iowa state young alumni travel

Iowa State University Alumni Association

Iowa State University Alumni Association and Go Next are pleased to offer exceptional travel opportunities available to you, your family, and your friends. Join fellow alumni and experience the camaraderie of exploring the world with like-minded travelers. Each Go Next trip has been thoughtfully selected with you and your alma mater in mind. We take care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy the company of your fellow alumni.

Because of the exceptional value and limited space, we encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.

SHELLIE ANDERSEN Vice President of Business Development and Constituent Engagement

Iowa State University Alumni Association | ISU Alumni Center 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1403 (515) 294-9310 | [email protected] | www.isualum.org #Cyclones Everywhere

Reservations and Questions

Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you, your belongings and your travel investment. The Iowa State University Alumni Association will send you information regarding travel insurance as soon as your reservation is submitted. 

Iowa State University Alumni Association Group Programs

Experience one of the world’s most riveting wildlife destinations on this 10-night cruise through South Africa aboard Oceania Cruises’ Nautica .

Explore the history, charm, and majestic waters of the Aegean Sea for 10-nights aboard Oceania Cruises’ Vista .

Come with us on an unforgettable 10-night cruise through Iceland and Denmark aboard an extraordinary ship, Oceania Cruises’ Sirena !

Explore the “Last Frontier” on this riveting 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta .

Iowa State Alumni Journeys

Young alumni journeys designed for travelers ages 22 - 35, multi-generational journeys for travelers of all ages, fall in love with new places, be spellbound, never stop exploring, mind your footprint, keep learning, find your inner zen, network with peers, discover the world.

Dear Graduating Seniors, Young Alumni and Friends,

Can you think of a better way to travel than with fellow Iowa State Young Alumni? The Iowa State University young alumni travel program offers you this opportunity by bringing you together with individuals in the same age range, with similar backgrounds and experiences, while enriching you on well-designed and hassle-free tours of the world. Travel the world with young alumni and friends of peer institutions, ages 22 – 35. If you are interested in traveling with family and/or friends of all ages we are offering a magical trip through three European countries. Our programs provide social, cultural, and recreational activities and many opportunities for learning enrichment and enjoying a connection back to the Iowa State University. They are of great quality and value, operated by a travel company with over 45 years of experience in the young professional travel market. Click on the buttons below to find detailed itineraries, travel dates, pricing or to book online. If you have any questions about our alumni travel program, please contact Lainey Crawford at the Iowa State Alumni Association by emailing: [email protected] or call 515-294-5775.

What do past travelers say?

“Really liked how everything was planned for us – the main things we wanted to see, yet still a lot of free time to do what we wanted.”

— Jody

“The tour was a fantastic introduction to Europe and I had an amazing time seeing new places and meeting new people.”

— Drew

“It was my first time taking a tour like this. It was a great experience and fellow travelers made things even better!”

— Matthew

“Not only was this a vacation, it was a wake-up call for me to see the world!”

— Anna

“This trip was phenomenal! I loved visiting both large and small towns, sampling the local cuisine, and meeting fellow alumni on the trip. I have made some lifelong friends and look forward to my next trip with AESU!”

— Caitlin

“10/10 would recommend!”

— Meredith

“The tour was phenomenal. I felt like I got more than my money's worth. The logistics were planned perfectly. This is exactly what I dreamed of but could never plan myself.”

— Sheridan

“I loved this trip! The tour was phenomenal”

— Victoria

“I really enjoyed this tour! The mix of scheduled and free time was just right for people like myself that came in without any prior plans.”

— Foster

“It was the most fun I’ve ever had!”

— Ryan

“This trip was the most amazing and rewarding experience!”

— Berkeley

“Definitely the best week of my life, without a doubt; new friends, amazing experiences and a ton of fun – I am so thankful for this trip!”

— Trevor

“Hotel was beautiful, meals were 10/10, tour director was wonderful and local guides were upbeat and personable!”

— Melissa

“Tour of a lifetime!”

— Madison

“I had so much fun on this tour! Everything worked well, we got to see so many major sites and have a great amount of free time too.”

— Justine

“There was the perfect balance of group activities and free time - the itinerary was very well thought out and moved at a great pace!”

— Evie

“A wonderful time with wonderful people. 5 stars!”

“First time in Europe and this trip was everything I wanted it to be and more.”

— Jason

“The tour guide was great, and the fact that I came alone and met all new people - best way to do it.”

— Roya

2023 Adventures

Classic Europe Grad Trip

11-day Land package from: $3,480 5-day optional add-on to Greece: $925 Tour dates: May 17 - June 1, 2023

Young Alumni Journeys

Portugal Adventure Land package per person in 2-share: $1,885 Tour dates: June 24 - July 2, 2023

Treasures of Scotland Land package per person in 2-share: $2,465 Tour dates: July 1 - 8, 2023

Greek Island Hopper Land package per person in 2-share: $2,275 Tour dates: August 12 - 20, 2023

Multi-Generational Trip

Enchanted A Fairy-tale Journey

Land package from: $2,995 Tour dates: July 15 - 23, 2023

Expect high quality travel programs and outstanding customer service!

Payment plan.

After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction. Please indicate booking number on your check payment. If you prefer to pay by credit card, please call us at 800-638-7640 for details. (All prices reflect a cash discount. There is a 4% processing fee for any payments made by credit card after initial deposit.) The total tour cost (land, and air if applicable) must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure, some tours require full payment 120 days before departure. Check your tour for details.

Loyalty Program

For every trip you pay for in full and do not cancel, you are eligible to receive a $50 credit towards the next AESU Alumni trip you travel on. There is no cash out option and restrictions apply. Email AESU Alumni World Travel at [email protected] or call 800-638-7640.

For details on discounts, email AESU Alumni World Travel at [email protected], call 800-638-7640 or visit the respective tour web site.

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The world is calling

The expertise and knowledge to put your mind at ease., when you join us, your job is to enjoy yourself. our experts are trained to make your trip as seamless and carefree as possible. whether it’s a key ready for you as soon as you walk into a hotel or a beginner lesson in the local dialect, we go the extra mile to make sure you have every need met along your journey., who is ahi.

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Alumni Association: 2024 travel preview

More information - Register by May 17. - Traveling Cyclones tours

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ISUAA welcomes all to join the Traveling Cyclones

Willa Colville February 15, 2018

For over 40 years, the Iowa State University Alumni Association (ISUAA) has been planning trips around the world for students, alumni, staff and anyone who wishes to travel.

From exotic rainforest expeditions to cruises on the Baltic Sea, the Traveling Cyclones program hosts around 45 trips each year. 

When the program first started in 1975, the goal was to provide an educational experience outside of the traditional classroom. Each trip typically includes lectures on the history of the destination as well as tours from local guides. 

Shellie Andersen, who graduated in 1988 with a degree in marketing, currently works as the director of travel and business development for the ISUAA and helps plan these trips. 

“We continue to do [the Traveling Cyclones program] because it allows us to connect with our alums, of course they don’t have to be alums, anyone can travel with us,” Andersen said. “It’s another way for us to connect with [alumni] and build relationships with them. Then we hope they come back to be a part of the Alumni Association in different aspects whether attending other events, becoming members, donating [to the ISUAA], it’s just a way to make a connection.”

For many years the Traveling Cyclones program has mostly hosted alumni and people over 40 years old, but this fall they are introducing a young alumni traveling opportunity. Themed around the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” people ages 22 to 24 will travel through Spain visiting filming locations and immersing themselves in Spanish culture.  

Heather Botine of the Alumni Association helped initiate this opportunity as well as other opportunities for young people. She says in 2019, Traveling Cyclones will also bring back trips for newly graduated students. 

As employees of the ISUAA, both Andersen and Botine have hosted numerous Traveling Cyclone vacations. 

“The last trip I went on [with Traveling Cyclones] was my favorite and that was to Machu Picchu in the Galapagos Islands,” Botine said “It was just beautiful scenery, amazing history and architecture… [One of the ISU alums on this trip] said this quote and it has stuck with me. She said ‘Some people love to travel and some people are travelers.’ And these people were travelers. They were people who had been all over the world, who were adventurous and who really had a purpose for wanting to be there.”

In 2017, the Traveling Cyclones program hosted nearly 600 people on trips around the world. This number is an increase from the 500 they typically host each year. The trips last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks long in order to accommodate for those who wish to partake.  

There are 46 vacations planned for the Traveling Cyclones in 2018 with prices ranging from about $1,500 to under $7,000. Some of the destinations include Iceland, Cuba, Egypt and Japan. In January of this year, a group even took an expedition to Antarctica. 

For more information on the Traveling Cyclones program and how to register for a vacation, visit https://www.isualum.org/s/565/17/interior.aspx?sid=565&gid=1&pgid=2429

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Dear Iowa State Alumni,

The Iowa State University Alumni Association is pleased to partner with Orbridge to offer our alumni exceptional travel opportunities—a combination of exclusive itineraries, deluxe properties or ships, knowledgeable expedition leaders, and the company of fellow alumni. 

With special features and unparalleled access to distinguished locations, you will discover unforgettable places, people, and cultures, and enjoy experiences that will enrich your understanding of our diverse and wonderful world. Whether close to home or far away, on land or by sea, your next adventure is waiting! 

Join us and our partner Orbridge—make your reservation today! 

Shellie Andersen Vice President of Business Development and Constituent Engagement Life Member

Upcoming Tours by Departure Date

Discover the Canadian Rockies by Rail

Flavors of Northern Italy

Around the World by Private Jet

Antarctica Discovery

African Expedition by Private Train

Northern Lights and the Wildlife of Northern Manitoba

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Communication Sciences and Disorders

Speaking the Language of Love

By Julie Ostrem

When Stuart and Courtney Craig from Cedar Falls got letters from UIowa’s Psycholinguistics Lab asking if they’d re-join a long-term language study, the married couple did a double-take.

“What? You were in that study with the white vans too?” Stuart remembers asking Courtney.

As Kindergartners, Stuart and Courtney – along with about 600 other young Midwesterners -- were enrolled in a research study directed by UIowa’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Emeritus Bruce Tomblin. His goal was to examine individual differences in children’s language ability across development (from Kindergarten to 12 th grade).

To do this, Tomblin knew he’d need to test many children, so it made sense for researchers to travel to them. The research team transformed large white vans into mobile testing centers, and examiners traveled to children’s homes, schools, and public libraries in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Quad Cities, and Des Moines areas. 

Both Courtney and Stuart remember the vans and the kindhearted examiners making the language tests enjoyable. Their sweetest memories of the study are the stickers, prizes, and cash they got for taking part in the research.

“Sitting in the van taking tests didn’t seem so different than taking standardized tests at school,” Stuart remembers. 

Fast forward to 2022, and CSD Assistant Professor Kristi Hendrickson picked up where Tomblin’s research left off by locating and re-testing participants from the original study.

By combining data from the former study and new results from the now mid-30-year olds, Hendrickson’s research team can better understand language growth over the lifespan.

“It is difficult to examine the evolution of language ability from childhood to adulthood because you need to follow the same individuals across decades. I am lucky to have pioneers like Bruce Tomblin, dedicated participants like Stuart and Courtney, and incredible student and staff researchers. With their help, we will be able to provide one of the most comprehensive characterizations of individual differences in language ability in existence,” she said.

As Hendrickson’s research team scrambled to track down former study participants nearly two decades later, they were undoubtedly pleased to discover two former study contributors right in the same household.

It may seem strange that – until recently -- the research study never came up in a conversation between Stuart and Courtney. After all, they both grew up in Cedar Falls, lived near one another, and even attended the same preschool.

The Craigs have a busy – very busy --- household. They are parents to children ages 10, 8, and 6 years, and 11-month-old twins. 

But despite full schedules with work, childcare, future homeschooling, and twins on the verge of taking their first steps, the Craigs say they’re in it for the long haul.

“When I started as a kid in the language study, my dad told me that if I started it, I’d have to stick with it,” Stuart said. “I guess my obligation still stands; I’m staying with the research study for as long as they need me.”

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.