By Lini Ge

I have studied at the University of Iowa for almost four years. Once in a while, I still smile to myself: I’m glad I’ve chosen to come here! Who would believe that a young woman from Fuzhou, China, would travel nearly 8,000 miles to find her destiny? Thanks to my relatives and friends in America, I learned about University of Iowa’s excellent program in professional journalism that places students in major media outlets around the world. 

Located on a 1,900-acre campus in Iowa City in southeast Iowa, the University of Iowa is one of the most prestigious research universities in the heartland of America. Established in 1847, the UI boasts many firsts in the nation – the first public university to admit men and women on an equal basis, and the first higher-education institution to accept theses for advanced degrees in creative work in theater, writing, music and art, among others. 

As one of 30,000 students enrolled at the UI each year, I was thrilled for the opportunity to receive the top-level education when I first arrived in the fall of 2006. I was never disappointed. I have loved every course I have taken. Among my favorites were a master’s media project course and a teaching-Chinese classroom instruction and practicum course, both of which involved plenty of intriguing in-class discussions and individual hands-on practice.

One thing I particularly enjoy about graduate-level courses is the relatively small class size, which provides each student ample opportunities for raising questions and receiving feedback. 

Knowledgeable and experienced faculty members play indispensable roles in students’ learning. The UI is blessed with a large number of distinguished professors, some of whom I have had the honor to work with. I have benefited tremendously from two professors in particular – Gigi Durham, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Helen Shen, associate professor of Chinese in the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. 

In addition to its excellent academic programs, the UI also provides a wide range of social, cultural, athletic and recreational events and activities, including major annual events like Homecoming, Family Weekend and Dance Marathon. The University recognizes more than 450 student organizations, from academic societies to sports clubs, from ethnic student associations to fraternities and sororities, all of which contribute to a dynamic college community.

My personal favorites are the rich cultural events – Gusto Latino, Bridging Fiesta and the Chinese New Year celebration – all great venues to acquaint myself with different cultures and meet new friends while having fun.

Dozens of university offices and programs make every effort to ensure diversity on campus. Advocacy programs for gender equity and human rights, disability awareness and services, cultural linguistic services, among others, weave a multi-dimensional web of diversity resources.

I find the services and support provided by the Office of International Students and Scholars especially helpful. The office serves an international population of nearly 2,500, offering support in both academic and social settings. I can’t recall how many times I have stepped into the office seeking advice from the experienced staff, whose reassuring voices and insightful opinions always calmed me down no matter what challenges I had faced. 

Students’ success and safety are two of the university’s top priorities.  For students’ physical and mental health, free treatment and counseling services are available through Student Health Service and University Counseling Service. Students can also take advantage of a number of fitness facilities and programs. 

Yes, I’m glad I became part of the UI, and, I’m proud to be a Hawkeye!

You can find all the information you need on the University of Iowa here.

Lini Ge spent most of her life in her hometown of Fuzhou, a vibrant town in southern China with a population of 6.8 million, before coming to the United States in the fall of 2006. Lini received her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication in May 2009. Currently, Ge is studying in the Master of Arts program in Asian Civilizations in the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Ge plans to intern at the United Nations Headquarters in the summer of 2010.