The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy offers several regularly occurring international rotation opportunities across multiple global sites. Each experience counts toward the five-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) that fourth-year students complete in diverse pharmacy settings. Students typically apply during the fall of their third year in the program.  If interested in finding out more, contact the Professional Experience Office.

Belize

This international APPE provides an immersive primary care experience in a rural, resource-limited setting in Belize. Student pharmacists work alongside an interprofessional healthcare team to support clinic services, community outreach, and public health initiatives. Responsibilities include medication counseling, dispensing, and helping develop treatment plans based on available resources. The experience emphasizes cultural awareness, adaptability, and patient-centered care for diverse populations.

Japan

This international APPE at Keio University College of Pharmacy introduces students to Japan’s academic and research-based pharmacy environment. Students learn about Japanese healthcare and pharmacy education through laboratory experiences, coursework observation, and collaboration with faculty and students. The rotation highlights global health perspectives and differences between U.S. and Japanese pharmacy practice, including exposure to ethnopharmacology. Students also participate in structured preparation and reflective learning while representing the College internationally.

Ireland - Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar

This international APPE provides inpatient clinical experience within Ireland’s healthcare system. Student pharmacists work as part of the medical team by reviewing medication regimens, gathering and presenting patient information, and providing drug information. The rotation helps students compare pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery in Ireland and the United States. Students also strengthen cultural awareness and professional communication skills in an international clinical setting.

Ireland - Trinity College, Dublin

This international APPE offers an academic and research-focused experience at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Pharmacy. Students participate in projects related to medication safety, population health research, and healthcare systems while working with faculty and research teams. The rotation highlights global perspectives on medication use, pharmacy education, and healthcare delivery. Students develop communication skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of international and regulatory aspects of pharmacy practice.

Romania

This international APPE in Romania provides exposure to pharmacy practice in community, hospital, rural, and research settings. Conducted in partnership with Babeș-Bolyai University School of Public Health, students learn about patient care and healthcare delivery within a global context. The rotation emphasizes cultural awareness, communication skills, and comparison of Romanian and U.S. pharmacy practice. Students gain insight into how cultural traditions and regional practices influence medication use and patient care through structured preparation, onsite experiences, and reflection.

United Arab Emirates

This international APPE at Gulf Medical University offers a clinically focused experience in critical care pharmacy within a global healthcare environment. Students work with interprofessional teams to manage complex medication therapies using evidence-based decision-making. The rotation provides insight into healthcare delivery in the Middle East while strengthening clinical and problem-solving skills. Structured preparation, immersive onsite learning, and reflection support student growth in global and clinical pharmacy practice.