Experiential Learning

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

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.

3D Design students from CLAS recently attended a prestigious design showcase in New York City.

CLAS 3D Design students showcase skills at prestigious showcase in New York City

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

3D Design students in the School of Art, Art History, and Design were invited to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair to share their work at Wanted, a showcase that highlights upcoming designers.

International flags hanging off a bridge on the University of Iowa campus

Three CLAS students awarded Richard J. Tyner Scholarship to study abroad in 2025

Sunday, June 15, 2025

International Programs

Three CLAS students have been awarded a Richard J. Tyner Scholarship, a fund established in 2017 by Richard J. Tyner (BA French and political science ‘70).

Students participate in a name, image, likeness course offered by Sport and Recreation Management in the Department of Health and Human Physiology

CLAS HHP course simulates agency experience

Monday, June 2, 2025

Students from across the University of Iowa campus collaborate to put together name, image, and likeness plans for Hawkeye student-athlete “clients.”

CLAS student receives Critical Language Scholarship to study in Japan

Monday, June 2, 2025

International Programs

Brenda Gao, a University of Iowa student studying psychology, from Iowa City, Iowa, has been awarded a 2025 U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Japanese this summer in Okayama, Japan.