In November 2008, students participated in a Habitat for Humanity Community Service Project.

“I am very pleased that I was part of this fellowship and I hope that future students will have the chance to experience this. It was an amazing experience. Thank you!”  -Past Fellows Program Participant

The Iowa International Fellows Program is a leadership training program that involves international and American students studying in the colleges and universities across the state. Made possible through a joint collaboration between ICIU and The Stanley Foundation, the program provides Iowa’s international students with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, discuss global issues, gain insights on Iowa’s communities, business and politics, and network with likeminded students. For the 2008-09 academic year, the program brought together 64 students from 11 Iowa colleges and universities, representing more than 30 countries.

The third and final session of the academic year took place February 20 and 21 in Davenport, Iowa, and covered government, politics and foreign policy. The session featured presentations by government and party officials, including Iowa Senator Tom Harkin’s office, Former State Representative Bryan Sievers, and a panel discussion on Iowa Politics and Foreign Policy. The session also incorporated a legislative simulation activity as a practical component in addition to discussions.

The Fellows Program has been held every year since 1995 and has traditionally included four sessions across the academic year. However, due to the current state of the economy, The Stanley Foundation and ICIU were unable to complete the fourth session of the 2008-09 program, which was scheduled for March 20 and 21.

Student evaluations year after year have underscored how much this program means to the students. However, the current economic situation may put this program at risk for the 2009-10 year. Although there is no decision yet about next year’s program, both The Stanley Foundation and ICIU are looking for ways to ensure the future of this program and seek your help to make it happen. If you are interested in helping the Fellows Program, contact Christina Sibouih at christina.sibouih@iciu.org.