IRIS is a nonprofit, non-religious organization founded in 1993. Its mission is to promote international understanding, development and peace.

Iowa Resource for International Service operates as a hosting organization to several international programs which bring students, journalists, business people, educators, and government leaders from Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia to Iowa and the Midwest. While in Iowa, the international participants stay with Iowa families, study in Iowa schools, intern in Iowa businesses and organizations 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 democratic way of life.