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. The following programs are tailored to students pursuing a career in journalism.
Berlin, Germany
Course offerings include Mass Media in Europe, Photojournalism, and Radio Production and Digital Storytelling in Berlin.
Prague, Czech Republic
Course offerings include Cultural Journalism, Reporting in Conflict Zones, Media in a Democracy, Photojournalism, and Video Storytelling.
Pieve del Grappa, Italy
CIMBA courses available in accounting, finance, economics, social media marketing, event management, and communication studies.
Gold Coast, Australia
Course offerings include Mass and Popular Media, Digital Media and Society, Mobile and Digital Journalism, and Reporting the World.
Seville, Spain
Course offerings include Magazine Reporting and Writing, Digital Video Reporting in Context, and enroll in related electives.
Seoul, South Korea
Course offerings include Media and Popular Culture in Korea, Understanding Journalism, Media Technologies and Culture, and Writing in Journalism.
Swansea, Wales
Course offerings include Introduction to Media History; Social Media Cultures; Adaptation: Storytelling Across Media; and Theorizing the Media.
Florence, Italy
Course offerings include Visual Culture in Italy, War and Media, Food Marketing, Global Brand Management, and Media Ethics in the Techno Age.
Dublin, Ireland
Comparative Media Law on the Emerald Isle is a new 3-week faculty-led program offered in Summer 2027.
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.
| Coursework Abroad | Global Internships | Faculty-led Courses |
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Step 1
Read our student spotlights above for a glimpse of life abroad and review the Major Advising Pages (MAPS) to learn about academic requirements and recommended programs.
Step 2
Meet with your academic advisor. While there is no wrong time to study abroad, it is easiest to fit an experience into your academic plan during junior year. We generally recommend that students complete JMC:2010 Reporting and Writing and JMC:2020 Multimedia Storytelling prior to going abroad.
Step 3
Complete the Discover Study Abroad asynchronous ICON course and schedule a meeting with a study abroad coordinator. Study abroad staff will help you enroll in a program and prepare you for international travel.
Student Podcast!
Around the World in 80 Stays chronicles the journeys of University of Iowa students and staff around the globe.
Who can help me?
Monica Ernberger
1111 University Capitol Centre
monica-ernberger@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Emily A. Brown
1111 University Capitol Centre
emily-a-brown@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Financial Support
The University of Iowa and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are committed to increasing the number of students who study abroad by offering financial support to help offset the costs of travel and enrollment. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with a study abroad advisor about financing their international experience.
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 involved in applied learning experiences outside of the classroom. 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.