. Students are matched with programs tailored to their career objectives. Begin your search by reviewing the Global Internship Guide.
Coursework Abroad
The following programs are relevant to students pursuing a career in journalism and mass communication. To learn more about all coursework abroad options, view International Opportunities.
CEA CAPA Prague (Prague, Czech Republic)
Take courses at Anglo-American University, Prague’s oldest private university. Courses are taught in English and may include Cultural Journalism, Reporting in Conflict Zones, Media in a Democracy, Photojournalism, and Video Storytelling.
WorldStrides Australia: Bond University (Gold Coast, Australia)
Students to take courses in a variety of areas related to their field of study at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia. Relevant coursework may include Mass and Popular Media, Digital Media and Society, Mobile and Digital Journalism, and Reporting the World.
WorldStrides South Korea: Korea University (Seoul, South Korea)
Fall, Spring, and Summer campus options available. Course offerings may include Media and Popular Culture in Korea, Understanding Journalism, and Media Technologies and Culture.
CIMBA Italy Program (Pieve del Grappa, Italy)
Students on the CIMBA program gain meaningful international experience through interaction with local culture and visits to area businesses. Courses available in accounting, finance, economics, social media marketing, event management, and communication studies.
CIEE Berlin Open Campus (Berlin, Germany)
Students experience life in Germany's cultural capital while furthering their studies. Relevant courses include Mass Media in Europe, Photojournalism, and Radio Production and Digital Storytelling in Berlin.
Iowa Regents in Wales: Swansea University (Swansea, Wales)
Students enroll with local Welsh peers in regular classes at Swansea University. Relevant courses include Introduction to Media History, Social Media Cultures, Storytelling Across Media, and Theorizing the Media.
CIEE Seville Communications, New Media & Journalism Program (Seville, Spain)
Designed for students with at least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent, this program helps students further increase their knowledge of communications and video or magazine reporting while completing relevant coursework in Spanish.
Wells in Florence: Lorenzo de Medici (Florence, Italy)
This is one of the oldest U.S. study abroad programs in Italy and one of the few located in the historic, medieval heart of the city. Relevant courses include Visual Culture in Italy, War and Media, Food Marketing and Communication, Global Brand Management, and Media Ethics in the Techno Age.
How do I get started?
All programs designated as Study Abroad by the University of Iowa will fulfill the SCRIPT experiential learning requirement for students in the major; programs are not restricted to journalism-related experiences. All experiences abroad, no matter the discipline, empower students to become globally-minded communicators.
Step 1
Complete the Discover Study Abroad (DSA) asynchronous course. DSA is a one-time, 30-minute session that provides an overview of study abroad and outlines the steps you'll take to find and apply for an international opportunity.
Step 2
Read our spotlight stories above for a glimpse of student life abroad. Use the search tool on the International Programs website and review the Major Advising Pages to learn about academic requirements and recommended programs for your major.
Step 3
Meet with a study abroad advisor. After completing the Discover Study Abroad course, you will receive an email with the name of your study abroad advisor and instructions for scheduling an appointment.
Student Podcast!
Around the World in 80 Stays chronicles the journeys of University of Iowa students and staff around the globe. Sean is a political science, journalism, and Spanish major at the University of Iowa who has has studied abroad in Spain, Chile, and France.
Who can help me?
Emily A. Brown
1111 University Capitol Centre
emily-a-brown@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Monica Ernberger
1111 University Capitol Centre
monica-ernberger@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Financial Support
UI International Programs
Awards more than $500,000 in scholarships and grants every year. More information on funding opportunities can be found on the International Programs Finance website.
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Awards more than $20,000 every year to JMC students pursuing study abroad programs. More information can be found on the SJMC Scholarships and Awards website.
Hawkeye Experience Grant
The Hawkeye Experience Grant awards stipends in variable amounts up to $4000 for undergraduate students who are pursuing an internship abroad through a program administered by the University of Iowa. More information can be found on the Pomerantz Career Center website.
Financial Aid
Most federal financial aid packages can be used to help fund a study abroad experience.