Your liberal arts education goes beyond the classroom, lab, or studio

If you want, your coursework can take you abroad, into the local community, and expose you to life-changing experiences. 

Browse some of the opportunities available in the course catalog for experiential learning in your major, in addition to opportunities featured here that will help you stand out among your peers in the job market, and broaden your understanding of the world.

Undergraduate Research

The University of Iowa is one of the top public research universities in the country. Our professors aren't just teaching about their fields—they're making the latest discoveries. You can work closely with faculty on research and present your findings. 

Internships

Internships and externships complement your academic work with real-world professional experience that will help you stand out on your resumé when you enter the job market or apply to graduate school.

Study Abroad

Spending a semester studying in another country can be an incredible, fulfilling experience that will help you understand how our global society works—benefiting you personally and professionally. 

CLAS students regularly take their learning beyond the classroom

12 headshots of CLAS researchers selected for the Dare to Discover campaign

12 CLAS Researchers who Dare to Discover

Monday, February 23, 2026
Join the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in congratulating the 2026 Dare to Discover student and postdoc researchers, scholars, and creators from across CLAS.
A man rides a bicycle outside Castle of Counts (Gravensteen) in the city of Ghent, Belgium

UI professor creates simulated European travel course with Global Curriculum Development Award

Monday, January 12, 2026
A University of Iowa professor developed a simulated European travel course that immerses students in language, culture, and history through a global curriculum initiative.
A student stands in the foreground with arms open, a mountain in the background

Bringing Iowa students’ study abroad stories to life: podcast series “Around the World in 80 Stays”

Monday, January 12, 2026
CLAS junior Sean Keene uses his podcast to capture the realities, lessons, and emotions behind studying internationally.
Brandon Dean, professor in the Department of Religious students, hosts biweekly Church Crawls.

CLAS Religious Studies faculty member brings students and community together through public engagement work

Monday, October 20, 2025
Brandon Dean, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Religious Studies, blends his interests of religion and popular culture into engaging public events.
A student learns to weave willow in Rachel Yoder's folk horror writing class.

CLAS Cinematic Arts faculty member finds creative ways to immerse students in hands-on learning

Friday, October 17, 2025
Rachel Yoder, assistant professor of screenwriting in the Department of Cinematic Arts, is finding new ways to expose her folk horror narratives course to real life inspiration.
A group of participants from the Edge of Space Academy pose for a group photo

CLAS physics and astronomy Edge of Space Academy offers hands-on research experience

Monday, August 18, 2025
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Sixteen undergraduate students from across the country gathered for the 2025 Edge of Space Academy, an immersive, hands-on research experience focused on space-based instrumentation for observing Earth and space.
Lucas Carr led a course of 20 students in Spain, where they learned about the preventative side of health and wellness through cultural immersion.

CLAS students learn about health and wellness in some of the healthiest cities in the world

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Twenty students from the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology ventured to Spain for three weeks to learn about the preventative side of health and wellness.
Dan Mattheson led a trip of 50 students to the Big Ten Conference Headquarters in Chicago.

CLAS SRM students travel to Big Ten Conference headquarters to gain insight into college athletics

Monday, July 28, 2025
Nearly 50 University of Iowa students traveled to the Big Ten Conference headquarters in Chicago, where students gained career insight and networking opportunities.
Adam Brummett and Stratis Giannakouros recently led a two-week experiential learning trip to Switzerland and Germany.

CLAS students explore future of sustainable chemistry in Switzerland and Germany

Monday, July 21, 2025
Nearly 20 students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences embarked on a two-week long journey to learn about the intersection of sustainability and chemistry during a unique study abroad trip.
Read more experiential learning stories