Iowa Resource for International Service

Iowa Resource for International Service ...connecting Iowa to communities worldwide.

They say soccer is the universal language, and these two have been speaking it fluently all season. ⚽️🌍Anir and Hazem ma...
06/05/2026

They say soccer is the universal language, and these two have been speaking it fluently all season. ⚽️🌍

Anir and Hazem may have come here as exchange students to hit the books, but seeing them dominate on the field has been the real highlight. It’s not easy moving across the world and finding your footing in a new country, but these two found theirs right here on the grass.

From the tough drills to the final whistles, we are so proud of the heart and hustle they’ve brought to the game. Education is the goal, but the lessons learned on this field—teamwork, resilience, and grit—will stay with them forever. Keep chasing it, boys! 🙌🔥

www.iris-center.org

Distance, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️🎓To our incredible senior students: finishing your education in a diff...
06/04/2026

Distance, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️🎓

To our incredible senior students: finishing your education in a different country is a feat many attempt, but few master with the grace you have shown. You’ve balanced the weight of your studies with the challenge of being far from home, and today, all that sacrifice pays off.

We’ve watched you grow, seen you struggle, and now, we get to see you shine. We are so incredibly proud of the dedication you’ve shown to your futures. This chapter may be closing, but your story is just getting started. Congratulations, graduates! 🎓📚

Huge congratulations are in order! 🎉🎓 Let’s give a big round of applause to our amazing exchange student, Cheikh from Se...
06/03/2026

Huge congratulations are in order! 🎉🎓 Let’s give a big round of applause to our amazing exchange student, Cheikh from Senegal, on graduating from the Van Meter School District! 🇩🇪✈️🇺🇸

Cheikh, we are so incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished during your exchange year in Iowa. From navigating a new school to sharing your vibrant culture with the Van Meter community, you have truly embodied what it means to be a global citizen and a cultural ambassador. 🌟

A massive thank you to his wonderful host family, the teachers, and the entire Van Meter community for supporting Cheikh and making his American high school experience unforgettable. 🏡❤️

Cheikh, your IRIS family is cheering you on as you take this huge step into your future. We know you’re going to do big things! 🌍💼

To

If this photo collage looks exciting to you, it might mean it’s time for you to host! 🌍✨By opening your home to an inter...
06/02/2026

If this photo collage looks exciting to you, it might mean it’s time for you to host! 🌍✨

By opening your home to an international exchange student, you aren't just giving them a place to stay—you’re inviting them to become a part of your world. From everyday family dinners to once-in-a-lifetime American experiences, you’ll help a student discover Iowa while making a lifelong connection with someone across the globe. ❤️🇺🇸✈️

Are you ready to start your next great adventure right from your living room?

👉 Get started today: Click the link in our bio to learn more about hosting with IRIS!

We’re down to our Final Four! ⏳🇮🇹The 2026-2027 academic year is approaching, and we are looking for four more incredible...
06/01/2026

We’re down to our Final Four! ⏳🇮🇹

The 2026-2027 academic year is approaching, and we are looking for four more incredible families to welcome an Italian exchange student into their homes. These students are coming here with big goals, kind hearts, and a lot of excitement to experience the "real" America right here in Iowa.

Hosting is a unique way to bring a new culture to your dinner table and create memories that will be talked about for decades. It’s an opportunity to teach, to learn, and to create a "home away from home" for someone thousands of miles away. 🇮🇹✈️🏠

Could your family be the missing piece of their journey? We would love to chat with you about what hosting looks like and introduce you to our remaining students. Drop us a message today! 📩✨

www.iris-center.org

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of internati...
05/29/2026

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of international exchange student Abu Saddiq. Hailing from Pakistan, Abu was recently honored by Governor Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Capitol during a prestigious recognition ceremony for the Iowa America 250 Student Contest.

The statewide initiative challenged youth from grades 3–12 to deeply reflect on the rich history, enduring legacy, and personal meaning of America and its founding. Abu’s unique perspective as an international visitor offered an impactful, distinct contribution to the contest, earning him high-profile commendation from the Governor’s office.

Navigating a new culture and academic environment is a profound journey in itself. To simultaneously engage so deeply with American history and civic identity is a testament to Abu’s exceptional dedication, intellectual curiosity, and global insight. His recognition highlights the immense value of international exchange programs, which foster mutual understanding and bridge cultures between Iowa and the world.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Abu and his family in Pakistan on this well-deserved honor. We are privileged to be a part of his journey in the United States and look forward to his continued success as a global leader. 🌟

www.iris-center.org
https://educate.iowa.gov/headline-story/2026-05-15/ten-students-named-winners-iowa-america-250-contest

Our student Cheikh went to Kansas City to watch the Royals Baseball game!A classic American pastime for a truly global s...
05/28/2026

Our student Cheikh went to Kansas City to watch the Royals Baseball game!
A classic American pastime for a truly global student! ⚾️🇺🇸

Cheikh took a trip down to Kansas City recently to experience the high-energy atmosphere of a Royals baseball game! From the iconic fountains at the stadium to the roar of the crowd, there is nothing quite like the sights and sounds of a day at the ballpark to round out the ultimate American exchange experience.

It is so exciting to watch our students explore beyond state lines and dive into the traditions that make the Midwest so unique. Whether it was his first time seeing a home run or just enjoying the stadium snacks and the sun, we are so glad Cheikh got to check this major "bucket list" item off his list! 🌭🧢✨

www.iris-center.org

Bringing a piece of Pakistan to the heart of Iowa! 🇵🇰✨We are beaming with pride for Waleed, who did an incredible job re...
05/27/2026

Bringing a piece of Pakistan to the heart of Iowa! 🇵🇰✨

We are beaming with pride for Waleed, who did an incredible job representing his home and heritage at his school’s cultural festival recently. From the vibrant traditions to the rich history, Waleed took the stage to share the beauty of Pakistani culture with his classmates, teachers, and the local community.

One of the most powerful parts of the exchange experience is the "cultural bridge" our students build. By sharing his roots with us, Waleed is helping his peers in Iowa see the world from a brand-new perspective. It takes a lot of courage and passion to stand up and tell your story, and Waleed did it with so much grace and enthusiasm! 🌎❤️

Thank you, Waleed, for embracing your culture so fully and for teaching us all something new. We are so lucky to have you here sharing your journey with us! 🌟👏

www.iris-center.org

Summer is officially calling! 📞✨ Our students are making the most of these gorgeous days, and Sequisha, Veearm, and Rawa...
05/26/2026

Summer is officially calling! 📞✨ Our students are making the most of these gorgeous days, and Sequisha, Veearm, and Rawan stepped outside to capture the vibrant energy of the season.

From the golden hour glow to the bright green Iowa landscapes, these photos are a perfect snapshot of the joy and discovery that comes with studying abroad. Watching them explore, bond, and document their journey under the warm sun reminds us why we love what we do. Here’s to many more sunny days and unforgettable memories for this amazing group! ☀️🍦💛

www.iris-center.org

At IRIS, our mission is to build global peace and understanding by connecting Iowa to the world. Today, we join our comm...
05/25/2026

At IRIS, our mission is to build global peace and understanding by connecting Iowa to the world. Today, we join our community in observing Memorial Day—a uniquely American holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the military personnel who lost their lives in service to the United States. 🇺🇸✨

Through people-to-people exchange, we learn that understanding a culture means understanding its history, its values, and how it honors its past. For our international students, alumni, and global partners, understanding Memorial Day offers a deeper look into the American spirit of community, remembrance, and gratitude.

We wish all of our host families, volunteers, and friends a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day weekend. ❤️🤍💙

www.iris-center.org

Address

1401 50th Street, Suite 102
West Des Moines, IA
50266

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Iowa Resource for International Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Iowa Resource for International Service:

Shortcuts

Share

Category