Why Study Abroad?
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.
49
Countries
200+
Programs offered
SCRIPT Requirement
Courses designated as Study Abroad by the University of Iowa will fulfill the SCRIPT experiential learning requirement for students in the major; including global internships, virtual programs, short-term faculty-led programs, and summer, semester, or year-long 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:
Iowa Regents in Wales: Swansea
Live and study alongside Welsh peers. Swansea’s Media and Communication department offers Introduction to Media History; Social Media Cultures; Adaptation: Storytelling Across Media; and Theorizing the Media.
CIEE Paris Open Campus
Enroll in block-schedule courses in the Communications, Journalism, and New Media track. Courses include Photojournalism; International Journalism; and Media, Gender, and Identity.
Wells in Florence: Lorenzo de Medici
Study with students at Instituto Lorenzo de Medici while exploring Visual Culture in Italy, War and Media, Food Marketing and Communication, Global Brand Management, and Media Ethics in the Techno Age.
CEA Prague: Full Curriculum
Attend classes with local Czech students at Anglo-American University. Courses include Cultural Journalism, Reporting in Conflict Zones, Reporting I and II, Media in a Democracy, Photojournalism, and Video Storytelling.
TEAN South Korea: Korea University
The School of Media and Communication at Korea University offers courses such as Media and Popular Culture in Korea, Understanding Journalism, Media Technologies and Culture, and Writing in Journalism.
TEAN Australia: Bond University
Take courses in Bond’s Communication and Creative Media program. Course offerings include Mass and Popular Media, Digital Media and Society, Mobile and Digital Journalism, and Reporting the World.
CIEE Seville Communications, New Media & Journalism
Participate in core workshops including Magazine Reporting and Writing, Digital Video Reporting in Context, and enroll in related electives. All courses are taught in Spanish.
CIMBA Italy Program
Gain international experience through interactions with businesses and local culture. Courses available in accounting, finance, economics, social media marketing, event management, and communication studies.
Coming Summer 2026!
The Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change is a two-week, faculty-led study abroad program held each year in Salzburg, Austria. Students and faculty study a dynamic, online Global Media Literacy curriculum.
How do I get started?
| Study Abroad Options | ||
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| Academic Coursework (semester) | Global Internships (8 weeks) | Faculty-led Courses (2-4 weeks) |
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Step 1
Read our student spotlight stories above for a glimpse of life abroad and review the Major Advising Pages to learn about the academic requirements and recommended programs for your major.
Study Abroad Peer Mentors are also happy to connect with you and share their unique insights on navigating an experience abroad.
Step 2
Meet with your academic advisor to determine the best way to fit a study abroad program into your academic plan. While there is no wrong time to study abroad, it is easiest to fit an experience into your academic plan during junior year (either during an academic semester or during the summer before or after junior year). To ensure timely completion of the JMC major, we 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 to help you with the logistics of enrolling in a program and getting ready for international travel.
Who can help me?
Anna Newnum
E350D Adler Journalism Building
anna-newnum@uiowa.edu
319-335-3845
Anna provides academic advising assistance to undergraduates majoring in journalism and mass communication.
Emily A. Brown
1111 University Capitol Centre
emily-a-brown@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Emily is the primary contact for journalism and mass communication majors who are interested in pursuing coursework abroad.
Monica Ernberger
1111 University Capitol Centre
monica-ernberger@uiowa.edu
319-335-0353
Monica is the primary contact for journalism and mass communication majors who are interested in pursuing an internship abroad.
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 for undergraduate students pursuing internships abroad. 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.