The University of Iowa India Winterim study abroad program received the prestigious 2016 Institute of International Education (IIE) Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education. Geographical and Sustainability Sciences Professor Raj Rajagopal, creator of the India Winterim program, and International Programs' Assistant Provost Doug Lee will accept the award at a ceremony in Davis, California, in March.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the India Winterim program, with more than 1,000 students and faculty participating since it began. India Winterim is a high quality three-week, field-based program that partners with Indian nonprofits that address the most pressing contemporary societal issues.
Students explore topics such as art and architecture, biodiversity and sustainability, education, entrepreneurship, housing, performing arts, health care, journalism, renewable energy, social work, and water resources. Over the last 10 years the program has grown from one course with two faculty members and 17 students to one that encompasses numerous courses in different disciplines, enrolling an average of 135 students per year in multiple, small sections, and engaging dozens of UI faculty members. Using the winter term provides opportunities to study abroad not previously available to students in engineering and health science fields.
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