Iowa State students have an opportunity to join students from different cultures in learning about Iowa.

The Iowa International Fellows Program begins Oct. 27-28 in Des Moines. Sponsored by the Iowa Council for International Understanding (ICIU) and the Stanley Foundation, the Iowa International Fellows Program allows international and Iowa students to interact with one another as they learn Iowa’s culture.

Students at several Iowa colleges will get a chance to meet with state leaders and professionals.

Ann Shodde, executive director of the ICIU, said there are several advantages to the International Fellows Program.

“It gives a select group of Iowa international students the opportunity to add to their understanding of Iowa and Iowans and the role the state plays in the global economy,” Shodde said.

“It also provides occasions for students and Iowa leaders who are professionals and practitioners in government, education, business and politics to interact and learn more about each other and their respective countries,” she said.

Jane Edwards, program coordinator for the Office of International Students and Scholars at ISU, said the program will be a positive experience for those who participate.

“Getting together with students from other Iowa Colleges to exchange ideas is important,” Edwards said.

Edwards said she would like to see the program flourish but to do that it needs more ISU support.

“There are only two students who have applied,” she said. “I wish more ISU students would get involved.”

Students interested in the Iowa International Fellows Program can contact Edwards at 294-1120 or stop in Room 4 of Hamilton Hall.