Skip to main content

International Professional Development (IPD) Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Who participates in IPD?

Professional men and women come from all over the world specializing in fields such as sales, marketing, banking, finance, medicine, higher education, journalism, accounting, and many others.

IPD has welcomed participants from many countries such as participants from Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Benin, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, France, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.  About half of IPD participants are corporate-sponsored, and others pay for the program themselves.


When did the IPD program start?

IPD began in 1989 to provide English training for professionals. It remains one of the few programs of its kind. In addition, it is easily one of the most affordable, due to the low cost of living in Omaha.


How long does the IPD program last?

You may participate in any or all of the seven four-week sessions that IPD offers each year. The sessions build upon each other, and many people choose to stay multiple sessions.


What are the advantages of Omaha?

Omaha is a vibrant, culturally diverse metropolis in the middle of the United States, offering big-city attractions in a safe, small-town atmosphere. Omaha is the cultural center and the largest city (950,000 residents) in the state of Nebraska which contributes to its attractiveness to business ventures. It is home to many of the largest information technology, agribusiness, communications, telemarketing, and insurance companies in the country.

The people here are helpful, friendly, and hard-working, and if you like food, Omaha has a significant number of restaurants per capita, including a large number of ethnic restaurants. The city also has a large number of ethnic grocery stores, where ingredients for any type of cuisine can be found. Lastly, Omaha has four distinct seasons, with spring and fall being the most pleasant times of year. For more information, check out visitomaha.org.

View a weather forecast for our area

Who are the instructors?

IPD is staffed by dedicated professionals in international education. Most of our staff and instructors have advanced degrees in either English as a Second Language or a related field, and they have significant experience living and working overseas. In addition, most have significant experience in the world of business as professionals themselves or as instructors or trainers.

What are some of the other advantages to IPD?

  • The opportunity to develop friendships and networks with professionals from around the world.
  • Weekly corporate visits or business seminars given by local business executives and professionals from diverse industries.
  • Opportunities to customize your program of study by auditing both undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
  • Small classes of about eight students that allow for one-on-one attention from instructors.
  • Individual attention and assistance from International Programs staff regarding matters of immigration, housing, and curriculum.


Does the program offer scholarships or other financial assistance?

The IPD program has been priced at an extremely affordable rate. We encourage prospective participants to research other programs to see if they can get the programs, service, instruction, and care we provide our participants for the same or a lower cost.

We can arrange for you to speak with our alumni to hear how their life and career were positively changed by such a reasonably-priced program. Due to the care that has gone into making our program appealing and life-changing, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance are unavailable.

Do I need a car?

No, not if you use free campus shuttles and have the MavRIDE Bus Pass.

MavRIDE offers free rides on the Metro Bus System to current faculty, staff, residents, and students. Your MavCARD is your bus pass. MavRIDE can be used any time on any route, but must only be used by the UNO faculty/staff or student pictured on the MavCARD.

MOBY rides are included in the MavRIDE Program. The MavCARD will work the same way on MOBY as it does on a Metro Bus. Before using MOBY, a MavCARD holder will need to meet eligibility requirements and become certified for the service.

Metro Transit COVID-19 Safety Measures Information

Metro bus routes 

Omaha Metro Park & Rides

How are the modules structured and what is my role as a participant?

Modules are taught on-campus and are kept small to encourage interaction with the instructor and other participants and keep the learning process stimulating and active.

Participants are encouraged to speak and will be called upon to discuss an answer, question issues, or give an opinion.

  • Learning is intensive with instructor-led lectures
  • Participant presentations
  • Writing reports
  • Attending seminars in business
  • Engaging in intercultural communication
  • Improving English proficiency
  • Increasing knowledge of global business practices
  • Developing professional networks while becoming immersed in Omaha’s international business community
  • Researching, discussing, and recommending a solution or plan for companies, etc.

Participants are expected to work after each day is done to be prepared for the next day’s plan of action including gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.