International photo contest highlights global education at Iowa

Monday, November 11, 2024

Image Gallery

An international regatta on the Grand Canal. A stunning sunset viewed from the Taj Mahal. A professor reciting the Iliad during a visit to an ancient theater in Greece.

These are among the winning images selected for the 2024 International Programs annual photo contest, part of International Education Week (IEW). This event aims to inspire greater awareness of the many ways the University of Iowa community can experience international education.

The UI will celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 18-22. A joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, IEW celebrates the university's commitment to preparing students for a global environment and attracting future leaders from abroad to the U.S.

The UI provides global education opportunities for all students, whether through fostering international perspectives via study abroad and global internship opportunities or by attracting a diverse community of students from around the world. In fall 2024, 2,084 international students from 108 countries and territories studied or conducted post-graduate research at Iowa. In the 2023-24 academic year, more than $660,000 was awarded to study abroad, with 986 students participating in study abroad programs across 59 countries.

IEW not only highlights photo contest winners, but also serves as a platform to celebrate the recipients of the annual UI International Impact Award and Global Student Award.

"International Education Week shines a light on Iowa as a leader on the global stage," says UI President Barbara J. Wilson. "The week's events, which include workshops, student panels, and information sessions, underscore the UI's commitment to making the world more accessible to UI faculty, staff, and students. IEW also accentuates the great work of our international students, whose contributions continuously bolster the academic and cultural vitality of our campus."

This year's signature event, a student-organized Multicultural Showcase, will take place on Nov. 15, introducing UI students, faculty, staff, and the greater Iowa City community to different cultures through performances, ethnic dishes, and interactive tabling hosted by student organizations and UI colleges and departments.

"International Programs is delighted to help organize this year's events," says Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. "Our role is to bring together campus partners who work with students and faculty to highlight activity related to global engagement. Over the last two years, the Multicultural Showcase has been wildly successful, and we look forward to this event that features the many contributions of our diverse community to the UI."

2024 International Impact Award recipients

The UI International Impact Award recognizes distinguished alumni and other individuals with significant ties to the university who have made sustained and deep contributions internationally or in the U.S. to promote global understanding.

David A. Hamod (BA political science '81) and Richard J. Tyner (BA French, political science '70) are the recipients of the 2024 International Impact Award.

David A. Hamod

David Hamod

Hamod, raised in Iowa City, has visited more than 150 countries and worked as a citizen diplomat to improve the quality of life for Americans living overseas. As president and CEO of the National U.S. - Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), he has been a strong advocate for U.S. businesses globally. Hamod's career includes roles at the Brookings Institution, IBM, New York Times, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Bank. He is also a dedicated supporter of global humanitarian initiatives through Rotary International.

Richard J. Tyner

Richard Tyner

Tyner, from southwest Iowa, earned degrees in political science and French from the UI. He earned a Marshall Scholarship, an MA from the University of Manchester, and a PhD from the London School of Economics. Tyner practiced international law in Saudi Arabia, Paris, and Dubai before returning to Iowa. He now serves on advisory boards for the UI Honors Program and the UI Department of Political Science and has endowed multiple scholarships to support international experiences for students.

Global Student Award

The Global Student Award recognizes one undergraduate student and one graduate student who are deeply engaged leaders in international education on campus or abroad. The award was established in 2019 by International Programs and the Division of Student Life.

The recipients of this year's Global Student Awards are Fascha Aryasa, an undergraduate student from Bali, Indonesia, majoring in data science; and Jeff Lai, a PhD candidate in higher education and student affairs from Taipei City, Taiwan.

Fascha Aryasa

Fascha Aryasa is a passionate advocate for international education and a dynamic leader on campus. As president of the International Student Advisory Board, she bridges the gap between university administration and international students, ensuring their voices are heard. From mentoring new students through the iPeer Mentorship Program to guiding them during orientation week, Aryasa is dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment. Her commitment to intercultural communication and adaptability exemplifies the power of international education in shaping a global community at Iowa.

"Fascha Aryasa's involvement and contributions to the campus community have been truly impactful," says her nominator Shuhui Lin, international education program and student affairs advisor in International Programs. "Her active participation and leadership have earned her the respect of her peers, who see her as a leader and an inspiration."

Jeff Lai

Jeff Lai is a dynamic force in the realm of international education at Iowa, weaving global perspectives into campus discussions and bringing recognition to his peers by presenting collaborative projects at national and international conferences. His work extends beyond the classroom, engaging with the International Student Advisory Board to address issues affecting both domestic and international students. Driven by a commitment to social justice and collective transformation, Lai says he believes that meaningful change requires aligning actions with values. His passion for fostering an inclusive academic community underscores the vital role of international education in creating a more interconnected and empathetic world.

"Jeff quietly, persistently, and fiercely cares for others in ways that matter," says his nominator Sherry Watt, a professor in the UI College of Education. "He makes a difference in the lives of students and in this community by showing up for others, offering to help always, and through his many acts of service."

Photo contest winners

(See accompanying photo gallery to view images)

Grand prize winner

Elise Schmidt
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Excelsior, Minnesota
Location: Venice, Italy

"While exploring Venice on my study abroad experience this past summer, we came across a regatta on the Grand Canal. In this regatta, rowers from around the world came together and raced the length of the canal."

Exploring Local Cultures and Traditions

First place

Faith Schanowski
Major: Finance
Hometown: Milwaukee
Location: Morocco

"After two days of exploring and learning about Morocco, we finally entered the Sahara. We rode camels at sunset and sunrise, dune-surfed, and stayed overnight in the Erg Chebbi camp. The Moroccan shemagh was very beautiful and helped protect me from the sand burn. One of the Berbers also gave me their djellaba when it got cold. 10/10 experience and I would do it a million times again."

Second place

Tanvi Khadiya
Majors: Marketing and international studies
Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

"This picture is from Patrika Gate, a monument constructed in 2016 to celebrate the rich, colorful culture of the state of Rajasthan. I visited Patrika Gate for the first time this summer."

Third place

Sanzida Rahman Setu
Major: Urban and regional planning
Hometown: Bangladesh
Location: Iowa City Farmers Market

"I love to explore new cultures and traditions, and I love farmers markets in the summer. The festival vibes, good food, and live music every Saturday is something that I look forward to enjoying in the summertime."

A Day in the Life

First place

Rose Grau
Majors: Journalism and marketing
Hometown: Monona, Iowa
Location: Prague, Czech Republic

"On a chilly winter morning, a quartet entertained the passing crowds on Charles Bridge. I stopped to listen for a while, taking in the beautiful sights of Prague and admiring the ambiance the traditional music was creating. This photo captures the true, authentic experience of the unique city."

Second place

Kennedy Lein
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Location: San Sebastian, Spain

"In this photo, my roommates and I swam in the ocean at sunset and captured some of the most amazing photos, but nothing will compare to the memories that are engraved into my brain from this day. It was one of the most magical experiences of my lifetime, and I would do anything to go back. It is absolutely gorgeous."

Third place

Maren Williams
Majors: Civil engineering and international relations
Hometown: Smithville, Missouri
Location: Taj Mahal, Agra, India

"After a long day of travel, we were visiting the Taj Mahal in the afternoon near sunset. I had just walked out of the main inner chamber of the mausoleum and the sun had gone down quite a bit while I was inside. When I exited and turned the corner, I caught the sun just between the north, main dome wall, and the mosque to the west. It was stunning."

Showing Off Your Hawkeye Pride

First place

Salma Abouhatab
Major: Multilingual education
Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt
Location: Iowa City

"I took this photo during my first week here in Iowa City during international student orientation. That week felt overwhelming, but that specific moment captured made me realize the beauty of the place I'll call home for the next two years."

Second place

Sarah Craighead
Major: Speech and hearing science
Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota
Location: Mount Lycabettus, Athens, Greece

"Climbing to the top of Mount Lycabettus rewarded stunning views of all of Athens and the Aegean Sea. My group made this trip on my first full day in Greece, and seeing the landscape of the city and beyond was such a pinch-me moment. I had been anticipating this experience for so long, and at that moment I knew I made it."

Third place

Mihiret Redi
Major: Biomedical engineering
Hometown: Jimma, Ethiopia
Location: Old Capitol, Iowa City

"This photo, taken near the Old Capitol, shows my love for Iowa City. Being by this historic spot made me feel connected to the university and the warm spirit of Iowa."

Honorable mention

Molly Patterson
Majors: Public health and computer science
Hometown: Grimes, Iowa
Location: Epidaurus, Greece

"The ancient theater shown in this photo was designed to effectively carry sound from the stage to all corners of the seating high above. Since its construction, various performances have been able to take place without microphones. To demonstrate this effect, our professor walked to center stage and began to recite the opening lines of the Iliad from memory. Though he looks very small and far away in this photo, his words could be heard clearly by each of us."