State of Iowa
Our office is located in West Des Moines, Iowa
The State of Iowa is located in the heartland of the United States of America. Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and largest city. As of 2013, Iowa had an estimated population of just more than 3 million people.
Iowa’s safe environment, friendly people, and commitment to education make it an ideal place to work or study. The state has been listed as one of the safest states to live in. Iowa is widely considered to have some of the richest farmland in the world, and the state routinely leads the nation in corn, soybean, and hog production.
About Us
IRIS is a non-profit, non-religious organization founded in 1993 by former Lieutenant Governor, Bob Anderson. As the former executive director of the Iowa Peace Institute. Mr. Anderson’s philosophy of promoting peace around the world is the foundation of our mission to promote international education, development, and peace through people-to-people exchange programs that develop and enhance citizen diplomacy.
IRIS conducts programs which bring students, journalists, business people, educators, and government leaders to Iowa from throughout the world. While in Iowa, the international participants stay with Iowa families, study in Iowa schools, intern in Iowa businesses, and become involved in community activities. When they return to their home countries, they take with them new ideas and strategies for economic development and peace advancement. They also return with new friendships and a better understanding of Americans and our way of life.